Hello, September!

And here we are, staring down the tube at Fall Golf.
September has always been the other "bookend" month for us, in terms of busy-ness: the biggest tournaments of the year happen during the middle two weeks of September.
This month also presents its traditional challenges - many of our seasonal staff are students, so scheduling becomes a huge challenge, if not a downright nightmare!
And of course, everyone's fishing for a deal. At the first sign of leaves changing colour, we start getting the call: "What are your fall rates?"
We've also put out a deal for prospective 2014 members - join now and play the rest of this season free. Now that's a deal!

You Think You've Seen It All!

Now, this was something to wake up to! Very early last Tuesday (July 30) morning, a confused gentleman decided to check out our property, somehow oblivious to the fact that he was on a golf course. As the above picture attests - just below our 18th green - he didn't get very far. David DeCorso was, well, gob-smacked! He immediately called the OPP and did a quick survey of the surroundings. Thankfully, the wayward chap stayed on the cart path and didn't damage any turf. To make a long story short, the "guilty party" returned to the scene with one of our staff members, the police arrived, and a tow truck fished the vehicle out of the pond.
Anyways, this led to a discussion about security for the golf course property. It has been on our minds, since the recent build-up of residential blocks right beside us has introduced a new problem: people wandering onto the golf course, just "out for a walk". So the talk has started: fences... gates...?? Don't know yet, but we'll have to do something eventually.

Triskaidekaphobia

Fear of the Number 13!

This year, we have experienced a definite lack of wedding bookings here at Victoria Park East. Historically, we have about 20 weddings a year, more or less. This year, we have 9!
I've been involved with the Clubhouse business here since 1993, and I've seen some unusual wedding trends... but never this severe. One theory is the year: 2013 - an unlucky year to get married.

© John Wood Photography

Oh well, at the least the tournaments have been unfazed by Trikaidekaphobia!

Rory vs. The Robot

Here's a great little video, featuring Rory McIlroy on a driving range, being challenged by a smart-assed computerized ball-hitting robot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2fLuz9mF0

And Here We Go Again!

Remember this? Well, it will soon start up again.
Of course, Victoria Rd. South between Stone Rd. and (since last year) Arkell has been a mess for years. With the boon in housing construction, there's no question that a major fix is needed.
As many of you are aware, they began ripping up the road a year ago, from Arkell to the new McAllister Rd. So, the whole summer was a "ballet" of which way to go, to access the golf course. It was frustrating (to say the least), and a major construction delay at the land bridge just south of McAllister didn't help. However, the new road at the golf course entrance is great, and the centre turning lane is very handy.

Here's what's up for this season: at the beginning of June, construction will begin between McAllister and Stone. Victoria Rd. will be closed for 2 weeks at McCallister for deep service work, so access to Victoria Park East will be northbound from Arkell. After those 2 weeks, Victoria Rd. will be open both ways, but with restrictions, basically until November.

I will keep the Victoria Park website updated, as well as social media posts (Facebook and Twitter), with construction news.

Oy...

Hits and Misses

This year, it seems like the Masters, opening the golf courses (late) and the playoffs came smack together like a bad hit. Granted, it was an enjoyable last round at the Masters with Adam Scott prevailing over Cabrera... and of the course the Leafs finally breaking through to the post-season... but April made it tough for me to enjoy. My wife had a cancerous tumour removed, and fortunately the prognosis looks good. Her strength and attitude continue to amaze me. Now, we stay positive and look forward to a great summer.

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.