We cherish the opportunity to share our experiences. For many of us, those most memorable golfing moments fuel our emotion for the game. And we know Canadian golfers are a passionate bunch – a community that counts nearly 5.7 million enthusiasts that play more than 60 million rounds annually.

Celebrating the moments and memories that connect golfers is the driving force behind Golf Canada Golf, a national marketing campaign designed to engage golfers through storytelling. The campaign invites golfers to share their stories and special connections to the game across video, online and social channels. The end goal is simple – remind golfers why it is we all love this great game and hopefully inspire a few more rounds along the way.

Golf Canada Golf is based on a simple premise that among golfers, there’s always a story—memorable shots, family experiences, favourite courses, golf trips with friends, or compelling stories of people using the game to overcome personal adversity.

In a column last year, I wrote a personal tribute to my best friend Rick Soverign after he lost his courageous battle with cancer. I shared how golf brought Rick – ‘Sovy as we knew him – together with his many friends and how he reminded us to enjoy every round as if it were our last. For ‘Sovy, golf was about camaraderie. He would celebrate golf ’s intangibles, the memorable moments, the buddy trips, or other factors that make the game special. As golfers, we can all relate.

The campaign provides an outlet for Canadians to celebrate the Rick Soverigns of the world – friends, family, colleagues and strangers whose passion and enthusiasm makes golf more fun for those around them.

Golf Canada Golf has also given me another forum to pay tribute to my late pal. Posting my story to the Golf Canada Golf website and sharing it with family and friends through Twitter and Facebook has brought back a wave of great memories as well as a bit of reflective sadness. It reminded me of the promise I made to my best friend before he passed – to play a bit more golf than I did the year before and enjoy each round as if it were my last.

Storytelling is a common thread that connects our golf experiences. When you visit golfcanadagolf.ca you will experience compelling video features along with golfer story submissions from across the country. You will also find links to connect with a club or PGA of Canada professional in your community as well as information about programs to engage children and new golfers.

The campaign welcomes golfers to socialize their golf experiences all season long. Whether you’re out playing a round, sharing news on Twitter or Facebook, introducing a new golfer or cheering on our Canadian athletes in competition, #GolfCanadaGolf has the power to connect golfers and their stories from coast to coast.

At the end of the day, Golf Canada Golf is a reminder to all golfers – members, public players and new enthusiasts – to celebrate the impact golf can have on our lives and the emotions we experience. I know that every golfer has a ‘Sovy in their life, a constant reminder of why we love this great game.

#golfcanadagolf

Oakville, Ont. – I made a mistake and I’m not too proud to admit it.

With news of the 2015 Federal Budget being released this week, there were a few items that had a significant impact on golf in Canada.

One was a matter that affected the Canadian golf industry, specifically lobby efforts on the part of the National Allied Golf Associations looking for golf’s inclusion among tax deductible expenses. As a partner organization in NAGA’s golf advocacy campaign (alongside the NGCOA Canada, PGA of Canada, Canadian Golf Superintendent’s Association, Canadian Society of Club Managers and Canadian Golf Industry Association), Golf Canada shared in the industry’s disappointment that ongoing government advocacy efforts for tax equity in this area were unsuccessful.

I issued a statement on the matter last night. However, my opinion on the 2015 Federal Budget should not have solely focused on that single issue because it didn’t reflect the full impact of the budget on our sport and our business.

What I failed to do was to acknowledge a critical area of the 2015 budget that also hits the golf landscape, specifically the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in high performance athletes and coaching. Sport Canada funding directed towards golf; specifically in areas of grassroots programs, high performance, coaching and sport science is critical to Canada’s continued growth as a golfing nation.

The federal government and especially Sport Minister Bal Gosal have been a hugely supportive voice for golf, helping our game through sport hosting grants as well as high performance and sport development funding while also lending support to NAGA’s government advocacy efforts. To that point, I owe the Minister and our partners at Sport Canada an apology for rushing to judgement without fully presenting what the 2015 budget means for Canadian golf. I’d be remiss in not acknowledging and thanking Sport Canada for their tremendous support of Golf Canada and sharing in our investment to strengthen the game of golf in this country.

