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Off-season busy at Elk Ridge, Candle Lake and Willows

Several of Saskatchewan's top golf courses are inviting you to enjoy their amazing facilities and service during the off-season.

With cooler temperatures, most courses in the province have long ago aerated, top dressed and put their greens to bed for the season - but not Candle Lake Golf Resort at Candle Lake, Elk Ridge Golf Resort at Waskesiu and Willows Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon.

Woodland luxury at Elk Ridge

"Most people know Elk Ridge for the great golf, but there are actually more activities in the winter," says Brandon Moore, director of marketing at Elk Ridge Resort near Waskesiu and the Prince Albert National Park.

"We are a four-star, four season resort that offers 400 km of snowmobile trails, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and skating."

There's even an outdoor curling rink complete that's illuminated from underneath, adds Moore, and of course, the nearby warmup shack provides hot drinks and live music.

During the off-season guests to Elk Ridge can also enjoy a fitness centre, waterslide, and end the day with a fine meal at the upscale Copper Ridge Dining Room or down a beer at the Walleyes Pub which caters to snowmobilers.

Treat yourself and someone special to one or two nights in a luxurious Woodland Room or Woodland Double Queen room at Elk Ridge. Your stay will include a Couples Relaxation Massage. When you check in, you will receive a complementary bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. If the spirit moves you, you can upsize your luxury with room and spa treatment upgrades.

During early November, watch local newspapers for the "Elk Ridge Bill" - a $150 bill that can be applied to your visit. It's a huge promotion that's valid until May 17.

For complete details about off-season hospitality, facilities and rates starting at $179 a night, click on www.elkridgeresort.com or phone toll free 1-800-510-1824. Why not take winter relaxation to a new level?

Candle Lake hopping this winter

"Are you looking for somewhere to enjoy some winter activities? " asks Tim Sawchyn, director of golf and marketing. "Come to the Candle Lake Golf Resort where we would be happy to have you as our guest."

Winter activities at the resort include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing and more! We offer cabins and townhouses for accommodations which are completely winterized and fully serviced. Our main clubhouse restaurant remains open for you to relax and enjoy a meal off our menu.

For the snowmobilers there are over 500 kilometres of trail to ride on. The scenic area of Candle Lake can be a very relaxing place to ride your sled along many of the groomed trails for snowmobiling. The trails are also very popular for cross country skiers. The quiet and peaceful area of the resort can make for a very comforting and relaxing experience.

When the lake is frozen many locals and guests enjoy ice fishing on the lake. Walleye and Jackfish are the most common fish caught at Candle Lake. The resort`s cabins are located close to the lake which helps make a quick trip out on the lake to your fishing spot or a quick return if the cold starts to get to you.

Accommodations at the resort include winterized cabins and townhouses for guests that choose to take in winter activities at the resort. The cabins and townhouses at our resort are fully serviced and include satellite television.

They are also equipped with a natural gas fireplace, full kitchen accessories and the necessary linens and towels. We also have fire water hot tubs for you to rent and enjoy during your stay. These modernized cabins and townhouses are very spacious to allow guests a roomy atmosphere to relax.

For whatever winter activities it is you enjoy we welcome you to our resort at Candle Lake. For more information please visit our website at www.candlelakegolfresort.com or feel free to call or email us with your inquiries. We look forward to hosting you at the Candle Lake Golf Resort!

Next year country

Graham DeLaet of Weyburn has secured a place on the PGA Tour in 2012 on a health exemption. DeLaet, who earned about $10,000 this year, suffered from injuries most of the season. Next in the rankings for Canada is Mike Weir, also plagued with injuries, who earned about $20,000.

Playing our parks

Saskatchewan's national and provincial parks protect unique and beautiful areas in settings that include prairie valleys and hilltops and northern woods and water. These parks offer a rich variety of things to do including incredible golf that's second to none. Here are a few spots that will tempt you this spring with affordable green fees, few crowds, and wonderful park amenities.
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Around the links

Graham DeLaet was in Weyburn this fall to help raise funds for a hospital...CPGA Saskatchewan annual awards and banquet will be held in late October....Check the YouTube video of a ball going 150 mph shot at 70,000 rpm. It's been around for awhile but well worth viewing.

