Putting in full resolution could be the key to your putts rolling on line, and into the hole, more often, says Tristan Mullally, Team Canada’s Head Women’s Coach

Everyone’s eyesight is a little different. Near sighted, far sighted, astigmatism, cataracts — they all affect our sense of sight to varying degrees. What we do have in common though is a focal point in front of our binocular vision that creates our field of view. Everyone balances this focal point differently, which suggests that each player will have their own eye position, relative to the ball, to be more successful.

When it comes to putting, traditionally the eyes were taught to be directly over the ball. In my early career, it was suggested that I drop a ball from my left eye to create the correct eye position. Over the years I have experimented with the best place for me to position my eyes and nowadays I spend a lot of time helping players find the right eye placement for their success.

Here is a simplified version of how I help players gain the correct eye position:

1. Position one three-foot ruler at the mouth of the hole and another three feet away extending out from your golf ball. There should be a three-foot gap between them. This setup will test your binocular vision.

2. Address the ball and look towards the target while retaining your posture. Start with your eyes inside the ruler line (A) and then outside the ruler line (B) and watch how the lines change orientation. There will be a point between positions A and B where the rulers look perfectly straight towards the target and this is your ideal eye position (C).

3. When you find this position, place a putting mirror (or a DVD) under the ball. Re-address the ball and check the lines still match up. From this position look down at your reflection and look at where your eyes are relative to the ball. Most successful putters have their eyes slightly inside the ball to the target line but by how much varies based on your field of vision.

4. Mark the position of your eyes on the mirror and start putting yourself in this position each time you practise.

Follow @tmullallygolf

This article was originally published in the April 2017 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine.

Team Canada Amateur Squad member Grace St-Germain is T2 after three rounds of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship at Chateau Elan Resort.

On Wednesday, the Ottawa native went out with a bogey free, 2-under par 34 on the front nine. After two more birdies on the back nine and just one bogey, St-Germain carded a 3-under par 68, the lowest score of the day. She currently sits at 6-over par (73-78-68), two strokes off the pace set by leader Peerada Piddon.

In her inaugural junior college season, St-Germain had three top-5 and four top-10 finishes, including two second-place results.

St-Germain’s Falcons have won eight NJCAA national championships in program history and are looking to defend their title from 2016.

After three rounds Daytona State is well-placed to repeat. They are 38-over par and 16 shots clear of the Seminole State College of Florida Raiders who sit second at 54-over par.

The full leaderboard can be seen here.

Team Canada Amateur Squad member, Jared du Toit, finished T10 at 2-under par at the NCAA Division I Austin Regional at the University of Texas Golf Club.

After posting a 3-over par 74 in round one, the Kimberley, B.C., product rebounded with two solid scores. He carded a 2-under par 69 in the second round and was T12 after 36 holes.

To start round three Du Toit birdied the first hole for a second consecutive day, but gave it right back with a bogey on the third.

He then parred seven straight holes before making back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13. He finished his round with a birdie on 18 to post a 3-under par 68.

He finished 12 shots behind medallist Nick Voke of Iowa State, who posted a final-round score of 10-under par (61), thanks to eight birdies, an eagle and no bogeys to win by five strokes at 14-under par over Texas’ Doug Ghim.

Du Toit had seven top-10 finishes this season, including two first place results. He claimed sole possession of the top spot at The Prestige at PGA West, and was part of a three-way tie for first at the Amer Ari Invitational at Waikoloa King’s Course.

In the team competition the Sun Devils finished in 5th place, with a team score of 7-over par, securing the last spot available in the National Championship at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., from May 26-31.

They’re going to the SHIP! @asumensgolf comes up huge on Day 3 to punch their ticket! ?? #GoDevils #NCAAGolf pic.twitter.com/McvuP5hQXC

— Sun Devil Athletics (@TheSunDevils) May 17, 2017

Du Toit, a senior, will look to help the Sun Devils improve on their 9th place finish in the stroke play portion of the tournament in 2016. Arizona State will be chasing their third title in school history. The first came in 1990, and the second in 1996.

For the full leaderboard click here.

Golf Canada is pleased to honour Elmwood Golf and Country Club with the Future Links, driven by Acura Facility of the Year award for the 2016 season.

