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Busy days at Dakota Dunes
Six golf seasons have passed since Dakota Dunes Golf Links opened for play in 2004. Golfers were treated to something truly special in an “old-world, land links” style with top modern conditions. The property has slowly matured in its six-year existence and has collected some impressive awards and rankings along the way. That’s a true testament to how “ready” the course was when it all began.
Dakota Dunes has become Saskatchewan’s top ranked course in any category: SCORE Golf Magazine recently rated it the #1 public course in the Saskatchewan/Manitoba region, with a distinction for “Best Conditions”. Golf Digest rated Dakota Dunes #17 in Canada, it’s last ranking of courses around the globe.
Green fee increases are not part of the news from Dakota Dunes this season. There will be no price changes for 2010. General Manager McLaren Taylor feels the timing is right for the price freeze.
“We have driven price in the last few years to meet rising costs, and invest in course conditioning. But perhaps we’ve reached a good time to pause for a year. Certainly we don’t plan to cut back on the course. Our patrons just won’t have to dig any deeper this year to enjoy the same great conditions,” says Taylor.
A “Play-and-Play” partnership with the Dakota Dunes Casino will continue in 2010. The casino provides a $10 voucher to every green fee player at Dakota Dunes Golf Links. To claim the $10 credit you must be a SIGA “Players Club” member, but that’s just a matter of signing up. There’s no obligation, and a “Player’s Club” membership comes with all the great perks of any casino club card. Better yet, a $10 credit voucher is issued with all tournament meals at the casino that can be played straight into any machine or table game. It’s a great way to add a little entertainment to a tournament banquet.
The Canadian Tour returns to Dakota Dunes Golf Links for a third year in 2010 - the Dakota Dunes Casino Open will be held July 5th-10th. It’s a name change for the event formerly known as the Saskatchewan Open, as the Dakota Dunes Casino assumes the role of title sponsor. As with most of the Canadian Tour events across Canada this summer, the purse has been increased significantly.
The Dakota Dunes Casino Open will now be contested for a total purse of $250,000. It’s a move that should improve the quality of the field, and the quality of life for those trying to make a living on the Canadian Tour. Once again the event will have positions for those who wish to volunteer, and plenty of spots for golf enthusiasts to experience what it is like to caddie for a tour professional. www.dakotadunes.ca
Save big bucks in 2010
While golf is still a relative bargain in Saskatchewan, it's still a pricey sport if you want to play every day like some fanatics. There are plenty of great incentives to hop in the car and try a different venue. There are more than 225 courses in Saskatchewan, an all-you-can-eat buffet that keeps getting better and better.
Golf Privilege Book 2010 - Available now. 122 courses in Saskatchewan plus over 350 bonus courses in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and Washington state. Free or reduced green fees, power cart discounts, driving range discounts, and more! You get to save money out on the links while helping people with lung disease. Order online at www.sk.lung.ca/content.cfm?edit_realword=gpc for only $35 plus $2.45 shipping and handling per book.Or call 651-3347 in Saskatoon or toll-free at 1-888-651-3347 elsewhere in the province.
Saskatchewan Golf Association - If you belong to a golf club, one of the benefits of the SGA value added program is reduced fees at a growing list of member courses (34 in 2009). Members can also access reduced fees with Alberta Golf Association member courses. Follow the quick link to the membership discount program at www.saskgolf.ca
Saskatchewan Golf Tour Guide - The Golf Tour Guide published by Tourism Saskatchewan lists several pages of money-saving coupons and deals on stay-and-play packages. It's available free at 150 Co-op gas stations and tourism bureaus starting in May.
Tee-Off Book - For $44.95, Tee-Off offers 2 for 1 and reduced green fees for the golfer who travel around Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Unfortunately, few large urban centre courses are represented. Each course has a brief description of the golf course, a photo, a map and course layouts. An added bonus is access coupons to more than 550 courses outside your region. To order, phone 1-800-667-8633, www.tee-off.ca
Golf Card International - If you plan to golf the United States, the Golf Card International discount card pays. At about $80, it offers discounts at more than 3,000 golf courses and resorts in Canada, United States and abroad. Members receive a 200-page catalogue with maps and lists of the deals, a quarterly newsletter Golf Traveler, and discounts on everything from car rentals to life insurance. Among the options are 19 courses in Saskatchewan. www.golfcard.com
International Club Network - Daily fee golfers can save money and get extra privileges through the Privileged Play program of Toronto-based International Club Network. Members have access to more than 160 courses in Canada, and others in the US and Europe. There are only two Saskatchewan courses represented. Benefits include advanced booking, reduced hotel and travel costs, and a 20 percent reduction in green fees and cart fees. Plus, you get a complimentary greens fee pass annually at a top national or international course. Pricey one-time initiation fee is $150 and GST, and annual fee of $125 plus GST. www.privplay.com
Air Miles Savings - Golfers can use Air Miles reward points at one Canadian golf course or purchase a Lung Association Discount Book. www.airmiles.ca
Spring/Fall Specials - If you golf during the spring or fall, you may want to book one of the low cost off-season green fees or golf packages. The weather is usually milder, the crowds smaller and the course in peak condition.