Variety of amenities at Willows

"The Willows is more than just golf," says general manager Guy Beatty. "This may be our business slogan, but it's especially true during the off-season."

The Willows has lots to offer. Along with being nationally recognized as a top-tier golf course, The Willows is also home to Il Salici Ristorante, Saskatoon's best choice for classic Italian dining . The Willows also houses a year round lounge, plus banquet facilities for every type of business or family gathering or celebration, seasonal locker room with a great steam room, and a fully stocked Golf Shop. Be sure to check out the 'end of season' swag in the Golf Shop, and exciting new products which are arriving daily and could look great under your Christmas tree this holiday season for that diehard golfer on your list!

Once the course is put to bed for the season, residential home owners and members help to keep the clubhouse busy throughout. Scenic views from any seat in the facility make The Willows a perfect setting for any occasion. Il Salici Ristorante offers delicious, authentic Italian food, along with a relaxed ambiance complete with a cozy fireplace and friendly, professional service.

Dinner is always a great choice at Il Salici Ristorante, especially for Tuesdays in Tuscany, which offers a unique additional weekly Italian creation complete with an optional wine pairing. This is in addition to the a la carte Italian selections. The Willows lounge also has a great varied menu and big screen T.V.'s to watch the big game. Our lunch menu features a great selection of Salads, Soups, Italian Pastas and Hearty Sandwiches.

As the holiday season approaches, The Willows has everything you need. Pick up some golf passes, become a golf member, or check out the latest in clothing, golf apparel or equipment. Buy someone a gift certificate to use either out on the course or in the facility for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or our fabulous Sunday Brunch! Be sure to contact us with regards to booking your personal or corporate functions from Xmas staff parties, business meetings, weddings, and any other special events. Give us a shout at 956.1100 ext. 240 or 237 to inquire about our remaining dates that are still available for holiday events.

Floating course launched

Troon Golf,¨ the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce its appointment as the technical advisor on one of golf's newest and most exciting projects recently unveiled in the Maldives. Developed by the Dutch Docklands company, the industry experts in floating technology, the $500 million project is scheduled for completion in 2015 and will include a world-class golf facility, interconnected by revolutionary underwater tunnels.

The idyllic Maldives development, which has yet to be officially named, will incorporate a set of advanced floating islands with unique opportunities for sustainable development and will leave no carbon footprint on the environment. The state-of-the-art golf course is expected to attract a wealth of new tourism and investment opportunities to the country. The floating island will draw on Troon Golf's industry leading expertise in service and agronomy to deliver a world-class experience to one of golf's most unique locations.

"We are thrilled to be involved with such a groundbreaking project in the Maldives," commented Bruce Glasco, managing director, Troon Golf Europe, Middle East & Africa. "Dutch Docklands is a hugely successful and innovative company and we are excited to work closely with them to help realize the golf aspect of their vision."

The project is located just a few miles from the airport and the picturesque site will boast luxurious accommodations overlooking the golf course and reef. With world-renowned companies behind the ambitious venture, the end product is sure to boost tourism in the region, attracting travel and golf aficionados from around the world.

No word about the cost of a round or the cost of a beer in the underwater clubhouse.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 25 countries. Additionally, 46 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Brynwood Golf & Country Club, Armonk, N.Y.; Sequoyah National Golf Club , Cherokee, N.C.; Yocha Dehe Golf Club, Brooks, Calif.; Kooindah Waters Golf Club , New South Wales, Australia; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece.

Junior Golf Programs flourishes

Golf Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that the National Golf in Schools Program is now in 130 schools throughout Saskatchewan. This has been a very successful program in our province as it has given thousands of kids the opportunity to learn about the game of golf. To learn more on how you can get Golf in Schools up and running in your community please contact Phil Grosse at: pgrosse@golfsaskatchewan.org.
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Hall of fame inductee announced

The Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame second induction class includes two players and three builders with achievements and contributions to the sport of golf spanning throughout the rich history of golf in Saskatchewan.

