Bonding at Bushwood

Many people know that the golf course is one of the main places where business deals go down. But in the business world, golf isn't limited to just making deals. Every year, many companies have staff outings or group events to build connections in the workplace and strengthen the bonds amongst employees. This is beneficial not only for the success of the organization itself, but also for the members of the organization.

As a business communications student with honours at Brock, this is no foreign topic to me. So for me being able to talk about my studies and golf combined is like a hole in one!

Bushwood hosts many company tournaments each season with much success. Not only do these tournaments provide an opportunity for the players to get a day away from the office, but it also works as a team-building day for the company. Having a golf tournament day is a great way to keep employee satisfaction high. It makes everyone feel appreciated for the work they put in. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to match up employees from different areas of the office for the golf foursomes. This is a great way to share new perspectives from within the company with each other, as well as by enabling a wider circle of relationships amongst employees who may not interact daily.

All in all, a bonding day at the course is a win-win for everyone involved. Go ahead, reward yourself for the hard work you do at the office - get on the greens and strengthen the workplace connections!

FOREplay

Golf has never been known as a sport recognizable for creating scandals that the tabloids love. Rather, many people view golf as a boring old-person sport. Part of that perception comes from the fact that it is a participant sport, not a team sport (excluding the Ryder Cup, of course). The other part comes from the long duration of the sport, the tranquility, respect and focus required in the game. When you think golf you don’t think: sex but, when you think hockey you think: jocks and sex (right?).

But wait, stop the press! Or if you look it at differently, start it? Things changed when Tiger Woods’ sexual rendezvous’ in 2009 hit the headlines. These were the first major stories in golf to unite sex and sport.

An article I found online by Gerald Posner talks about the hidden ‘groupie’ scene in the realm of golf. You can find it here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/12/04/the-secret-world-of-golf-groupies.html. The article reveals that prior to Woods’ slip up and cheating scandal, this type of behaviour was not uncommon among golfers. Take a look and you may be shocked by what you learn – at least I was.

Ultimately, sex and golf are not as a detached as they may seem. According to sources in the article, male pro golfers often use their caddy as the middle man by getting them to pull a good looking lady into the autograph line. Also talked about in Posner’s article was the use of the clubhouse as a way to mingle with the single ladies after a round (of golf and drinks).

But outside of the professional world, what connection do golf and sex have? Well, for some players, it’s a way to bond with buddies and share some stories on the course – girl talk or guy talk if you will. For others, the sport is a way to meet people in order to get to the sex portion of the combo. Whether you’re single, married or it’s complicated, golf and sex have an undeniable connection – it’s up to you whether you find it or not.

Lucky Leagues

Golfing alone can be peaceful and help bring focus to your game. But you can’t always play alone – what fun would that be? Finding friends to golf with can be a challenge; not everyone may have the same appreciation or love for the game that you do. So how do you find people to golf with? Easy! Join a league. 

Bushwood offers many leagues:

• Monday Men’s League

• Tuesday Ladies' Lunch League

• Tuesday Ladies' League

• Wednesday Ladies' Links League

 

The benefits of joining a league are endless!

1.     MEET PEOPLE – joining a league is a great way to meet new people and find a new golf buddy!

2.    IMPROVE YOUR GAME – golfing with leagues provides the opportunity for league members to share tips with each other to help improve their game.

3.     GET SOCIAL – after a league, members socialize with a cool beer and some food in the clubhouse. It’s a great way to expand your social circle!

4.     NETWORK – the golf course is prime place for business deals to go down. Join and league and you could find an expected network connection for your career!

5.     GET A LIFE – joining a league guarantees you one night out per week. It gives you a break and some time away from the kids or your spouse! There is nothing more peaceful than the long stretch of a fairway ahead of you as the sun is setting.

So, next time you think about going out for a solo round, think about joining a league or calling up a friend that you met at a league night. It will change your game!

A Par-fect Day At The Course!

Golf is tough – mentally, physically, and even emotionally. It can be difficult to have a good, if not great day at the course. Here a few things I think can lead to a par-fect day on the course! 

1.  A good set of clubs! You want your clubs to fit your body size appropriately. Whether you have top of the line clubs or not, make sure they fit you properly. You wouldn’t wear a pair of shoes that were to small, so why should you play golf with clubs that make you hunch over and give you back pain by the end of the round?
2. Keep your head on straight! With the ups and down of golf, it’s important to remember to have a clear head. Whether it’s a birdie or a bogey, don’t get flustered!
3. Once your head is on straight, put a hat on it! As we approach the middle of July, the heat is on full force. To protect yourself from the sun, always make sure you’ve got a hat and some sunscreen in the bag.
4. Stay hydrated! Bring your own bottle of water, or grab a cold one in the Caddyshack. With a long day of golf ahead of you, keep your body hydrated. Don’t forget to have one cup of water for every tall boy you enjoy out there!
5. A nice set of wheels! No, I’m not talking about the type of car you drive. Take a set of wheels on the course with you – either a golf cart ($18 per rider) or a pull cart. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pull cart – you can rent one for $5!
6. Indulge in a cold one at the Caddyshack! After your par-fect round, end the day with a cold beer in the Caddyshack. With our new menu, it’s the perfect occasion to reward yourself for a job well done on the course.