Elmwood, located in the Southern Saskatchewan town of Swift Current, earned the award for its outstanding success in delivering Future Links, driven by Acura—Canada’s junior golf program. Under the direction of head PGA of Canada professional Jeff Chambers, Elmwood excelled in delivering fundamental junior golf curriculum and values of golf through Future Links.

“We are very proud to acknowledge Elmwood Golf and Country Club for their dedication to junior golf and the youth of the Swift Current community,” stated Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The leading effort put forward by the facility staff is an accomplishment worth celebrating, and we are happy to honour their success in delivering junior golf in their community.”

Chambers’ Future Links program has seen numbers at Elmwood grow from 60 kids to a remarkable 340 participants per year in the last nine years through activities such as Junior Skills Challenge, Girls Club, Learn to Play, and Learn to Compete.

“I was ecstatic to hear the news that we were selected to receive Facility of the Year award,” said Chambers, who also won the PGA of Canada’s Junior Leader of the Year in 2010. “It’s because of Elmwood and its drive to provide junior golf opportunities that I was able to make a big impact in the sport.  I’m so happy that Golf Canada recognizes golf clubs out there that are dedicated to youth programming.”

Chambers implemented several Get Linked initiatives to enhance the junior experience while expanding the facility’s connection to students in the community. He conducted a Future Links, driven by Acura Field Trip event, which connect local students to nearby golf clubs for introductory lessons. In addition, Chambers conducted 10 professional visitations to sites registered in the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program, reaching over 1,080 additional juniors.

“Teaching the Golf in Schools program has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me as a golf professional,” said Chambers. “Our facility has also been a great supporter of outreach efforts by inviting every student to the club for additional learning experiences.”

Elmwood Golf and Country Club is the fourth Canadian golf club to receive the Future Links, driven by Acura Facility of the Year Award, which was introduced in 2013.

“On behalf of the PGA of Canada and its 3,700 members, I’d like to congratulate Jeff Chambers and his staff on the Future Links, driven by Acura Facility of the Year award,” said PGA of Canada CEO Gary Bernard. “It’s important for PGA of Canada members and Candidates for Membership like Jeff to be recognized for all their hard work in growing the game of golf in Canada through the Future Links program.”

Last year alone, Future Links junior golf activities were conducted at 536 golf facilities with more than 7,200 juniors registered in the Learn to Play program. In addition, 170 golf facilities took part in the Junior Skills Challenge while more than 64,000 youngsters participated in more than 1,200 Mobile golf clinics presented by Acura across the country. Since 2006, more than 1.3 million children have been introduced to golf through the Future Link, driven by Acura program.

What is the ideal way to physically prepare your body for play? Team Canada Head Physiotherapist and Strength Coach Greg Redman has some tips.

As a physical therapist for some professional players and Golf Canada’s National Amateur team, I am often asked, “What is the best way to warm up before a round or a practice session at the range?” Like a golf swing, every player is unique in the way he or she gets loose and prepares to hit balls. However, every warm-up should include specific components that prepare the body for play. That way, by the time you’re standing over your first ball, your body feels ready to fire.

As demonstrated by Team Canada’s Hugo Bernard, here are the components of a great golf warm-up that will prepare your body physically for consistent performance.

1. Blood Flow

Begin the physical preparation by either slowly jogging on the spot for five minutes or walking briskly for 10 minutes around the range. You should feel a light sweat but not be out of breath at the end. This will provide the required energy to hit balls.

2. Flexibility

I am not a fan of stretching before golf because we lose our proprioceptive physical awareness, meaning our muscle and joint sensors lose their sensitivity. But I do recommend improving the flexibility of the muscles of the mid-lower back, buttocks, hamstrings and calves using a long iron and massaging out the muscle with the shaft of the club.

3. Mobility

Begin with the large joints — the hips, lower back and shoulders — by dynamically moving them in as many directions as you feel they should move in. For example, swing the leg back and forth or side to side. This will promote the full range of motion required in the swing.

 4. Neural Activation

To get the fuse box (your brain) and the wiring (nerves) sending the right information to the muscles, we need to turn on all the correct switches (activation). Begin by standing on the lead leg and rotate side to side with optimal control of your balance. When you feel that you are able to rotate as far as you need for your ideal golf swing, slowly increase the speed that you rotate until you have mimicked the speed of your back and downswing. Repeat this on the trail leg.

Finally, stand in golf posture without a club and practice your swing. Focus on maximizing the motion in the hips, thoracic spine and shoulders. Then do it again but instead close your eyes and focus on your weight shift, balance and what your swing looks like from the back, side and above.