The second inductee's class includes: Players Category: Patricia A. Lawson (Pat), Saskatoon and Doug Lynwood Mader, Lumsden; Builder Category: Danny Jutras, Prince Albert, William George Wallace (Bill), St. John's, NFLD, and Terrence Everett Meier (Terry), Regina, SK.
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You are what you golf

By Andrew Penner

In addition, Golf Canada conducts Canada's most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women's Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships provide world class competitive opportunities for Canada's top golfers to showcase their talents.

I recently watched a program in which a golf student proclaimed his teacher knew what a person was like just by watching him/her play golf. In other words, this particular instructor focused intently on his student's golf game, then used his telepathic ability to delve into the person's psyche and make bold assumptions about their character. I didn't buy it.

Then I thought about it and it started making some sense. For example, my dad could watch me play and confidently state, "Son, judging by your golf game, it appears that when you were sixteen years old, I allowed you to borrow my car and it came back littered with beer bottle caps and cigarette butts. This led me to believe you had an exploratory problem with some of society's most common vices."

And my twin sister could offer, "Andrew, as I overlook your golf swing, it is evident that you are the type of guy that would solicit wrestling matches with your 12 year-old twin sister. You would proceed to perform stunning, yet extremely dangerous maneuvers on your victim concluding in bloody noses and confinement to your bedroom."

Amazing. You might say that this doesn't count. After all, family has an unfair advantage in making these assumptions. Perhaps.

All of a sudden, a light went on. I recalled playing golf with a weird kid in college. He frequently showcased his twisted behavior in the form of severe temper tantrums and outrageously foul and creative word usage. I remember that his favorite expression had something to do with feces being righteous or "holy." Then I put two and two together. This kid grew up on the farm and shoveled cow pies all day long. Hence the abnormal passion for the stuff and his over usage of the expression.

Whew! I was starting to catch on. I spent some time thinking about the issues at hand and more enlightenment came my way in other situations where the character of one's golf game dictates who one really is. Here they are...

Trait #1 - You have a severe problem with "fear" when you attempt a shot over water...

What it really means - This is a strong indication that liquid things are gripping you. You could have a drinking problem. You may also have a bladder infection. Seek medical attention.

Trait #2 - You regularly hit "fat" shots and "chili-dip" your chips and pitches...

What it really means - You have some kind of fixation with food. It could be an eating disorder or perhaps you don't maintain a diet properly proportioned with the four food groups (i.e. beer and nachos is not considered a food group).

Trait #3 - You consistently find your putts "lipping" out...

What it really means - You have a problem with your mouth. Either you get too "lippy" or you're simply a rude person.

Trait #4 - You're gifted at forming sentences with words pertaining to the biological waste, which, around second graders at least, is referred to as "poop".

What it really means - If you did not grow up on a farm, there likely is another reason why your diction is "foul." Constipation could be on the horizon or you may need to visit the bidet.

Trait #5 - You perpetually hit "pop-ups" off the top of your clubface, forcing you to strain your head upwards towards the heavens to watch your ball fly...

What it really means - God is trying to communicate with you. Not only is he telling you that you stink at golf, but he's also beckoning you to pray to him more often regarding other "foul" areas in your life.

Trait #6 - Your golf ball seems to be magnetically attracted to dense bushes lining the fairways...

What it really means - You're probably trying to hide from things that are bothering you. Face your problems head on. You could also be a Buddhist who will reincarnate as a plant in the next life. Either way, it's not looking good.

Trait #7 - Your ball consistently finds deep rough and nestles in long grass.

What it really means - Your life is a "hairy" mess. You've likely got hair growing in places it has no business growing. Get tweezers and extract the mop coming out of your ears and, for the love of all things decent, get rid of that barbed wire growing out of your nose.

Trait #8 - You're wearing out the "heel" and "toe" of your golf clubs.

What it really means - Your feet need some attention. They probably smell like road-killed skunks that have been baking in the Arizona sun for three days. Get to a podiatrist as soon as possible for an inspection. Nose plugs can prevent asphyxiation.

