Golf real estate still hot, hot, hot!

Looking for an investment? Want to play more golf? Thinking about retiring? Golf real estate and recreation land has been a hot commodity the last several years in Saskatchewan. MORE >>

SaskGolfer.com is for sale!

If you enjoy golf and meeting people, the award-winning SaskGolfer.com is an ideal home-based business for you. The owner-operator is getting a little long in the tooth and plans to retire in the next couple of years, learn how to putt and play more golf. Serious inquiries may reply in confidence to Stan@saskgolfer.com.

Ford is #1

Attending a golf tournament at Bally Haly, Tiger Woods drives his new Ford Fusion into a gas station in St. John's. The pump attendant, obviously knowing little about golf, greets him in a typical Newfoundland manner completely unaware of who the golfing pro is. ''How's she cuttin' bye'' says the attendant.

Tiger nods a quick 'hello' and bends forward to pick up the nozzle. As he does so, two tees fall out of his shirt pocket onto the ground. ''What are dose?'' asks the attendant. ''They're tees'' replies Tiger. ''Well, what on god's earth are dey for?'' inquires the attendant. They're for resting my balls on when I'm driving'', says Tiger. ''Jaysus'', says the Newfoundlander, ''Ford tinks of everyting!''

Losing your hearing

The British Medical Journal reports that you risk losing your hearing if you use titanium clubs. The story titled "Is golf bad for your hearing?", it claims the thin-faced titanium drivers produce a noise loud enough to damage the sensitive hairs of the inner hear. The study focussed on a 55-year-old man who developed tinnitis and hearing loss and who played three days a week for 18 months. The authors say that a safe noise level is 110 decibels, but that titanium drivers cracking out as much as 128 decibels.

Spare a million?

If you are still filthy rich after the economic meltdown the last few months consider a Jack Nicklaus custom backyard course package. The Golden Bear will design a three-hole course and a practice area. On completion Jack will be on hand to play the first official round on the course, leave an autographed club and ball and a set of custom designed clubs after the game. It will cost you a cool $1-million US.

What do you do if it's raining but you want to golf? Sulk? Curse? Watch the Golf Channel? Go to a covered driving range? Put on my rain gear and golf anyway? View results

Saskatchewan golf on the upswing!

Finding a golf course to challenge your skills and match your preference for layouts is only a chip shop away in Saskatchewan. The 225 golf courses in Saskatchewan provide professionals, scratch golfers, duffers and hackers alike with a wide range of options from which to choose. From traditional links and rolling dunes to playing down a fairway carved from a pristine forest, golfing in Saskatchewan is an enjoyable and affordable experience.

In a province of just more than 1 million people, courses from north to south and east to west offer golfers the fun and fascinating opportunities of experiencing the game at their own level of play. As a result, more people than ever are enjoying golf in Saskatchewan.

"There are many factors contributing to golf being on the upswing in our province," explained Daniel Rauckman, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Golf Association. "There are golf courses in almost every community which allow golfers to get out and enjoy the game without having to drive too far to play."

Accessibility to a challenging golf course has become especially important since fuel prices soared past $1 per litre. "The golf in our province is very affordable. Prices range from a few bucks in some rural sand green golf courses to approximately $55 a round at the more expensive courses," he said.

Saskatchewan golfers apparently are better off than those swinging clubs in other parts of the country. "It is believed that Saskatchewan has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else. There is a wide variety courses for golfers to choose from, both in difficulty and in cost, making Saskatchewan a prime location for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy playing golf," Rauckman said.

Saskatchewan boasts a very high number of 9-hole golf courses to choose from and many are championship quality. Playing a 9-hole course is a great way for golfers to still get a reasonably-priced round of golf in but not at the expense of a large time commitment. The SGA has targeted the next generation of golfers to keep the upswing in participants up!

"There are lots of programs available for kids whether through the CN Future Links Mobile Clinics presented by SaskTel offered by the SGA to the many junior programs offered to kids by CPGA professionals at golf courses throughout the province," the SGA executive director said. "More and more kids are enjoying time during the summer at the golf course."

Golf courses offer quite reasonable junior rates and the game provides great life lessons to youth that will serve well in their future, Rauckman added. "Golf is a sport that you can play for a lifetime," explained SGA President Byron Harvie, who became more active in the game after his son took up the sport.

It has a significant social element and also provides significant networking from a business point of view. It also provides an opportunity for families to play together and even offers the opportunity for two or three generations to play together.