Check Out Pricing Schedules - Most courses have deals to attract golfers to the early morning, twilight hours, weekdays and so on. There are courses that give healthy discounts to seniors and juniors. Others give discounts with 10 or 20 pass booklets. Watch for hefty multi course discounts. For example, the new Prairie Links Golf Corp. offers discounts and its three courses: Long Creek Golf and Country Club at Avonlea Deer Valley, Golf and Estates at Lumsden, and Riverbreaks Golf Resort at Riverhurst. Regina-based Western Golf Management offers tri and dual membership discounts at its Tor Hill, Murray and Goulet golf courses.
SaskGolfer.com Travel Deals - If you plan to golf in Saskatchewan, this website keeps a list of stay-and-play packages on its Hole #10. There are bargains. www.saskgolfer.com
More great discounts? - If you know of a high quality discount program or offer we should include, drop us a line at Stan@SaskGolfer.comStan@SaskGolfer.com
Win $5,000 cash & the Green Jacket!
You have until April 7 to enter the Masters Golf Pool for your chance to win the grand prize of $5,000, or $1,000, $500 and five prizes of $100. The annual pool is operated by the Rotary Club of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Golf Association. For more info www.rotarygolfpool.ca or phone Brian Lee at (306) 975-0841. Also check out this article.
The Masters is just around the corner – so pick a team or two and follow them with your friends or family. The odds are certainly better than the Lotto 649 and all of the profits are used in the local community.
The Rotary Club of Saskatoon is helping fund a Restorative Action Program at five high schools (Mount Royal, Bedford Road, ED Feehan, Bethlehem and Walter Murray Collegiate) in Saskatoon and providing a $2,500 scholarship to Saskatchewan students through the “My Future is Here” program.
Rotary also supports our partner the Saskatchewan Golf Association with their Junior Golf program by donating 20% of our net profit to them.
How Much Do You Know About Golf?
This is multiple choice. If you select a wrong answer, the ball moves only so far down the fairway and stops and you are charged with one stroke. Keep selecting the answers that you think are correct and the ball moves down the fairway until you get the right answer and the ball goes in the hole.
If you have the correct answer right away, the ball goes directly in the hole - a hole in one. To play click here!!!!!
Ping Eye-2 wedges banned
Ping Chairman and CEO John Solheim announced they will waive their right to have pre-1990 Ping Eye-2 wedges kept legal for PGA Tour play after weeks of discussion about the clubs. More talk about how equipment rules are made, and - if manufacturers have their way - more transparency into the process will result from a planned USGA forum scheduled this fall. MORE>>
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10 Equipment Ideas to Get You Ready for 2010
Change Your Spikes
Have you ever taken a look at the bottom of your golf shoes? Spikes aren’t meant to last as long as the shoe. Spikes were made to last 15 rounds of golf, believe it or not.
Regrip Your Clubs
If there is one thing you should do every spring this would be the one. Every golfer knows that the grip is the most important part of your swing, so why wouldn’t you change the only thing that has you attached to the club—THE GRIP! When your grips are worn, you tend to grip tighter and we all know that’s a definite NO NO.
Take Advantage of Adjustability
With all the companies’ technology and money spent on research to help us get better, why not use it to our advantage. Tinker on your course. Does you course have lots of doglegs? Left-right—Find the settings that gives you the best chance to hit the fairway. Break out the wrench and set the weights accordingly.
Try A Different ball
As I said above with the adjustability, the golf ball is a close second. Do you normally play a harder ball to get all the distance?? Do you find yourself not getting any better??? Spring for a $50 dozen once, and your short game will love you. And you might be surprised what length you have with it.
Throw Out The Glove
Every spring, during the first men’s night, I’m playing golf with a member and he pulls out a bag full of crusty old golf gloves, like he collects them or something. Chuck the glove out and get a new one. Just because the glove doesn’t have a hole in it, doesn’t mean it’s not worn out.
Be Prepared For Bad Weather
What’s the saying around Saskatchewan, if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes. Well it’s true; the fact is if you think you’re a bad weather player, you’re probably not prepared for it. Do you have an umbrella, Rain Suit, Dry towel, Rain gloves (pair) water proof cover for your bag. Remember your priorities on the course, Clubs first, then you. Unless you’re lucky enough to catch a ride with your buddy who owns a cart cover.