While I share in the golf industry’s disappointment that tax lobby efforts were unsuccessful, we look forward to continued dialogue on the matter, understanding that change takes time.

For some in Canadian golf circles, I’m sure this comes across as a conflicted opinion. The fact is, as the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada deals with multiple levels of government while also working with our golf industry partners as a leader in our sport. Representing the full story is something we owe to all of our partners.

Scott Simmons
CEO
Golf Canada

I find myself tucked in the corner of the parking lot of the Royal Liverpool golf club, looking up at the mostly blue skies – a welcomed sight after the horrendous end to yesterday – and the anticipation of a Rory victory has all the fans buzzing as they enter the course. But I am sure that Rickie, Dustin and Sergio have not given up on their quest for the Claret Jug.

I have been here since last Friday, and my role is to co-ordinate the transportation of the players catching the charter flight back to Montreal to play in the RBC Canadian Open, being played at the Royal Montreal Golf Club this year. We have been doing this for eight years now, to help entice players to come back to Canada. Flying on our plane we leave Sunday night in Manchester and arrive home in Canada Sunday night – so the players gain a day back in their life.

We have many top players on the plane with us – DeLaet, Furyk, McDowell, Dustin Johnson, Kuchar, Hearn, Mahan, Schwartzel, Daly and Snedeker to name a few – 23 players in total this year. Ernie Els went home after missing the cut, but is planning to fly his own plane to Montreal on Tuesday.

While what I have to do here seems simple enough, the challenges are different each year – mostly because of the facilities or sizes of the towns. This year, I was not able to get the buses close to the clubhouse at all, creating a huge logistical and trying to keep the players happy. We had to use a field down the road as a staging area, having buses waiting there while we shuttle players from the course to the field so the bus could take them to the private terminal in Manchester. More than any other year, I engaged the help of the R&A and transportation volunteers to come up with the best solution we could. The other challenge I faced was the fact that the driving range was not on site – they used a municipal course down the road and converted a couple of holes into a driving range – very similar challenge that we faced in 2010 at St. George’s Golf Club, where we engaged the assistance of Islington Golf Club to convert a couple of their holes into a range – I put a lot of miles on my feet this week walking back and forth from the range to the putting green.

I come over early and use those pre-tournament days to meet with R&A staff, security, bussing companies and player transportation to work out the best logistical plan – it’s impossible to get done in advance because as the R&A sets up for a tournament, things seems to change on site daily, and I am more of an afterthought for them, not being part of their tournament. They do however provide me with a small trailer or room to use as an office for the week, so players know where to find me, but for the most part, the best place to talk to the players is usually on the range or putting green, but this year there with the range so far away, I tended to hang around the putting green or head over to the chipping area, which was close to the player dining pavilion, where I could catch the odd player entering or leaving from lunch.

A few players start to arrive on the Sunday prior, but most arrive on Monday. My goal is always to touch base with each player that has indicated they are coming to Canada by the end of day Wednesday. I spent most of my day standing around the driving range on Monday, watching players hit balls, waiting for the guys I need to speak to. But with the distance of the range, many players just passed that step and hit some putts before playing a few holes, so I had to change my strategy. Each year it gets easier for me as players recognize me and find me before I see them. For those I don’t know, I need to go through a full introduction, and for others it’s just a quick hello and a handshake.

By Saturday at noon, I need to send a final manifest to Canada customs which has all the passport information from the players. Sometimes getting all the information I need becomes more difficult than it should be. And player’s plans change regularly – whether it’s an injury, or missing the cut here and deciding to go see their family before heading to Canada. The charter is definitely a popular selling point to attract players into our field – many would not make the trek to Canada after playing over here if there wasn’t this charter service.

On Sunday, we will start shuttling people around 4:30 so that we are out of here when play ends – there are so many spectators, we need to avoid the mass exodus as best we can. The last player teeing off that we have in our field is Dustin Johnson, so either I will drive him to the airport, or I will ask player transportation to bring him so I can get away before the mass exodus of fans.

