Golf By David McPherson to put his theory into practice. Flash back to 2010. The club sold 33 acres to a real estate developer, reducing the family-owned, 18-hole executive course to nine holes. Regular players did not react well to this change and rounds fell. Holmes decided to take the remaining portions of the former course that were not sold to resurrect three holes – turning Derrydale into a 12-hole facility. The result: increased rounds and revenue and happier clients. Golfers can play in 2.5 hours and the price is right, especially for seniors (anyone over 60) who pay just $24 for a round. Growing up at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ont., I was spoiled. I lived just a sand wedge from this private course so, often in the early evenings after school (once my homework was complete) and if the course was not busy, I would play six holes since, after the fourth hole, you could skip across the fairway and play 8 and 9. The circuit would take less than 90 minutes. I look back on these nights wandering the fairways and the rough by myself as some of my favourite golf memories. Many courses offer specials for nine and dine. So why not make some memories this summer on – and off ‒ the course by planning an evening out with your spouse or friends. Personally, I can’t think of a better night out than getting some exercise, then sharing some laughs, good food and conversation with friends and family on a patio somewhere. Finally, summer offers longer days. As Mick sang, time is on our side. From late June until the dog days of summer in August, we gain more daylight hours to enjoy the great outdoors before the sun sets. What this means is that you can tee off later and still get in nine holes. Or, you can have an early dinner and then squeeze in a loop around your favourite course. The choices are endless. So are the excuses for not taking time for nine. I don’t want to hear them. Your tee time waits. Thanks, Mick. I understand what you were singing about now. Your lyrics were not so far-fetched. Like most things in life, it’s all about perspective. Time is on our side if we make time for nine. This summer also marks Canada’s 150th birthday ‒ or the sesquicentennial anniversary of Canadian Confederation. There’s no better time to get out and play nine, 12 or 18 holes. We are lucky to have an abundance of golf courses from which to choose. Did you know that our country contains seven per cent of the world’s golf facilities? At more than 2,300 public and private course options, that’s a lot of choice. From coast to coast, there are few other countries that rival ours for golfer rates per capita. Golf is just one of the 150 activities which ParticipACTION references in its Canada 150 Play List. So, while you are playing nine holes over the next couple of months, use this time to also celebrate our nation’s milestone birthday and introduce a friend to one of the greatest games humans have invented, or take part in a golf-related activity. Visit the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame &Museum at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont. Attend one of our national opens such as the RBC Canadian Open (also at Glen Abbey this year from July 24-30) or the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open – held this year in our nation’s capital at the Ottawa Hunt &Golf Club (August 24-27). Or simply hit the road and try out a new course across this great country of ours. CSANews | SUMMER 2017 | 43
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