It's important, he said, that courses provide an opportunity for junior golfers to play at a much reduced price. "The golf courses and the CPGA professionals work together to provide a learning experience for junior golfers without breaking the bank," Harvie said.

The number of courses in the province has remained relatively stable over the past several years, although the general impression is that there are more fairways to play because some courses are converting from sand to grass greens while others are undergoing substantial renovations or expanding to 27-hole facilities from 18.

A rising golf star combined with the resurrection of the Saskatchewan Open tournament has helped to generate excitement in the province over the past two years. "The success of Graham DeLaet on the Canadian Tour and internationally representing Canada over the past year has also helped elevate the quality of players in Saskatchewan," Rauchman said. "DeLaet is currently the #3 ranked Canadian in the world behind Mike Weir and Stephen Ames."

He said the Saskatchewan Open, being played for a second consecutive year at Dakota Dunes Golf Links south of Saskatoon, now is a key stop on the Canadian Tour. "This is a major showcase event that gives golfers of all ages a chance to see some of the best young players in the world right in our own back yard. These players are an inspiration to the young and a good source of entertainment for the rest of us," said SGA President Byron Harvie.

Dakota Dunes was ranked as the Best New Canadian Golf Course in 2005 and was followed by a #17 Canadian ranking by Golf Digest and a #44 Canadian ranking by SCORE Golf magazine in 2008.

It has become a course to play for Saskatchewan and out of province golfers. "The Saskatchewan Open has been another piece in the puzzle for local and national recognition," explained McLaren Taylor, general manager of Dakota Dunes and a CPGA professional.

Golf courses in Saskatchewan were largely overlooked by the rest of the country, prior to our recognition, and prior to the Sask Open. The fact is, there are so many great golf courses in this province, and now that Dakota Dunes is ranked, and plays host to a tour event, golfers outside the province are really starting to notice what we have to offer.

Harvie and Rauckman expect an increase in the already Canadian-leading golf participation numbers from Saskatchewan. "This year with the RCGA Golf Canada Card pilot we are seeing a projected increase in our membership numbers," Rauckman said.

Some of the membership benefits include: access to the RCGA Loyalty Program and SGA Value Added Program (both programs help golfers save money playing a variety of courses through the province); having a valid Handicap Factor; being able to participate in provincial championships; have an entry into the SGA membership draw plus receiving a subscription of the Golf Canada magazine delivered to the members home address.

He said the 2006 Ipsos Reid RCGA Golf Participation survey indicated that 29.2 per cent of Saskatchewan's population 12 years of age and older play golf which was up from 28.5 per cent in 2001. "This means there are 255,000 people that play golf in our province," Rauckman said, noting 45.1 per cent of the males play golf, up from 41 per cent five years earlier.

The percentage of females playing golf in Saskatchewan dropped to 13.6 per cent from 15.8 per cent. "We have 23,000 kids between the ages of 12 - 18 that currently play golf in Saskatchewan or almost one quarter of the population of that age group."

Saskatchewan has the highest participation rate in the country at 29.2 per cent, well above the national average of 21.5 per cent. The RCGA is in the process of completing a new survey to showcase trends and numbers. "The trend for ladies going down in 2006 from 2001 should be reversed with a new survey as women everywhere in the province seem to be taking up the game," the SGA executive director said. "The social aspect would probably be the number one factor."

SGA President Harvie understands the opportunities for growth. "One of the biggest challenges for the SGA and golf in general is to get more women involved in the game at both the club level and the competitive level." Some of the Saskatchewan courses where those just taking up the game and scratch golfers can enjoy themselves include:

Northern Saskatchewan

Candle Lake Golf Resort
Nestled majestically between the lake and the pines, the 18-hole Candle Lake Golf Resort is a vision of natural splendor which blends the quiet charm of the north with the facilities of a world-class Northern resort. The facility offers well-equipped facilities to guarantee successful meetings and conferences. Outdoor activities abound - golf of course, along with boating, cross-country skiing, hot tubbing, RVing, hiking, dining and lounging are just a few of the activities that will make your stay worthwhile. Front nine renovations are now complete. New tee boxes, four new greens, widening of the fairways and drainage upgrades are now complete, making this nine an exciting and challenging experience for all golfers. Ratings vary from 65.3/109 to 71.4/124 for this par 72 5,241 to 6,552 foot layout. www.candlelakeresort.com

