Canada produces its fair share of fantatsic athletes in any number sports - hockey at the top, of course, but we have talented professional athletes in the NBA and soccer leagues throughout the world.
Our winter Olympians owned the podium at the Vancouver Games and there are enough Major Leaguers to form a dangerous baseball squad in red and white.
Mike Weir won the Masters a few years back, but the Canadian contingent on the PGA tour has not come close to the incredible results of another tiny (population wise) nation - Northern Ireland.
Rory McIlroy followed up a dreadful final round at the Masters with a convincing, emphatic, eight-shot win at the U.S. Open.
Media jumped all over it and dubbed the Northern Irishman the "next big thing" in golf and the heir apparent to the struggling Tiger Woods.
McIlroy was in contention again last weekend at the British Open, but it was countryman Darren Clarke who stole the show.
Clarke rode a strong wave of support to become the oldest winner of the Claret Jug. A laid-back, every-day-type of bloke, it's hard not to warm to Clarke, who suggested most in his nation would be up late downing pints after the win.
Clarke mentioned he may go on a weight watchers diet and hates the gym, a far cry from the sculpted and moulded-in-every-which way typical pro's.
McIlroy, just 22, made it back-to-back U.S. Open wins for the Northern Irish after Graeme McDowell mastered Pebble Beach in 2010.
The trio have put Northern Ireland in a favourable light.
A country recognized, too often, for the "troubles" has shown it isn't all about the past. Three brilliant golfers have displayed class, skill and professionalism and battered the best the sport has to offer.
In the process, they have lifted a nation with a population of less than two million into rarified air. It's was a joy to watch McDowell win at Pebble Beach and Clarke tame the weather in Sandwich.
The future may be brightest for McIlroy.
All of Northern Ireland are proud and the golf world is taking note.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Rolling down the River
Rarely do I rent a cart for a round of golf but when one faces the hills of
River Valley Golf and Country Club, well, believe me you won't hesitate to throw the sticks on the back of the cart and save your calves the burn.
In the winter, families flock to the 'valley for tube sliding, but when the sun shines and golfers tee it up, they face some pretty imposing hills at the course about 25 minutes from Stratford.
Plus, its about $28 bucks each to drive around and play 18, as I did this week with my friends Tim and Mike. Steep inclines, including a hole that has to be at least 60 degrees straight up, offer some challenges.
If your short game needs work, the valley offers, if memory serves, nine par 3's, including a straight descent from the tee that is harder than it looks. The course wraps up with a par-five and, again, you won't see the flag stick until you clear a nice sized hill off your drive.
There is scenery everywhere. It's a nice-to-look-at course and in good shape. Take it easy on the gas pedal on the cart paths.
There are some big drops and sudden turns.
All adds to the fun.
I finally got to play with my new Tommy Armour driver and my gigantic tees, which Tim didn't hesitate to poke fun at. We lost a few balls in the woods and Mike found a bunch, and I played five holes with a "fuzzball" some golfer left in a pile of weeds. Mike had a bunch of pars sandwiched between some sevens and a pair of nines (ouch, sorry for mentioning that Mike). Tim had a few pars as well and hit a nice 25 footer for an up and down.
I played mostly bogey golf, a few double bogeys and at least one memorable up and down. As usual, a good shot was followed by a terrible one but the swings felt good for the most part. Before a sandwich and a beer at the turn, I chipped in from atop a hill from about 30 feet away. To be honest with you that came after I duffed the previous attempt. "No one saw the first one," Tim said. Isn't that just golf? The clubhouse features retro pictures of former NHLer Walt Tkaczuk, who was the first German-born player to strap up the skates in the NHL. He played 14 seasons with the New York Rangers. Walt dedicates his time these days to River Valley.
So the driver was a challenge I have to say. I am just not used to teeing a ball up that high. I compensated with the tees of course, but just couldn't seem to hit the ball straight. I had plenty of power - more distance than any driver I have ever hit - but the ball sliced pretty badly. I think a few days on the driving range will alleviate that. My second shots are worthy of mention. I always seem to calm down and put a nice, smooth swing together after a tee shot. Putting was tough. The greens at RV are deceptively difficult.
The three of us were in agreement about that fact.
Some of my putts looked destined for the bottom of the hole, only to sway wildly left or right a few inches away. It was as if a stiff breeze whisked the ball off course. Again, that's golf. Familiarity with the course would help, as would three blokes with better skills.
She's a short course so you have plenty of time for a few pints after.
Good time at the 'valley. Will play it again soon.
River Valley Golf and Country Club, well, believe me you won't hesitate to throw the sticks on the back of the cart and save your calves the burn.
In the winter, families flock to the 'valley for tube sliding, but when the sun shines and golfers tee it up, they face some pretty imposing hills at the course about 25 minutes from Stratford.
Plus, its about $28 bucks each to drive around and play 18, as I did this week with my friends Tim and Mike. Steep inclines, including a hole that has to be at least 60 degrees straight up, offer some challenges.
If your short game needs work, the valley offers, if memory serves, nine par 3's, including a straight descent from the tee that is harder than it looks. The course wraps up with a par-five and, again, you won't see the flag stick until you clear a nice sized hill off your drive.
There is scenery everywhere. It's a nice-to-look-at course and in good shape. Take it easy on the gas pedal on the cart paths.
There are some big drops and sudden turns.
All adds to the fun.
I finally got to play with my new Tommy Armour driver and my gigantic tees, which Tim didn't hesitate to poke fun at. We lost a few balls in the woods and Mike found a bunch, and I played five holes with a "fuzzball" some golfer left in a pile of weeds. Mike had a bunch of pars sandwiched between some sevens and a pair of nines (ouch, sorry for mentioning that Mike). Tim had a few pars as well and hit a nice 25 footer for an up and down.
I played mostly bogey golf, a few double bogeys and at least one memorable up and down. As usual, a good shot was followed by a terrible one but the swings felt good for the most part. Before a sandwich and a beer at the turn, I chipped in from atop a hill from about 30 feet away. To be honest with you that came after I duffed the previous attempt. "No one saw the first one," Tim said. Isn't that just golf? The clubhouse features retro pictures of former NHLer Walt Tkaczuk, who was the first German-born player to strap up the skates in the NHL. He played 14 seasons with the New York Rangers. Walt dedicates his time these days to River Valley.
So the driver was a challenge I have to say. I am just not used to teeing a ball up that high. I compensated with the tees of course, but just couldn't seem to hit the ball straight. I had plenty of power - more distance than any driver I have ever hit - but the ball sliced pretty badly. I think a few days on the driving range will alleviate that. My second shots are worthy of mention. I always seem to calm down and put a nice, smooth swing together after a tee shot. Putting was tough. The greens at RV are deceptively difficult.
The three of us were in agreement about that fact.
Some of my putts looked destined for the bottom of the hole, only to sway wildly left or right a few inches away. It was as if a stiff breeze whisked the ball off course. Again, that's golf. Familiarity with the course would help, as would three blokes with better skills.
She's a short course so you have plenty of time for a few pints after.
Good time at the 'valley. Will play it again soon.
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