We are flying out of a private terminal at the Manchester Airport. We have arranged for a hospitality service at the terminal as a holding place until we are ready to board, so players will be able to relax there and watch the final few holes on a projected screen and enjoy the catered food and drinks, having already cleared security. Once the golf is over, we will start boarding, and hoping to leave around 9:00 pm or whenever I get there with Dustin. The plane is a 767, owned by Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner) which has been retrofitted with only 100 first class seats. Once on board we get hors d’oeurves and a meal is served shortly after we leave.

Once we get to Montreal, we will clear customs on the plane by special arrangement and then player transportation will be ready to give rides to all of the passengers to their final destinations.

I hope to see you at The Royal Montreal Golf Club for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open.

There was a bit of a buzz in Canadian golf circles last week following an article in Maclean’s that ran with a headline, “Why Canadian Golf is Dying” which suggested the demise of Canadian golf.

I know sensational headlines are meant to grab attention but I took issue with the suggestion of golf’s demise in an article that I found confusing at times and misleading in some cases given a number of omitted facts about Canadian golf that would clearly dispute the writer’s narrative.

There’s no debating that rounds of golf are down from past years when our industry was really booming. The fact is all recreational activities – golf included – are dealing with a new normal in how consumers spend their recreational dollars. Competition from within the industry and among other sports or activities is as high as it’s ever been.

The article written by Chris Sorenson has generated discussion within the industry. Canadian golf journalists Robert Thompson and Ian Hutchinson were among those weighing in with thoughts on their respective blogs.

• Robert Thompson: Golf is dying: My take on Macleans story
• Golf’s Dead? Tell That to Wheat City Golfers and more

I shared my own comments on the article in the form of a letter to the Maclean’s editor. I wanted to stress that the game has gone through various up and down cycles over the past century and that I fully expect the game to weather this most recent down period. As John Gordon wrote earlier this year, we need to have more faith in the game, and I couldn’t agree more.

I invite you to read my response letter below and should you have your own comments, feel free to send to Maclean’s or share with me directly on Twitter @golfcanadaguy or email me at ssimmons@golfcanada.ca.

Letter to the Editor of Maclean’s:

Re: “Why Canadian Golf is Dying” article by Kevin Sorenson

Kevin Sorenson’s article “Why Golf is Dying” got it wrong.  While obviously provocative, your alarmist headline couldn’t be further from reality.

Like all recreational activities – golf is dealing with a ‘new normal’ in how consumers spend their recreational dollars. Overall rounds are down from an incredible boom period in the 90’s that saw a spike in interest and a subsequent surge in new course builds. This has resulted in healthy competition for the golfer’s interests. This being said, golf still remains the most popular sport in Canada, with more participants than any other sport, and more players per capita than any other country in the world.

The current competitive climate has validated golf’s current focus to welcome more youngsters and newcomers, to ensure a strong base of new players going forward. With an eye towards bringing in new enthusiasts, there are many options available to families through programs offered by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the golf course owners – Golf in Schools, CN Future Links, and Take a Kid to Course Week,  just to name a few.

I read an insightful comment earlier this year in that, “Golf, like the people who play it, is a living, breathing thing. Like us, its existence is typified by cycles.” We’ve experienced similar high and low points for golf over the past century, just like anything else in life. However, the game of golf – with its storied past, a present that has an abundance of rising Canadian stars, and a future that will see the sport return to the Olympic stage in 2016 – with Canada as defending champion from 1904 – is poised to see another growth cycle.

A Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study released in June measured our sport’s worth to the Canadian economy at more than $14 billion, which is a staggering figure that represents more than 1% of our nation’s total GDP. Direct revenues generated by golf courses and their facilities as well as stand-alone practice ranges ($5 billion) are more than the revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined ($4.8 billion) in Canada. The study reinforces the massive financial, charitable, tourism and positive environmental impact our sport has in communities across Canada. Our industry impacts hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in tax dollars. Consider the number of Canadians who plan golf vacations or the municipalities and golf destinations that drive tourism. Look no further than the massive charitable contribution of $533 million raised annually at 37,000 events held at golf courses.