Cooke Municipal Golf Course
The almost 100-year-old Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert is one of the best loved in Saskatchewan and a frequent provincial or national tournament location. The traditional, well-treed track stretches to 6,509 yards, par-72 off the tips, with a slope of 118. The most interesting green is on the finishing hole, where golfers who duff their approach will need to putt around a sizeable mound on the right side of the green. Cooke Municipal GC, Prince Albert, public, 18/71, 6509 yds., $35/18 holes, Mon.-Thurs., 306-763-2502 www.cookegolf.ca

Elk Ridge Resort
At the entrance to the Prince Albert National Park is the spectacular 27-hole Elk Ridge Resort, one of the premiere four-season resort destinations in the province. A mature forest, natural water hazards and silica sand bunkers make it exciting for shot makers. Stretching from 5,200 to 6,800 yards, all combinations will challenge you with ratings up to 73/130. Elk Ridge Resort, Waskesiu, public, 27/72, 6804  yds., $65/18 holes, 306-663-4653 www.elkridgeresort.com

Evergreen Golf Club
The Evergreen Golf Club at Nipawin is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque courses around. Cut through the evergreen forest of the northeast, the 18-hole championship 6,539-yard layout is a frequent host to provincial competitions. At a rating of 71.9 and slope of 129, golfers at Evergreen are tested with fairways bordered by northern spruce and pine. While there are few silica sandtraps, greens tend to be large and undulating. Evergreen GC, Nipawin, public, 18/72, 6539  yds., $38/18 holes, 306-862-4811 www.evergreengolf.ca

Waskesiu Golf Course
The Waskesiu Golf Course, located inside the Prince Albert National Park, opened in 1935. One of Saskatchewan's favourite courses, the Stanley Thompson-designed track features a traditional layout, an interesting history, abundant wildlife - all in a beautiful northern boreal forest setting. There are many signature holes, but the 8th measures 600 yards and has been dubbed Mae West after the Hollywood starlet. Waskesiu Golf Course, Waskesiu Lake, public, 18/70, 6301 yds. $48/18 holes, 306-663-5300 www.waskesiugolf.com

Northern Meadows
Northern Meadows Golf Club, Saskatchewan's newest upscale facility, is located just outside the Meadow Lake Provincial Park and the town of Goodsoil. The fairways of the 6,756-yard, par-72 championship golf course are cut out of the northern boreal forest. Fairways have wide-open landing areas bordered by spruce, tamarack, poplar and jack pine trees. To score well at Northern Meadows golfers must stay on the fair ways, otherwise your ball will find the bush or one of about 60 sand-traps. Water is in play on 10 holes including the two-mile long Bousquet Lake by the clubhouse. Northern Meadows GC, Goodsoil, public, 18/72, 3392  yds., $40/18 holes, 306-238-4653 www.northernmeadows.com

Saskatoon & Area

Dakota Dunes Golf Links
The Dakota Dunes Golf Links boasts a unique 18-hole championship golf course that was named one of the "10 best new courses in Canada" by the National Post when it opened in 2004. Canadian golf architects Graham Cooke and Wayne Carleton, sculpted the track in the rugged, windswept sand dunes overlooking the Saskatchewan River Valley Basin 25 minutes south of Saskatoon. Golfers will need to negotiate contoured fairways, 104 pot bunkers and 39 devilish waste-sand areas throughout the 7,300-yard course. The course is RCGA rated at 74.7 off the championship tees. Dakota Dunes Golf Links, Saskatoon, public, 18/72, 7301  yds., $55/18 holes, Mon.-Thurs. except July and August, 306-664-4653 www.dakotadunes.ca

Greenbryre Golf and Country Club
The Greenbryre Golf and Country Club places a premium on club selection and accuracy. The Greens vary in size from 4,500 to 8,000 square feet. Many native bluffs accentuate the gentle roll of the fairways in addition to more than 5,000 planted trees. The 40 sand bunkers provide definition and that extra bit of challenge. The course is set in a peaceful, well-treed area on the south-east fringe of the city of Saskatoon. This classic 18-hole course, designed by executive professional Peter Semko, was created 28 years ago to provide an affordable public golf facility in a country club setting. Greenbryre G&CC, Saskatoon, semi-private, 18/70, 6356  yds., $39/ 18 holes Mon.-Thurs. www.greenbryre.com