The full warm-up only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will ensure that you are physically ready by the time you arrive at the first tee.

This article was originally published in the April 2017 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine.

Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, has announced a partnership with Golf Canada to host Canadian Armed Forces Day taking place Saturday July 29, 2017 as part of the RBC Canadian Open.

All current and former members of Canada’s Armed Forces who register at www.commissionaires-cgl.ca will be entitled to a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament grounds and upgraded venues. The invitation is also extended to immediate family members making this a truly memorable day.

“The PGA TOUR has an established record of sponsoring veteran causes across North America. Given the Commissionaires’ mandate to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it makes great sense for our two organizations to pool our efforts to honour those who serve our country, and the families that support them,” said Benjamin Alexander, Senior Vice President with Commissionaires.

“It’s great to stand should-to-shoulder with Commissionaires on Canadian Armed Forces Day,” said Brent McLaughlin, Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open. “Just weeks after honouring those who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and in the year we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, we are proud to partner with Commissionaires to honour our military.”

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Laurence Applebaum has already created a to-do list even though he’s still eight weeks away from officially taking over as Golf Canada’s chief executive officer.

His top priority is making improvements to the two showcase events on the federation’s calendar: the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

“We’re going to really evolve these into next-level championships,” Applebaum said Tuesday after his introduction at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

The Toronto native, who spent the last five years as executive vice-president of the Women’s Tennis Association, succeeds chief sport officer Jeff Thompson in the position. Thompson served as interim CEO after Scott Simmons announced his departure last fall.

Applebaum, who will formally assume the role July 10, said that membership development and global community relationships will be a key focus along with the national championships.

“What we can do is put on world-class, phenomenal, premium, fan-friendly events that are going to drive people and that includes giving great service to the players,” he said. “Making them put the Canadian Opens on their schedule and getting them out here.”

Getting the men’s players to circle the Canadian stop on their calendars will be one of his biggest challenges.

The tournament has been held the week after the British Open in recent years and some golfers are not crazy about making the overseas trip right after the major even though charter flights have been available.

Applebaum said he’s looking forward to building on the many positives the event has to offer.

“It’s the third oldest event on Tour,” he said. “It’s a national championship. It has great history. It has great Canadian content and it’s had great champions. I think we’ll continue to look at all the things that fans want.

“They want an engaged opportunity to host, to make it family friendly, to make it kid friendly, to bring new people into the game.”

The tournament did land then-world No. 1 Jason Day and then-No. 2 Dustin Johnson last year, but only four players in the top 20 were in the 156-man field. The women’s championship – which is on a tour with fewer events – locked in all top-10 players and 46 of the top 50.

The men’s event, which used to be played in early September, could get a deeper field with a more favourable spot on the calendar. Keeping the communication lines open would only help in that regard.

“I don’t envy the task of either of the commissioners,” Applebaum said. “I think circuit structure and the calendar is one of the hardest things to manage. I know in our conversations with the PGA, they’ve got 46 dates that they’re trying to manage and it’s a challenge. I can tell you that we look at all of our options. When availability comes our way, we’ll have robust discussions with our partners and figure it out.

“Obviously we’ve had a number of different opportunities in past Canadian Opens where they’ve been date-wise. We’re going to look at what this new world looks like.”

Another item on his plate will be the decision on whether to move the championships around the country. Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., will host the July 27-30 men’s event and the women’s tournament – featuring Canadian star Brooke Henderson – will be played Aug. 24-27 at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

“I think there’s real merits on both sides,” Applebaum said. “We’ve got to weigh them and we’ll look at it.”

Glen Abbey is expected to host again next year and Regina is a favourite to host the 2018 women’s event. On the sponsorship front, RBC is signed on through 2023 and Canadian Pacific is signed through next year.

“Laurence Applebaum’s hiring marks the beginning of a new era for Golf Canada,” said Golf Canada board of directors president Roland Deveau. “After an extensive search, Laurence stood out because of his previous leadership in sports organizations, proven senior management skills and visionary thinking.

“His drive and energy are infectious. We are so pleased to repatriate this outstanding Canadian leader to take Golf Canada forward.”

Applebaum has spent over 20 years in various sport management roles in North America and Europe.

At the WTA, he oversaw a variety of strategic and operational initiatives. Applebaum was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the circuit, including tournament operations, player relations and development, along with new business development.