Not only is golf the most practiced sport in Canada, with more golfers than hockey or soccer enthusiasts, it is a dynamic component of this country’s economic engine. These facts certainly do not support the writer’s “sky is falling” narrative and they hardly depict an industry in its demise.

Scott Simmons
CEO
Golf Canada

A s golfers, we’re reminded to enjoy every round as if it were our last. My reminder hit home with the loss of one of my lifelong friends in
January – Rick Sovereign – following his long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Rick was an accomplished golfer in both his amateur and professional careers. He worked at his game with relentless passion. Beyond his ball striking ability, I admired the way he treated everyone, as well as the camaraderie he inspired. He mentored countless people and was generous with his time. He made everyone he played with feel welcome and reminded us of the things in golf, and in life, that we too often take for granted.

He was as fierce a competitor as he was a consummate gentleman and exceptional human being. Canadian golf coach Ralph Bauer shared a sentiment with me that defined Rick’s influence: “Outside of my immediate family, I can’t think of anyone who’s had a greater impact on my life.”

The times Rick and I shared golfing are among my fondest memories. Like anyone who’s had the opportunity to play with a professional, I can appreciate those with a mastery of the game. Rick would give me 10 shots, five a side, each time we played. I lost most of those matches, but I gained something much more valuable.

Rick taught me what the game of golf really stood for. He was a far better player than I will ever be, but never arrogant about his ability. He challenged me to enjoy the experience regardless of outcome. He would talk about golf’s intangibles, the memorable moments, the beauty of the setting, and the challenge it represented. Any golfer can relate.

I hope every golfer has someone like Rick in their life. Someone who encourages us to enjoy the game for what it is. Someone who is thankful for the people that golf brings to our lives. Someone who reminds us why we love to play this game.

Before his passing, Rick demanded that his closest friends honour his memory by remembering to love the game for what it is. He challenged us to enjoy each round as if it were our last. Like our $5 matches, I look forward to the challenge.

Pursuit of a Dream

As the crowd followed the youthful champion seeking autographs, an older man stood in solitude against the setting sun.

His gaze into space was one of quiet reflection, leaving one to wonder what paths he had chosen.

His calloused hands were an example of maximum effort, and a symbol of sacrifices made along the way.

Deep wrinkles against a tanned face, were also a testament to the many hours dedicated to the dream.

Ultimately, age and disease would take their toll, on a once able body.

At first glance this was an image of despair, and that of a dying dream.

But upon closer examination there was a subtle smile, the type reserved for the satisfaction of being true to oneself.

One gets the feeling that the outcome didn’t matter, and a dream pursued is a dream fulfilled.

Rick Sovereign – 1991

(Originally published in the April 2014 edition of Golf Canada magazine)

On Saturday, February 9^th, 2014, Douglas Alexander of London, Ont. was introduced as the 111^th President of Golf Canada. Below is the acceptance speech shared by the London Hunt and Country Club member during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

Past Presidents, ladies and gentlemen.  Thank you for your welcome – and thank you for the honour of allowing me to be the President of this great organization.  This is a game, a sport I love and I can assure you that I am excited about what we can achieve together in the year ahead.

I am going to share with you my views on the state of the game and what I see in the year ahead for Golf Canada.  I will share my reflections shortly, but before I do that, let me start by properly recognizing the contribution made by our Past President Mike Carroll. 

Mike, we all thank you for all you have done for Golf Canada. You have provided very effective leadership in a year when we have made significant progress. Our financial results are the best in many years and you have encouraged us to focus on matters of strategic importance. I believe the gathering of all of the Provincial volunteer leaders in Prince Edward Island last fall was a pivotal moment in deepening our relationships with our partners.  It is an initiative we will build upon as we move forward.  You have been very generous with your time, for which we also thank Ann and your family, and you have shared your passion for the game, your wisdom and advice. I am delighted you will continue to be at the Board table throughout the coming year and I will be most appreciative of your advice and support.  Please join me in acknowledging our Past President, Mike Carroll.