You know the saying "You are what you eat?" Well, "You are what you golf" too. Take heed my friend, and examine the signs. It's not like the occasional slice is something to take lightly. At first glance a regular slicer may say, "Big deal! This has no bearing on my character." However, the truth of the matter is that slicers repeatedly find the "right" side of the golf course and are therefore budding "right-winged extremists." Lefties, well, that's another story.

Golf rules change

Notable changes include amended Rule on ball moving after address; Rules of Golf 2012-15 marks first-ever joint publication of the Rules by golf's governing bodies

Oakville, Ont. - Golf's governing body in Canada, the Royal Canadian Golf Association (operating as Golf Canada) today announced the publication of the new Rules of Golf for 2012-15.

The Royal Canadian Golf Association is proud to be the only association sitting with R&A Rules Limited and the USGA on the Joint Rules Committee, which carries out the quadrennial review of the Rules of Golf. The new Rules of Golf for 2012-15 represents the culmination of four years work in consultation with R&A Rules Limited and the United States Golf Association.

Following an exhaustive, four-year review of golf's 34 playing Rules, nine principal Rules have been amended to improve clarity and ensure penalties are proportionate. Notable changes include:

> Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

> Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.

> Time of Starting (Rule 6-3a). The rule is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.

"Fundamentally, the Rules of Golf will remain the same," said Brent McLaughlin, Golf Canada's Director of Rules, Competitions, and Amateur Status. "The Joint Rules Committee (which includes Dean Ryan, Rules Committee Chair with the Royal Canadian Golf Association) conducted an extensive review and substantive changes were kept to a minimum. The Rules of Golf are constantly reviewed and our hope is that the 2012-15 publication is clear to golfers and reflective of the demands of the modern game."

The 2012-15 publication reflects a strong collaboration between the R&A, USGA and the Royal Canadian Golf Association on a single code governing the Rules of Golf. For the first time ever, the printed publication - which is reproduced in 36 official languages and distributed to millions of golfers around the world - will feature an identical design layout including formatting, pagination, cover, etc. that will be consistent around the world.

The Rules of Amateur Status also underwent revision with the most notable change relating to hole-in-one prizes. Until now, prizes for holing a tee shot in amateur golf have been subject to the same restrictions as other competitions. However, a Rule change which acknowledges the special nature of a hole-in-one during a round of golf means that restrictions on the prizes offered have been lifted.

The Royal Canadian Golf Association (operating as Golf Canada) will publish in English and French a total of 85,000 copies of the Rules of Golf 2012-15, available January 1, 2012. For the first time, Rolex will be supporting the Rules of Golf book in Canada, beginning in 2012. Companion publication to the Rules of Golf, Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2012 - 2013 will also be available January 1, 2012.

More information about the Rules of golf can be found at www.golfcanada.ca. In addition, information about Rules of Golf Education can be found at http://rulesofgolf.golfcanada.ca

Golf Canada - a member-based organization governed by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) - is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing close to 350,000 members at almost 1,500 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, Golf Canada is responsible for promoting participation in and a passion for the game of golf in Canada.

A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada actively conducts championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, National Golf in Schools, Golf Fore the Cure, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada's national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. As the authority for golf in Canada, the association also administers the Rules of Golf, amateur status and handicapping and course rating under the respected RCGA brand.

Aspen Links clubhouse burns

The cause of a fire that demolished the clubhouse at the Aspen Links golf course Sept. 28 is unknown.

Fire crews from White City, Pilot Butte and Balgonie fought the flames, which were fanned by winds gusting 30 to 50-kilometres an hour. Three firefighters were treated for minor injuries caused by heat, but no one else was physically injured.

The facility, 15 kilometres east of Regina, was totally destroyed. The clubhouse was considered a a community centre for White City and 65 people worked at the 1,600-square-metre building.

The golf course was not damaged during the blaze. To date there's no word on wether the facility will be rebuilt.

See it all on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC89m1uue8E

Amen corner

"I haven't dreamed of making many putts. Maybe that's why I haven't made many."
- Calvin Peete