Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Island National Golf Academy Opens New Academies with partner Facilities More Teaching  positions drives company for further growth   January 24, 2010 – Toronto, Canada: After 5 years of continued growth in its current facilities in Montreal and one year in Toronto, West Island Golf will expand into new Instruction spaces in the 1st quarter of 2010. 3 locations in Calgary & Vancouver will be the new homes of West Island Golf, a full-service golf academy. According to Rafael Kalamat, West Island Golf’s' Director of Golf & Instruction, “the personal-class facilities and their future growth potential are just two of the reasons that West Island Golf has taken this step to expand our company.” The new teaching facility which is just a few miles from downtown Calgary, will also allow West Island Golf to continue to maintain a strong presence in the Canadian Market - home to many major golf companies. In addition, the new location will continue to facilitate the relationships West Island Golf has formed with customers, partner facilities, and other golf institutions such as the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation & The Falcon Golf Club. The new facilities being accommodated for West Island Golf will feature custom designed golf lesson, golf club fitting and golf fitness areas and will house simulator golf, club fitting studio analysis, certified teaching programs & analysis, outdoor & indoor golf facilities, biomechanics and fitness training, and “traditional” instruction. “State-of-the-art facilities are important to us,” says Tim Crough, Head Professional of the Alberta chapter, “to comply with the 'proper golf lesson programs’ CGTF & USGTF requirements we often face. While much of our work could be classified as classic golf instruction problem solving, we frequently do instruction for clients who want to just get better & have fun injury free. West Island Golf is committed to doing very high quality analyses so that we are always striving to do 'good golf' when it comes to lessons, club fitting and fitness. West Island Golf has established itself as a academy which brings years of professional experience and diverse golf teaching capabilities together so this expansion to another city will help us better meet the needs of our growing clientele.” West Island Golf is a private, minority-owned contract golf academy located in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and soon to be in Orlando Florida, which provides golf lesson services, golf club fitting services, golf fitness services, consulting, product development and media distribution/syndication services, West Island Golf has quality experience in golf instruction & golf club fitting and can assist students that range from private, semi-private, group, corporate and junior clients. More information can be found at www.westislandgolf.com

Tiger Woods Taking Break From Professional Golf
The PGA show must go on...
By Rafael Kalamat

Toronto - On December 11, 2009 Tiger Woods announced on his web site that he will take a hiatus from the game of golf and will try to make things right with his family. The past two weeks have been a rollercoaster for the number one athlete in the world. From alleged affairs to sponsors such as Gatorade dropping his Focus brand, this has been without a doubt the most challenging time of his life. I will say that after covering & following Tiger for the past thirteen years, it is quite a shock for everyone in the golf business. Most young golf professionals as myself and millions of people from different walks of life modeled their lifestyles after Tiger Woods. Not only was he the ultimate athlete, he became that and more as a father, as an ambassador to the sport and his foundations. No one can take away what type of impact he has made in the world as an athlete and private contributor to noteworthy causes, but certainly his "transgressions" will haunt him for quite some time and may ultimately change his path and that of the history of golf.  The sport of golf has forever been known for its integrity, honour and family lifestyle. Other sports have seen the trials and tribulations of athlete's.., the rise and fall of great athlete's.., and saw them bounce back bigger and better. His return remains to be seen as the scale of Tiger's controversy's grow bigger everyday as the media dissect every part of his professional and personal life. So it seems this is just a very difficult chapter in the world of Tiger Woods and the Golf world. I wish Tiger and the Woods family all the best in their journey to recovery.
In conclusion, we must remember that no one is larger than the game of golf and if history can teach us something, there will always be another outstanding athlete that emerges just as when we think there would be no other. From Bobby Jones to Jack Nicklaus...who will be the next Tiger Woods?..Or will Tiger Woods reign supreme once again.

Hudson's The Falcon Golf Club a top-notch venue
By Rafael Kalamat

 

HUDSON - Not too long ago it was difficult for public golfers to be part of social events at a golf course and most of the activities always took place at a private golf club. And so you would have the average golfer always searching for a tee time at a golf course and being quite disappointed in the social and educational value of playing this frustrating game called golf.

Sob stories may be commonplace on golf courses, but two things that are rare in the game are guaranteed at The Falcon Golf Club in Hudson for all and a majestic 18 holes golf experience.  Both can be purchased at the daily-fee facility for $55 Monday through Thursday and $65 Fridays, weekends and holidays. In addition to services such as private lessons, semi-private lessons, jr. lessons, Monday golf leagues, club fitting sessions and group lessons provided by The West Island Golf School. Tee times can be booked seven days in advance at The Falcon Golf Club  (450) 458-1997 and activities with The West Island Golf School at (514) 630-GOLF.

Architect Graham Cooke was given more than 162 acres of pristine property, valleys, ponds and woods, and was charged with designing a course to commensurate with the beauty of the land.  His work was a complete success, good enough to earn national magazine rankings and awards.

The Falcon Golf Club, which opened in 2002, is a strong test from its 7,081-yard par-72 back tees, carrying a 135 slope rating.  The course has hosted numerous events & tournaments, including recent Monday qualifying for the 2007 Montreal Open.

“It’s a traditional tree lined North Carolina layout where you have to use every club in your bag,” says General Manager John McCormick.