As Mike mentioned a few moments ago, I took up the game at a very young age in Scotland so there is no question that many of my perspectives have been shaped by my introduction to the game and the way it is played there.  

In Scotland, golf is part of our culture. I played with my grandmother as often as I could and with some people who are still my closest friends today.   I would go out and play nine holes in the evening with my mum and dad – it was the one family activity that we all enjoyed and we spent quality time together.  Fifty plus years later I still view golf as a game that at its heart and soul is about camaraderie and friendship. 

Where else do you get to spend several hours walking with your friends, sharing conversations and laughs, enjoying some competition and afterwards sitting down and enjoying a drink and a bite to eat?  What other game has such a deep grounding in integrity and sportsmanship – calling penalties on ourselves and being quick to congratulate a player on a good shot.  From my perspective the qualities or the experiences that are at the heart of the game are as strong as ever. 

I reflect on starting the game at the age of five and then think of my friend Ed Ervasti who recently celebrated his centennial birthday. He plays four to five times per week and is disappointed if doesn’t shoot his age or better every time he plays. What an example of golf as the game of a lifetime. For Ed, it’s as much about competition as it is about camaraderie.  We can all relate.

So, if I can build a case that the game of golf is something that we love and are passionate about, why are there discussion about the challenges in the game and the need for change.  There has been much discussion since the HackGolf concept was introduced at the PGA Show two weeks ago, a discussion that has continued into the hospitality suite this week!!

Certainly any dialogue about the game is good and I welcome the discussion. In reading about the initiative, I wonder why they chose to ask what folks didn’t like or would change, rather than encouraging golfers to share what drove their own passion for the game. The phrasing of the ask ultimately dictates the tone of the response.

As I mentioned earlier, I believe the game is strong, but I would suggest it is perhaps how we play the game that can be improved.  Time, cost, length, difficultly are all factors bandied about however, I’d suggest that in most communities across the country, there are course options that present wonderful alternatives.

I am currently reading the “The Kingdom of Golf in America” by Richard Moss and he offers some interesting insights.  He argues that part of the great enjoyment of the game is the challenge it offers each of us every time we play. In his words, mountain climbing will not become more popular by blasting the tops off the mountains.  We cannot take away the challenge – but also we probably do not need the supply of 7,000 yard courses with deep hazards and punishing greens.

We need a balance.  We have to be aware of social and cultural changes – the game of golf and golf clubs originated as places where friends came together.  Today, all of us – and younger generations in particular – can communicate through social media and lay claim to their number of friends as a badge of honour on Facebook. 

I think we’re all very conscious of what’s happening in society. We probably don’t spend as much quality time as we’d like with friends and loved ones. You don’t have to go someplace to connect with friends – technology makes it easy. We don’t spend quality time with those closest to us – that’s more of a cultural issue than a golf issue, but it’s certainly impacted our sport.

As we move forward I believe it is critical that we respect the traditions of our game, but be relevant for modern society.  That means that we must protect our core values, but be prepared to make changes to adapt to current cultures.  I think we are making progress and we must recognize them and promote them.

Equipment is better than it’s ever been. For the recreational player a ball that flies further and a club that is easier to hit is a welcome development.

The quality of teaching, coaching and program delivery has never been stronger thanks to the efforts of PGA of Canada professionals.

Initiative like Tee-it-Forward remind us that golfers always have the choice to play a course that fits their game.  While we may aspire to play like the PGA TOUR players we watch on a Sunday, the reality is we don’t hit the ball as far.  More importantly, I would argue strongly that golf is more fun when we can reach greens more easily and play the courses as they were designed to be played.

There is a greater awareness than ever about what courses can do – both with conditioning and setup – to impact the golfer experience.  Again the vast majority of us are not good enough to be playing on Augusta-like greens. I played in Scotland last fall when it is questionable if any of the greens were running above 10 on the stimpmeter – and we had a wonderful time.  Let’s make sure courses are set up for enjoyment, not difficulty.

