Message From the Professional Staff,
Good Afternoon,
We’ve got a FULL newsletter for you today! Before you scroll down to catch up on what is happening, we have a couple people deserving of some recognition. Bill Bestward & Bruce Herbeson both made Hole in Ones this past week! Bill on the 5th hole on September 5th and Bruce on the 5th hole on September 2nd. Did you know that 65% of our hole in one’s this year have been on the 5th hole! We may need to get Aldo to work on some new pin locations…
Today, Tuesday September 14th is National “Thank A Super” day. “Golfers rely on excellent course conditions for their enjoyment of Canada’s No.1 participation sport, and superintendents work hard each day to fulfill that need” , said Jeff Calderwood, executive director of the CGSA. “This year, in particular, they have played a key role in developing additional safety protocols that ensure golfers can enjoy their favourite sport in such a healthy environment.”
As courses re-opened after the early months of the crisis, the demand for golf was clear. In Canada , golf rounds were up in June and July by 24 and 26 per cent, respectively, with that trend expected to continue through the remainder of the golf season.
In addition to dealing with new pandemic procedures, superintendents continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful with environmental stewardship as a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.
Here at Lookout Point, we are fortunate to have one of the best in the business in Aldo Bortolon. Please join us in thanking Aldo (and his team) for the incredible work they have done over the past year. tag #ThankASuper and Lookout Point on your social media channels with why you are thankful for your super - and we will be sure to repost.
Dan Roud
Head Golf Professional
Lookout Point Country Club
FROM THE GAMES COMMITTEE..
Member events are not only chances for our membership to get together, socialize and meet new people - they are also a great way to test your game and enjoy some fun competition.
We have had an excellent member event season so far, and are now looking forward to our Men’s & Ladies Closing Field Day on Saturday, October 2nd (tee times starting at 8:00 am). Registration will be open on Thursday, September 16th under the events & registration section of member central. The format for this year’s closing field day is a bit different than in year’s past. Our goal is to host an event that is centered on fun and inclusivity. As such, we will be playing foursome scramble (handicapped). Players will be sorted into pods based on their index (A,B,C,D) and randomly assigned to teams. Teams will receive a team handicap based on the USGA recommended method which combines each players handicap using the following percentages based on their A,B,C,D status: 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%.
There will be prizes for the top 20% of each division (Men’s & Ladies). Players will sign up as an individual for this event, and we will have the preliminary draw released shortly after the registration date closes on Saturday, September 25th.
Over the past few events we have had a unusual number of comments from members concerned about various rules infractions occurring during the member events. All of our events are governed by the rules of golf and it’s expected that members follow these rules during competition plan. We understand that we all make mistakes on the course, whether that’s playing from a wrong tee or maybe taking a gimme when it wasn’t allowed. The rules of golf give us guidance on how to correct these issues to keep the play fair and equitable for all. We don’t expect anyone to be an expert on the rules of golf - and many different formats allow for things such as given putts or not finishing out a hole, but if you’d like to feel a bit more prepared for your next member event, here is a great video highlighting some of the most common mistakes we make during tournament play
ETIQUETTE REMINDERS
Many private golf courses are still under guest restrictions. We are fortunate here at Lookout Point that we have been able to revert to largely pre-covid guest rules. While we are not accepting advanced guest requests we are able to book you and your guests within your category restrictions once the lottery has been completed for a given day (lottery times are reserved for members only). Over the past few weeks we have seen an uptick in some common areas of concern that we need your help. All members are responsible for their guests while they are on the property and that includes providing your guests the proper information they need to plan their visit to Lookout Point Country Club. Please ensure that your guest is dressed in the proper attire (based on our dress code) and follows the member code of conduct while enjoying the day with us. Remind your guests to repair all ball marks and replace all divots. Starting on September 22nd, if you and your guests would like to eat indoors, please ensure that they bring their proof of vaccination and a piece of government issued photo id.
UPDATED HOURS AND GUEST FEES
Starting Saturday, September 18th we will be moving up our Twilight rate starting time to 3:00 pm daily. We hope that this allows you and your guests a chance at a few extra holes before the sun sets. Off season guest rates will begin following the Thanksgiving holiday on Tuesday, October 12th
Starting Sunday, September 19th the Golf Shop hours will be 7:30 am - 7:30 pm.
PGA OF CANADA CHAMPIONSHIP
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
More info below..
It was announced earlier this summer that the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and with support from Golf Away Tours and G&G Golf Company has a date finalized on Canadian soil, as the association looks forward to hosting the top Head Professionals, Executive Professionals, Head Teaching Professionals and Master Professionals in the country at Lookout Point Country Club in Fonthill, Ontario.
The official practice round is scheduled for October 25, while the three-round competition will run from October 26-28.
“We are so pleased to round out our National Championship schedule at such a tremendous venue in Lookout Point Country Club,” said PGA of Canada president Teejay Alderdice. “I’d like to thank the staff at Lookout Point for offering their facility to us for the week, as well as Callaway Golf for being such a tremendous partner of the association.”
We are looking for members who want to volunteer and be part of this incredible event. Here is a quick rundown of the various roles and responsibilities. Once we have a better idea of how many volunteers we have we will be in touch with more detail regarding specific daily schedules. Click on the button below to show your interest.
Registration - Help with registration on Monday, October 25th
Live Scoring - scoring stations will be setup around the golf course to capture scores of the groups every 3-4 holes.
Standard Bearers - Usually on the final day we will have standard bearers accompany the last two or three groups. This requires one or two people to work together with each group. One person can hold the standard sign , while the other will be given a tablet as well to do live hole by hole scoring.
Spotters/Forecaddies - we will need members to help as spotters on #1, #10 and #13
Transportation - responsible for shuttling volunteers to different locations where they are positioned on course. This position could also help with replenishing water coolers or hot chocolate/coffee.
Caddies - some players may request caddies for the tournament rounds.
Practice Range - a few volunteers to help manage the range in the mornings. Help move ropes if needed, replenish balls for the players, keep the hitting areas tidy and clean and assist it making sure players at the range know when they need to head to the tee.
THE PROMO(S) YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
These past few days have felt like summer is winding down and Fall has started up. One of the best things about fall is the cooler temperatures - which mean those summer items that you’ve had your eye all on year are now at HOT HOT HOT prices to warm you up!!!
Starting now, all summer apparel (polos & bottoms - shorts/skirts/etc.) are….
In Stock Items Only
Free item must be of equal or lesser value to paid item
….we’re not done there. All headwear is also Buy One Get One Free along with many accessories such as water bottles, coaster sets and more.
……we almost forgot…..we will be sending back our remaining shoe inventory in the next couple of weeks. Before we do that, we would love to pass along some savings to you - our members. Right now, take 25% off the member price of any in stock pair of shoes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, September 27th - Wise Guys (rescheduled. Course closed. potential for tee times after the shotgun)
Thursday, September 30th - Men’s League Closing
Saturday, October 2nd - Men’s & Ladies Closing Field Day
Tuesday, October 5th - Ladies Closing Dinner
NEW ITEMS IN THE SHOP…
What’s new in the golf shop this week???
Bushnell Phantom 2
Retail Price $150 / Member Price $124.99
Epic Super Hybrid
Retail Price $499.99 / Member Price $449.99
Bushnell Ion Edge Watch
Retail Price $249.99 / Member Price $199.99
Jaws Full Toe Wedge
Retail Price $210 / Member Price $189.99