Moonlake Golf and Country Club
Moonlake, a 15-minute drive south west of Saskatoon on the scenic Valley Road, provides you with the complete golf experience. This golf course follows the traditional Scottish links design with water hazards, heavily mounded fairways and long native grass roughs. The natural beauty and magnificent playing conditions provide, this will be an experience you won't forget. The 27 holes allow three different combinations of 18 holes each which will challenge every part of your game. All combinations have a par 72 with slopes ranging from 125 to 136. Moonlake has the distinction of presently holding the highest slope rating in Saskatchewan. Moonlake G&CC, Saskatoon, public, 27/72, 6845  yds., $47/18 holes, Tues.-Thurs., 306-382-7787 www.moonlakegolf.com

Regina & Area

Aspen Links Golf and Country Club
Aspen Links' lush 27 hole, 6,714 yard championship course has enough challenge to excite the competitive golfer, yet enjoyable for the novice golfer playing 5,333 yards from the front tees. True to its Scottish links heritage it plays open, with expansive fairways and exceptionally large greens. It was previously known as the Emerald Park golf course. Aspen Links G&CC, Emerald Park, semi-private, 27/34/37/36, 6500+  yds., $35/18 holes, any day 306-791-7466 www.aspenvillage.ca

Long Creek Golf and Country Club
It's hard to top Long Creek Golf and Country Club, just 40 minutes south of Regina near Avonlea for hospitality and a quality golfing experience. Golfers will find a relaxing country club atmosphere and challenging golf at a delightful 18-hole track. It's set in a beautiful prairie valley with old stand elm and ash trees. Long Creek meanders throughout the course. This 6,528 yard course favours the patient shot maker and the brave. The signature #18 is a nerve racking par-5. It plays 451 yards off the blue tees, from a cliff to a tight landing area guarded by a stream and wooded area on the other side. Long Creek GC, Avonlea, public 18/72 6350 yds., $35/ 18 holes, Tues-Thursday, 306-868-4432 www.long-creek.ca

Southwest

Elmwood Golf and Country Club
Elmwood first opened its links for play along the Swift Current Creek in 1917. Located on the east side of the city off Highway 4, this beautiful course is enjoyable for all skill levels. Elmwood makes use of the hilly and well-treed landscape and creek. The par-71 track measures nearly 6,300 yards off the back tees. The demanding 7th hole is considered one of the signature holes - an uphill challenge that demands fairway accuracy. Elmwood G&CC, Swift Current, semi-private 18/71, 6348  yds., $40/18 hole Mon.-Thurs., 306-773-2722 www.elmwoodgc.com

Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort
A couple of years ago the new championship track at Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort opened a half hour north of Swift Current to rave reviews. It overlooks the bluffs above Lake Diefenbaker, one of the largest lakes in the province and a startling discovery when you come off the barren prairie.  At 6,930-yards off the tips, its links-style is unique in Saskatchewan, resembling a desert and native prairie course such as those in Arizona. Saskatchewan Landing GR, Kyle, public 18/72, 6930  yds., $40/18 holes Mon.-Thurs., 306-375-2233 www.sasklandinggolfresort.com

East

Deer Park Golf Course
Situated just west of Yorkton, player-friendly Deer Park Golf Course is a beautiful setting anyone can enjoy. Since the 1920s when Deer Park was established and developed into one of the province's top courses, the 6,082-yard venue has hosted every major local tournament and various provincial competitions. A three-year, nearly $1 million upgrade of the par-72 course was recently completed. The signature hole 8th takes steady nerves to hit a well-guarded green from an elevated tee. Deer Park Municipal GC, Yorkton, public 18/72, 6367 yds. $37/18 holes Any Day, 306-786-1711 www.golfdeerpark.com

Hot shots to play

If you live in Saskatchewan and want to see the PGA superstars ply their trade, you may want to visit Victoria this summer.

Victoria will welcome golfers and visitors from around the globe when it hosts the TELUS World Skins Game at Bear Mountain Resort in June, 2010. The TELUS World Skins Game, an event owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 18 years, has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. The line-up of players, as well as event ticket information, will be announced and posted on www.telusskins.com in 2010.

The two-day event will be held on June 21 and 22, 2010 and will feature the top names in international golf each representing a different country. The intimate, relaxed setting of the Skins Game format allows players to engage with the cameras and the crowds as they compete against each other for pride, prize money and the event's designated charity.

"From the outset, my vision for Bear Mountain Resort centred around offering a world-class golf experience with the most notable designers behind it," said Len Barrie, President and CEO of Bear Mountain Resort. "Securing the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game and working with TELUS and IMG to welcome some of the best players in the world will make that vision a reality."