Trade In Your Old Clubs
If you’re reading this article and thinking man, I have to spend a lot of money for, new grips, Balls, Spikes rain gear. Think about your old clubs in the basement. Those puppies are like gift cards waiting to be spent. Most people think they will receive less than they think its worth, something is better than nothing, right?
Get On A Launch Monitor
This piece of golf equipment could help you as much as new grips. The numbers are critical in club fitting, because the slightest change in conditions robs a golfer of precious yards. And we all want to bomb it. The launch monitor can tell you the proper loft, length and shaft flex you need. So maybe you’re only a regular shaft??? So ask your local CPGA Staff member when a launch machine will be at your golf course and book a fitting.
Find The Perfect Gap
Do you know how far you hit each wedge? Probably not. So close the gap. Pitching wedges are usually from 43 to 47 degrees. So do you carry a 56 degree wedge, you have a huge gap. Try adding a 52 to close the gap.
Try A Higher Lofted Driver
The days of the 8 degree driver are long gone. Just ask any member of the PGA tour. The average loft is 9.5. So you want to hit a low drive--- Your 8 degree driver isn’t going to help you. Very likely, those line drives aren’t running out as much as you think. Remember: Carry Distance means overall distance. Give a 10.5 driver a chance, you might like it.
Ask your local CPGA Golf Professional for information on any of the topics above. They are good for your game.
Golf is boring
By Andrew Penner, Canadian golf humourist and author of “One flew over the caddyshack.”
Sometimes traditional golf is boring. Everyone's well aware of the procedure. Grab a ball, peg it up, lash at it, find it, lash at it again, say a bad word, put it in the hole, pencil down your nine, blow a blood vein on the way to the next tee and then do it 17 more times.
Nothing much deviates from this pattern. Of course, it's still kind of fun, but it's lacking something. It's like barbecuing without barbecue sauce, fishing without a cigar, or sitting on the pot without something to read. Enter some creative deviations from traditional golf that will get you screaming in utter joy (or screaming in unrelenting pain) at how much fun the game can be.
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A little warning before we begin: The games I'm about to enlighten you with can be dangerous to the point of being deadly. I assume no responsibility if hardship befalls you as you willingly participate in the forms of play described below. This, as they say, is "golf at your own risk."
Also, many golf courses will, without hesitation, issue a lifetime ban on your playing privileges if you attempt to play these games on their property. It's always best to get written permission before you do anything. Or, at the very least, know how to run really, really fast.
Fun Game No. 1 -- Powercart Polo
Prince Charles, eat your heart out. There is nothing "Royal" about this game -- just lots of hootin', screamin' and a dang-blasted good time.
The Rules: Competitors must play the entire round of golf while seated in their power cart. All shots must be taken with the buttocks touching vinyl -- including tee-shots, playing from hazards, and putting.
The Drawbacks: High-profile golf courses generally don't take a liking to skid marks on their greens.
Suggestions: Buy your own course and start a league. Sand greens are less expensive and easier to maintain when faced with high volumes of powercart traffic on the putting surfaces.
Fun Game No. 2 -- Mennonite Mayhem
Grab your black hat, suit, and suspenders. Now run to the barn and fetch your shovel, hoe, and sickle. It's time to play golf -- Menno style!
The Rules: No golf clubs permitted. Only farming tools can be used. Nothing motorized and penalties for war-like behavior.
The Drawbacks: Inevitably somebody starts dancing after a making a good shot, which thereby constitutes disqualification of the contestant (dancing, of course, is not only sinful, but vehemently prohibited in this form of play).
Suggestions: Call the whole thing off and head to the farmhouse for perogies, pork fat and a few shots of dandelion wine.
Fun Game No. 3 -- The Hell'n Killer Scramble
This one turns the traditional "Texas Scramble" from a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi into a perilous, white-knuckled, free-fall over the Niagara Falls with a paddle boat.
The Rules: Players are blindfolded as partners bark out aiming instructions. One ball per team. Partners alternate being blindfolded at the start of every hole, and after that it's a flat out race to complete 18 holes the fastest. Needless to say, there is no "honor" system. Just "ready, set, go!"
The Drawbacks: This game has been known to be a catalyst for altercations with other foursomes on the course.
Suggestions: While it is unlikely anyone will escape uninjured, the chances of serious injury or death can be reduced by wearing R&A approved helmets.
Whether you're a golf traditionalist or tattooed hippie willing to dabble in various forms of play, the game of golf is supposed to be fun. Get out there and make it enjoyable!
Now all you need is a good insurance plan loaded with liability and personal injury protection. I keep a copy of my policy in my golf bag (conveniently stored in the same side pocket as my blindfold and detachable rubber grip, which slides effortlessly onto most sickles).
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