Oh Come On!

Here's a screen grab of Environment Canada's 14-day trend for Guelph. Of course, here we are in April, everyone's patiently (or impatiently!) waiting for Victoria Park to get the tee blocks on for the 2013 season.
I've been updating the homepages of our websites with the following: "The golf course and driving range are not open yet. Our "target date" is April 12 or 13, however this may change. This page will be updated frequently with opening announcements - please check back!"
But look at that dip on the 11th! Things may change, but the weather sure has been a tease this spring. Anyways, we'll do our best to avoid "the latest opening ever" - opposite of last year's "earliest opening ever."
Feel free to come by the Pro Shop for a visit. And visit www.victoriaparkgolf.com for frequent Opening Day updates.

This Sure Ain't Like Last Year!

How many times have I heard that in the last few weeks! A year ago at this time, as it turned out, we were 3 weeks away from FULLY opening the golf course. Well, winter gave us another blast of heavy snow last night, and the 14-Day trend is looking seasonal to below seasonal, with more snow in the forecast. So, keep the clubs covered-up for a few more weeks.
Here's a pic of our 1st tee area, taken this morning at about 9am. Lots of snow...good for the turf!

Over the Hump

With February just around the proverbial corner, and our Year End (almost) done, we're beginning to shift gears and focus on the impending 2013 golf season. It sems crazy, but at this time last year, we were 6 weeks away from FULLY opening the golf course! Let's hope for another early start, it sure was a great bonus for us and the golfers.
Here's a snap-shot of stuff we'll soon be featuring:

• 2013 Membership Info is "out there", on our websites. We've kept prices the same as 2012, with the exception of the Combined East/Valley memberships - they went up about $40 - and the Junior meembership actually went down a bit.
• Road construction on Victoria Rd. finally came to an end, for now, at the beginning of December. As many of you can attest, it was a big pain in the butt to have this major roadwork being done on our doorstep during the summer. Apparently it will continue in the Spring, but they should be able to proceed with lane restrictions instead of road closure.
• We hope to have a "refreshed" website online by the end of February. Thanks to all of you who offered suggestions for changes.
• Jay Pembleton will be back at the end of February here at the East course, getting the shop in shape. Rob Douglas will also return to the Valley, probably at the beginning of March.
• John Teeter and Len Halsam have already been in contact with some of our Tournament customers, and they will continue to do so as we head towards March
• We have some great advertising opportunities at both courses, especially with our Tee Signs. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please give me a call. There's also a golf component to our advertising that's a great bonus.

I'll end off with a link to a funny "commercial" that was sent my way by one of our members. Thanks Harry!Play These Balls!

The Sign Says It All

Canadians at Q-School

Here's a good article from sympatico.ca's Robert Thompson:
http://bit.ly/UO8vKJ

I'm always interested in the Canadian contingent at Q-School, wondering if this will be a "break-out" year for Canadian pros: who will join DeLaet, Hearn and Fritsch?
Could this be Ryan Yip's time? Let's keep our fingers crossed!

A Better November

The season ended here at Victoria Park East and Victoria Park Valley on the afternoon of Thursday November 22. And what a fabulous day it was! Mild and VERY busy - we even had the beverage cart out, much to the delight of the golfers. But now the pins are pulled and the crew is busy putting the winter touches on the turf.
November actually proved to be a decent month, balancing the generally wet and cool October.
The Road Construction Saga is nearing an end - Victoria Road is now paved between Arkell Rd. and McAllister; but a retaining wall is still under construction just north of our entrance, so it's still northbound access only from Arkell Rd.

The East Course pro shop and office remains open during the off-season, and will handle all Victoria Park Valley business as well.

Get Used To Seeing This

A very interesting announcement was made on October 18: the PGA Tour Canada will assume the title from the Canadian Tour, with the PGA Tour taking operational control. This is an incredible "re-brand" and will definitely help in promoting the Canadian game to the American - and worldwide - markets. Here's the announcement from the PGA Tour's website