Cheers! 

Oh Canada, Oh Cake

Bushwood celebrated Canada Day in fine fashion with its members, public, staff and campers in honour of our country’s 146^th birthday. Bushwood’s leading ladies, Mary and Heather, took to the kitchen to bake a red and white cake to celebrate. With red and white balloons, flags and banners to accompany the cake, festivities were in full swing. 

                                 

Speaking of swing, golfers grabbed their clubs and headed to the range for a free bucket of balls to do some pre-game practice. If you missed out on the freebies, you still have a chance! With the Canadian Open fast approaching, Bushwood is buzzing with talk about who will claim the title. With Tiger out of the mix, it’s time for a new fan fave. A native to the course with his own record, Bushwood staffers are routing for our own Bubba Watson.

Now it’s your turn! Post your thoughts on who you think will be the 2013 Canadian Open Champ for a chance to win a free pass for two to play our executive course! All entries will be entered to win.

Happy Belated Birthday Canada!

The Truth About Youth

Leading up to the nationwide “Take a Kid to the Course” program, my curiosity has been sparked about the interest in golf by today’s “youth” (I use this term loosely to talk about golfers aged 8-25). This week, Bushwood is participating in the “Take a Kid to the Course” program that runs across Canada, encouraging families and juniors to take up the sport.

Looking around our facility, and especially now that school is out, it is noticeable that the golf community is no longer limited to players fitting the stereotypical image: retired males. Rather, there are many tykes out on the course getting a feel for the game.

The shifting population of golfers to expand opportunities to the Gen Y and Millennial generations seeks the truth about how and why this change came about? Here are some of my thoughts:

·      New trends – in clothing and styles. As a woman, fashion is a fairly significant part of my life. As styles on the runway change, so do styles on the fairway. The trendy clothing the pros are wearing has shown kids that plaid is ‘rad’. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Inspiration – from emerging pros like Rory Mcilroy and Ricky Fowler, to name a few. These names are familiar to both golfers and non-golfers. Their commitment to the sport and personability through the media gives the kids a role model to look up to in the sport. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Social Media – like twitter, facebook, instagram. Just a few years ago, these words would’ve been foreign. But in both golf and social media, the times are changing. Social media outlets are great ways for kids to gain exposure and interest for the golf. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Camps – like Bushwood’s summer camp for kids. The summer golf camps offered at Bushwood are a great way to introduce the sport to beginners, as well as provide learning opportunities to strengthen the game for novices. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Family outings – as a kid, going to play a round on the executive course at Bushwood was just another Saturday outing. It was normal for my sister and I, but it also wasn’t really a choice. At the time, I wasn’t so appreciative, but now I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop my skill. So do kids join the sport young with their families, or do they join in their later years?

What do you guys think? What has sparked the interest in youth to take up golf? When did you start to play? Post a comment to share your thoughts!

8 Ways to Train Your Brain to Hate Junk Food

8 Ways to Train Your Brain to Hate Junk Food

 

While on vacation, I came across this article in the Barbados Advocate written by Alex D'Souza. I thought with golf season upon us the temptation to eat junk food is very real!

You can eat healthy, by staying away from processed foods and eating as many whole foods as possible.
1. Practice the 5 Ingredient Rule
If there are more than 5 ingredients on a food label - this is a red flag for food processing- do not buy it!
2. Aim for 3 Colours
A 2012 Cornell study found that people prefer 3 food items and 3 different types colors on their plates, compared with more or less of either category.
3. Break Your Routine
It only takes a few weeks - about 3 - to break your routine - to form a habit. If you associate 3pm with a trip to the vending machine, start a tradition to walk around the block for 5 minutes instead. This will likley kick your craving altogether.
4. Make Healthy Food Your Treat
One of my favourite desserts? Red Grapes I stash in the freezer, which let me cap off my dinner with something sweet without kick-starting sugar cravings.
5. And Keep It Handy
Store healthy foods you want to eat more front and centre in your fridge and out on your countertops. Snack foods are so easy to dig into!
6. Know Your Trigger Foods
Chocolate covered anything? By knowing the foods that send you down the spiral of junk food binging, you have already accomplished half of the battle.  Keep them out of the house.
7. Gross Yourself Out
One surefire way to consume less processed food is to learn more about what you're really eating.
8. Chew More Than You Need
Adam Melonas, renowned chef and Founder of UNREAL candy shared this smart tip, "If you can make people chew more, they'll eat less." The next time you sneak in a treat, chew slowly and conscioulsy. Wait until you finish one bite to take the next.

I hope you are playing some golf in spite of the irratic weather we are experiencing in the GTA this year.