Bear Mountain Resort was first introduced in 2003 with the Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed Mountain Course. In June of this year the new Nicklaus Design Valley Course opened giving Bear Mountain the distinction as the only resort in Canada with 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. The Mountain Course is a masterpiece, offering challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty. A par 72 playing at 7,212 yards, the course takes full advantage of its setting atop a 1,100-foot mountain, exhibiting dramatic elevation changes and awe-inspiring views.

The par 71, 6,807 yard Valley Course is more forgiving and plays at a lower elevation than the Mountain Course. It alternates between 300 and 400 feet above sea level with different vistas and scenery, but equally spectacular. Bear Mountain also features a Westin Hotel, Spa, Athletic Club, a variety of restaurants and a Village to round out the complete resort experience.

The 2010 edition of the TELUS World Skins Game will be the fifth time that it has been played in the province of British Columbia. Both Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler (1997, 2005) and Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon (2000, 2008) have earned the distinction of being the only two courses in Canada to host the event on more than one occasion.

The TELUS World Skins Game is always a highlight of the Canadian summer sporting schedule for the country's most passionate golf fans, as well as the community that hosts it. Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partners with local charitable organizations to make a difference as the event travels from coast-to-coast. Funds are generated through the 'Charity on theCourse' program which includes donations made for every birdie and eagle played by the professional golfers during the two days of competition, as well as an online charity auction through eBay. Next year's game will improve the quality of life for Vancouver Island's sick kids and their families for years to come as the money raised during the event will benefit the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place, a home away from home to be located near the Victoria General Hospital.

Athlete of the year

Pgatour.com has ranked Canadian Mike Weir as the the 10th best golfer of the decade. Weir got the nod for 10th place because of his memorable moments over the last decade. Weir of Bright's Cove, Ont., has won seven PGT Tour events. The highlight was his 2003 Master's playoff and two others that year. Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, Kenny Perry, Padraig Harrington and David Toms, along with Tiger Woods, were also included in the Top 10.

Hedemann honoured

The Canadian Junior Golf Association has recognized a Saskatoon golfer and his accomplishments with the is 2009 Helena Harbridge Sportsmanship Award.

Thea Hedemann, 16, of Saskatoon has earned the honorable distinction for an award that recognizes sportsmanship, dedication, and commitment in the game of golf. The award is named after Helena Harbridge, an outstanding junior golfer who passed away in 2006 during her freshman year at West Georgia University.

"I am very honored and grateful to receive this award" said Hedemann, from her home in Saskatoon. "Sportsmanship is an important value in my life, and I am thrilled to have been chosen as this year's award recipient."

Thea, a member at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon enjoyed success with the CJGA in 2009, winning the Euro Junior Golf Cup Qualifier to start the year. She was then selected to represent Canada and the CJGA as a member of CJGA Team Canada at the Euro Junior Golf Cup in Scotland, where the team was victorious, defeating the Fife Golf Union and IJGT Team USA.

"Scotland this year was an amazing experience," remarked Hedemann. "I made so many friends and built great relationships with a lot of the players, not just my Canadian teammates," she added.

Hedemann still has two more years left as a junior, has ambition continue her golf career at a post-secondary institution. "After completing my junior golf, one of my lifelong ambitions has been to continue to play golf in university" Hedemann stated. "Golf is a game that I hope is always an important part of my life."

DeLaet PGA Tour bound!!!

Just in case you haven't been in Saskatchewan the last few months, you may not know that Graham DeLaet will be joining the PGA Tour this year. When you have arrived, you've also got your own Wikipedia listing. Graham DeLaet (born 22 January 1982) is a Canadian professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour, the Canadian Tour and the Sunshine Tour.

DeLaet was born in Weyburn, Sask. and grew up there and in Moose Jaw. He attended Boise State University where he won 10 collegiate tournaments. He turned professional in 2007. He won Rookie of the Year honors on the Canadian Tour for 2007. DeLaet has won three events on the Canadian Tour: the 2008 Desjardins Montreal Open, the 2009 ATB Financial Classic and the 2009 Canadian Tour Players Cup. He was the Player of the Year for 2009 on the Canadian Tour.

DeLaet played in one Nationwide Tour event in 2009, placing T31 at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic, with a score of 279 (6 under par). He played in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour, placing T46 with a score of 282 (6 under par).

DeLaet joined the Sunshine Tour in 2009, splitting time between Canada and South Africa, and he won the 2009 BMG Classic.