Applebaum said he was most proud of helping spearhead the evolution of the WTA Finals into a significant year-end championship in Singapore.

“The benefit of that kind of experience is really what I’m hoping to bring to this role,” he said. “Being able to take great events and make them even better.”

The PGA of Canada is proud to announce The Lincoln Motor Company as new presenting sponsor of the RBC PGA Scramble.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company is a national series of team events featuring amateur golfers and PGA of Canada professionals taking place at more than 100 golf facilities around the country.

The series of events expects to draw thousands of amateur golfers—who will form their own team of four players— from across the country. Teams will look to make it through local and regional qualifying with the ultimate goal of playing in the national this October with a PGA of Canada professional playing on their team at the incredible Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S.

“We are absolutely thrilled to add a company and brand like The Lincoln Motor Company as the presenting sponsor of this unique grassroots golf program,” said PGA of Canada CEO Gary Bernard. “Their commitment takes the excitement for the everyday golfers in this event up another notch now with the opportunity to interact and potentially win one of their fantastic vehicles.”

As part of the partnership, The Lincoln Motor Company will interact and engage with golfers at local events, regional finals and the national championship giving golfers a chance to win impressive prizing along the way. At the 10 regional finals and the national championship there will be unique Lincoln activations and events to elevate each golfer’s experience.

“The Lincoln Motor Company is extremely excited to partner with the RBC PGA Scramble at golf courses across Canada. This golf initiative aligns well with our brand,” said Terry Erb, Director – Lincoln Marketing Sales and Service.  “We are also proud to become the Official Vehicle of the PGA of Canada, touching the almost 3,700 PGA of Canada members.”

The Lincoln Motor Company also becomes the Official Vehicle of the PGA of Canada and will provide all PGA Professionals and all participants in the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company with special opportunities to get into one of their vehicles.

All RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company local qualifying events in 2017 will have guaranteed prize tables for the top three teams, in addition to special activations throughout the day as well.

To find a local event near you for the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, please click here.

Golf Canada’s national junior golf program has been restructured and revitalized for 2017.

As the 2016 golf season came to a close, there was a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Canada’s national junior golf initiative, Future Links. For 11 years, the program that introduces and teaches the game to kids nationwide had been strongly sustained by Canadian National Railway (CN), a partner whose support keyed the program’s evolution into a highly regarded developer and promoter of junior golf. However, with CN’s pact expiring, Golf Canada knew the grassroots program, operated in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and provincial golf associations, was too important not to continue in some fashion. But it needed financial help.

One of Future Links’ existing sponsors, Acura, was first to step up. The auto manufacturer became the program’s presenting sponsor, enhancing its support of junior golf in Canada to ensure quality golf experiences continue to be delivered to youth from coast to coast.

“Acura has been a tremendous partner since aligning their respected brand with Canada’s national junior golf program in 2014 and we are thrilled with their deepened commitment to Future Links, driven by Acura,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer and Interim CEO. “With a world-class junior golf curriculum that is internationally recognized by golf federations around the world, we are proud that Acura will continue to drive the program’s success moving forward.”

One of those international golf federations, The R&A, also saw the exceptional value the program provides. In February, the game’s oldest organization, with which Golf Canada has collaborated and shared ideas for decades, approved a three-year commitment through 2019 to support Future Links, driven by Acura. An annual financial contribution was also agreed to by The R&A’s Golf Development Committee, a group that assesses applications and requests from the 140 worldwide affiliates of The R&A, including Golf Canada, and whose mandate is to support what it thinks is good for golf.

“We thought this was a good program and one that was worthy of our support,” explained Duncan Weir, Executive Director of Golf Development at The R&A, who sees a possibility for the model to be replicated in other countries.

“Links are strong, dialogue is strong, Golf Canada has a strong track record and I’d like to think we have a decent track record of supporting Golf Canada’s good efforts. So this was really a continuation of that relationship and something that impressed us.”

Participation and the involvement of young people are very high on the committee’s evaluation list. It also emphasizes anything that enhances golf’s appeal, both for those who already play and those who aspire to play; the promotion and progression of the sport in emerging golf nations; coaching; and the provision of more public golf courses and improved practice facilities. But engaging youth ranks paramount and Future Links, driven by Acura certainly fits the bill.