The rules of golf are critical to the integrity of a competition – I’ve played in club, provincial and national events and understand how the rules protect the entire playing field. But the rules don’t dictate any golfer’s ability to enjoy the game. It’s a false argument to suggest the rules are driving people away.

Handicapping is the great equalizer in our sport – that doesn’t preclude golfers from negotiating strokes on the first tee. Any golfer regardless of ability can compete equitably and that is something unique to our sport.

Golfers should be encouraged to be competitive to their own degree of comfort; to fully test one’s game and strive to improve but not stress about it; to enjoy the challenge and to share the experience with friends.

And finally, and most importantly, I think clubs and courses are better understanding the opportunities that come by making their facilities welcome to all members of the family and developing programs that will bring children into the game.

I don’t believe we need to change the game to make it more fun. I think we need to do a better job of selling the experience of golf. Selling the idea of spending quality time with friends and family; selling the values and integrity that golf can offer our children.

I know the people in this room are prepared to tackle the challenges that face our game. Outside of these meetings, we need to be leaders in every sense. We need to be ambassadors. If we’re not talking up the sport, marketing what makes golf great, who will?  

As I begin this term as president, I’ve challenged myself to be a vocal advocate of the sport. I look forward to working closely with the (Golf Canada CEO) Scott Simmons and the staff, our volunteers and our industry partners.  As leaders in the industry – whether at the club, provincial or national level – it’s our responsibility to be the most vocal ambassadors for what makes the game great.

Let me offer a few comments on my vision for Golf Canada – it is a question I have been asked many times in recent weeks.  There is a smart answer I could give that says I don’t have a vision – because simply we all share One Vision – and I honestly don’t believe it is something that any president should bring forward as an individual. We have worked collectively to develop our vision for the future and in the course of the last few days, we have shared the progress we have made – and the work that remains to be done.

I am very comfortable with our role as the National Sports Organization and the four pillars in our plan – participation, excellence, capacity and interaction. It’s important for all of us to understand what it means to be the National Sport Organization and governing body of golf in this country. The four pillars represent the areas of focus that drive our strategic plan. It means getting real serious with what we need to do.

I want to build on the initiatives started by (former president) Mike Carroll and our past Boards. It’s encouraging that Golf Canada and the provincial golf associations – with buy in at both the staff and board level – are working collaboratively to promote, market and support the game. Synergies – working together to make an impact greater than any of us could do on our own.

I want to better understand how we can work with all of our partners in the golf industry for the betterment of the game. 

I want to understand what the course owners and managers are doing to welcome new participants and how can we help.

I want to get a better sense of what superintendants have planned to impact the golfer experience and how we can promote it.

I’m just as eager to find out how PGA of Canada professionals are delivering quality golf activities at the club level and how we can support it. Golf has a wonderful story and I want to help tell share it.

Let me close by saying that I am encouraged by the state of the game in Canada. Golf is a great game.  We are still the highest participation sport in Canada. 

Our athletes are performing against the world’s best.  We have Canadian heroes emerging – Graham DeLaet is performing at a very high level. We have more players on the LPGA, PGA and Web.com Tours than we have seen for many years and PGA TOUR Canada has made a tremendous first impression.  Our Team Canada National Amateur Squad players are winning and we have 9 players inside the top 100 of the World Amateur Rankings, including 16-year old Brooke Henderson. 

We have the Olympics just around the corner which will give the game greater profile. 

We have a clear direction with financial stability and we are committed to working closely with our partners across the country. Yes there are challenges – but we I am very confident we can deal with them. And my confidence is grounded in this room – with the commitment and passion you have shown in our meetings this week. 

I am looking forward to working with the Board and I want to offer a sincere thank you to everyone – volunteers and staff alike – who has agreed to give their time and talents in the year ahead.

I hope everyone comes away from this week’s Annual General Meeting leaving positive about the game; enthused about the many aspects in golf that can make our sport a more attractive option than the recreational activities we are competing with.

I would challenge everyone in this room when you head home to your respective provinces or golf clubs to look for opportunities to make a difference.  Let’s embrace every opportunity to better promote this great game.

Also, click here to check out Golf Canada’s Strategic Plan.