DeLaet represented Canada with Wes Heffernan at the 2008 Omega Mission Hills World Cup. In 2009, he played alongside Stuart Anderson. In the fall of 2009, DeLaet began his qualifying run for the PGA Tour at the second of three stages, and qualified through his 72-hole event, advancing to the six-round PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, set for early December, where the top 25 finishers would obtain their 2010 PGA Tour cards. He finished T8th and will be a PGA Tour rookie for the 2010 season.

You can follow DeLaet's progress on Facebook and the PGA Tour website.

Golf joins Olympics

Copenhagen - The sports of golf and rugby sevens have been voted today by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games - awarded recently to Rio de Janeiro. The two sports had been recommended by the IOC Executive Board (EB) in August following an extensive evaluation by the Olympic Programme Commission of the seven sports seeking to enter the program.

"Both golf and rugby are very popular sports with global appeal and a strong ethic," said IOC President Jacques Rogge. "They will be great additions to the Games."

The two sports, voted on separately in alphabetical order of the sports, golf then rugby, received a simple majority of votes cast by the members of the Session. The result of the first vote was not revealed to the Session until the vote for the second sport had taken place. The IOC President elected not to take part in the vote.

The International Golf Federation is absolutely delighted by today's results. "We thank the IOC for the thorough process and we are looking forward to playing our part as a member of the Olympic Movement," said Peter Dawson, Secretary General of the International Golf Federation. "This is great for golf and we hope to be of great benefit to the Olympic Games as well."

Bernard Lapasset, President of the International Rugby Board, said: "I am so delighted and proud. My thanks to the IOC members for their wonderful support. Rugby is honoured to be a part of the Olympic Sports Program and we are already looking forward to Rio 2016."

Golf was played at the Games in 1900 in Paris and in 1904 in St Louis, while rugby was part of the program of four editions of the Games between 1900 and 1924. In addition to the two new sports, the Session also voted to accept the list of 26 core sports on the program for the Olympic Games in 2016.

Facts about leather dresses

Do you know that when a woman wears a leather dress, a man's heart beats faster, his throat gets dry, he gets weak in the knees, and he begins to think irrationally! Every wonder why? It's because she smells like a new leather golf bag.

Jerk with the microphone

It was a sunny morning, a little before 8:00 am, on the first Hole of a busy course, and I was beginning my pre-shot routine, visualizing my upcoming shot when a piercing voice came over the club house loud speaker, 'Would the gentleman on the women's tee back up to the men's tee please!' I could feel every eye on the course looking at me. I was still deep in my routine, seemingly impervious to the interruption. Again the announcement, 'Would the man on the women's tee kindly back up to the men's tee.' I simply ignored the guy and kept concentrating, when once more, the man yelled, 'Would the man on the women's tee back up to the men's tee, please!' I finally stopped, turned, cupped my hands and shouted back, 'Would the jerk with the microphone please be quiet and let me play my second shot?'

DeLaet inside the ropes

Graham DeLaet of Weyburn will write a weekly blog on the association’s website, www.cpga.com. The 27-year-old has started off well with four top-15 finishes in South Africa, two of those as runner-up. His performance in South Africa comes on the heels on a tie for 13th at the World Cup and a win at the Canadian Tour’s Montreal Open. He also finished second at the Jane Rogers Championship and Canadian Tour Championship late in 2008.

Follow the Roar

In "Follow the Roar", Bob Smiley recounts following Tiger Woods on a roaring journey from the seaside cliffs of California to the deserts of Dubai and a few adventures along the way. His off-course run-ins include an Arabian sandstorm, ex-con ticket scalpers, and of course, Tiger's every swing during his spectacular 2008 season.

Smiley is a Los Angeles TV writer and golf columnist for ESPN.com who found his career at a standstill. So, starting in January 2008, he started to follow the game's greatest player from the gallery for 604 holes. The results are intriguing.

Smiley, as the book cover boasts, "Met strangers who became friends and found in Tiger the inspiration and quintessence of what it truly means to be an athlete and a man."

This is a great read for the hardcore golfer, especially his first-hand account of THE greatest US Open of all time at Torrey Pines, where Tiger dueled with Rocko Mediate.... on one leg. (Harper Collins, 2008, $27.95 CDN).

Amen Corner

Golf appeals to the idiot in us and the child. Just how childlike golf players become is proven by their frequent inability to count past five.

- American author John Updike

Win a copy of "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Golf"

Enter today to win one of 3 copies of "The Encyclopedia of Golf." It's the definitive guide to the world of golf by Barrett and Hobbs. It will get you inspired for next year. Send along your answer to Stan@SaskGolfer.com now: "Who is the greatest golfer of all time?.