Future Links offers a full suite of junior golf programs for boys and girls ages six to 18, teaching lessons and skills that can be applied both on and off the course. It is suitable for beginners to those with more experience or greater playing ability.

Beginning in 2017, the program has also been restructured under three core areas of focus — in-school programming, facility programming and community outreach. Most notably, the popular Golf in Schools initiative, which last year was implemented at nearly 3,400 schools reaching 400,000 children, now falls under the Future Links umbrella instead of as a standalone platform. It joins other activities such as Learn to Play, PGA Junior League, Girls Club, Mobile Clinics and  Junior Skills Competition, along with six regional Future Links Junior Championships.

“The program that we’ve developed with the support of Sport Canada, the model that Jeff Thompson nurtured in partnership with the PGA of Canada and provincial golf associations and got to what it is today, I would say, is second to none,” declared Bill Paul, Golf Canada’s Chief Championship Officer, who worked closely on affiliating the program with The R&A.

“Look at Drive, Chip and Putt and how it blossomed after Augusta National attached its name to it,” Paul added. “Within these borders, we know that Future Links is a strong program and it’s well respected internationally. But an endorsement from The R&A, or a USGA or any international body, has the opportunity to bring additional profile globally.”

Since launching in 1996, Canada’s national junior golf program has made the game accessible to more than 1.3 million young Canadians and provides junior golfers across Canada with affordable and fun golf activities in their community.

More than 500 facilities in 10 provinces deliver Future Links programming. Click here to find the one nearest you.

This article was originally published in the April 2017 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine.

Following a comprehensive search, Golf Canada has announced the appointment of Laurence Applebaum as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Applebaum, most recently the Executive Vice President of the Florida-based Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), will assume his new role as of July 10, 2017.

“Laurence Applebaum’s hiring marks the beginning of a new era for Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, President of the Golf Canada Board of Directors. “After an extensive search, Laurence stood out because of his previous leadership in sports organizations, proven senior management skills and visionary thinking. His drive and energy are infectious. We are so pleased to repatriate this outstanding Canadian leader to take Golf Canada forward.”

With a career in sports spanning more than 20 years in Canada, Europe and the United States, the senior executive and Toronto native is proud to return home to lead the national sport federation and governing body for golf in Canada.

“I am both honoured and humbled to be given the chance to lead Golf Canada at a crucial and exciting juncture in the organization’s history,” Applebaum said. “Throughout my career, I have had the chance to work with teams made up of great athletes, passionate partners and engaged stakeholders. I am eager to apply the lessons and experiences from past roles to this new challenge. Golf is such a passion for so many Canadians including myself, and I know the sport in this country is well positioned for growth and success going forward. As much as anything, I am also elated to be returning home with my family.”

Applebaum joins Golf Canada after serving in an extensive array of sports management roles around the globe.

For the past five years, he has been Executive Vice President of the WTA in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he oversaw a variety of strategic and operational initiatives.  During his tenure, Applebaum was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the women’s global professional tennis circuit, including tournament operations, on-site competition, player relations and development, sports science and medicine, broadcast operations and new business development.

Prior to joining the WTA, Applebaum served as the Toronto-based Vice President of Salomon Canada from 2006-2011. Previously, Applebaum served in a variety of progressively senior roles at Wilson Sports and the brands of its parent company, Amer Sports, including Atomic, Suunto and Precor, based in Europe. After starting his career at Wilson Sports Equipment Canada, Applebaum was the Sales & Marketing Manager at Nike Golf Canada from 1997-1999.

Married with two children, Applebaum is a 1994 graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University where he received an Honors Business Administration (HBA) degree.

Golf Canada President Roland Deveau also recognized the work of Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, who has managed the day-to-day affairs of Golf Canada for the last several months as interim CEO.

“I would like to thank Jeff for his steady hand during this transition. We look forward to Jeff’s continued contributions as our Chief Sport Officer,” said Deveau.

Deveau added: “I would like to acknowledge all of the dedicated volunteers, staff and partners who work diligently every day to deliver programs and services across Canada to help grow the game of golf.  Golfers from novices to elite athletes benefit from the efforts of, and collaboration between, many stakeholders and I know that Laurence is looking forward to meeting them.”

Reporting to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, Applebaum will lead the organization in the ongoing development and execution of its strategic plan.

NOTE TO MEDIA – click here for a high-resolution headshot and bio of Golf Canada Chief Executive Officer Laurence Applebaum.

Click here to download the teleconference audio file.