Proper tee-ball placement is essential to getting the best angle of approach to greens, many of which are elevated or surrounded by the signature waste bunkers and bent grass ridges.  First-time players need to figure out the best lines on par-four and par-five holes and the ideal club selections on three of the par-threes-the 206-yard, downhill twelfth, with water to the right; the 211-yard, strait-chute ninth; and the picturesque 191-yard, downhill 13th. For more info on tee times and activities, follow these links: www.westislandgolf.com, www.thefalcongolfclub.com. www.westislandgolf.com.

Indoor practice is good for golfer's - fact or fiction?
By Rafael Kalamat

MONTREAL - After playing for 23 years I have come to the conclusion golf was intended to be played outdoors, of course, amongst the wonderful courses in the Quebec region. So there's always been something a little strange about trying to test drive a new driver or getting a lesson at an indoor hitting facility.
It's just not right……...wrong.  Practice and play must be separated at times.

 If you want to improve your game in the off season or even in-season, remember that indoors is sometimes the best place for improving your game because you are not focusing on the ball flight but rather the technique. When it comes to golf lessons or club fitting or fitness for that matter, indoors is often the place to be. You can concentrate on your body and use technology such as video analysis software, a virtual golf simulator or club fitting analysis systems and specific core training for your strength and flexibility. These programs are available at Golf-O-Max Dorval and given by certified professional from The West Island Golf School

 Kinesiology or better known as the study of motion, can be explained to the student under professional analysis at your local golf school. If not, make sure that the individual who is recommending or teaching you has the qualifications to do so. Most golf teaching professionals, coaches and player professionals have a good background in this field. 1.Don’t think that you know enough or have reached your potential. 2. Don’t play enough or your just a beginner. 3. Your too old. As a teaching professional, I’ve heard all the excuses why people do not take the right steps to improve their game. If Tiger has a team behind him, I’m sure you will need assistance as well. Whether it’s psychological, physical, technical or all of the above, one thing for sure, see a specialist in that particular field.

Golf Teaching Professional:

Is there to give you drills and exercises so that you have a sense of purpose and progression when you practice or play. He is also there to be a general mentor on all golf related subjects.

Club Maker:

Is there to be your technical guide. He is there to fit your clubs and help you optimize your ball flight through technology. He should give you all the recommendations necessary so that you may be able to adjust or buy the clubs that best suit your performance needs.

Sport Psychologist:

Can help you get rid of those mental blocks. Do not think of the psychologist in a stereotypical manner. He is there to help you focus, develop and unlock your mind so that you can enjoy and reach goals in the game you love.

Personal Trainer:

Is there to maximize your strength and flexibility through programs such as weight training, aerobic training and cross training. Make sure your trainer is a golfer and has a specific program tailored to golf.

 If you decide to get the assistance of a professional, try to tell yourself that your doing this so that you can enjoy this crazy game called golf. So, the next time you throw your club or your ball goes out of bounds think about getting some professional help.

Keep your golf game in top form all year- round
By Rafael Kalamat

Hudson - Golfers have all types of swings, yet there are only two kinds of golfers: those who live in year round heat which allow year-round golf and those who don't. For those of us must suffer through months of snow-covered greens, watching woods and irons collect dust, I feel your pain. However, there's no reason why you can't use the end–of-season time and between-season time to prepare your game for when the gates of your home course reopen to the rites of spring.

Now that we are coming into fall and you know what that means…it’s time to reflect on your golf performance this past season and maybe even start a new routine. You should be asking yourself if you are content with the current level of play. If you are, you should begin to retain this level of play for next season. If you are not so thrilled with your game, you should be asking yourself what type of things I should change so that I do not repeat the same mistakes so that next year you may have a more progressive season.

What a golfer should be doing is working on their game now, throughout the fall and winter consistently. Why now? Learning the proper swing fundamentals, short game, mental game, and fitness along with understanding club technology is a lot of work so starting now will get every player at any level ready to go full out at the start of the season. If you start in spring, you’ll be using prime golf time to make changes. Why not make your changes and improvements now so that you can perform better next season. It takes a commitment but if you’re someone who really wants to improve you need to act now. Very briefly here are a few tips you should take down: Write down your goals, choose a certified instructor, make a calendar of golf activities that will consistently help your game improve and finally educate yourself through magazines, books and video’s.  

I hope that this will keep you busy and remember, always look for innovative and effective ways to learn and maintain your swing through services such as golf lessons, golf fitness and club fitting with the assistance of technology. Hoping that these few ideas keep your swing warm until the first thaw.

The Presidents Cup Golf Tournament comes to Ile Bizard
By Rafael Kalamat

 

Ile Bizard - This week from September 25^th-30^th the best golfers in the world are competing at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Ile Bizard. The President’s Cup, which will be played for the seventh time, was developed to give the world’s best non-European players an opportunity to compete in international team match play competition against the US team.

A biennial event featuring Canada’s very own Mike Weir consists of 34 matches – 11 foursomes (alternate shot) and 11 four-ball matches (best ball). There are 12 singles matches involving all players on the final Sunday. All matches are worth one point each, for a total of 34 points. There are no playoffs for foursomes or four-ball, with each side receiving half a point. Singles matches all square after 18 holes will go to extra holes until a team winner is determined. Due to a change inspired by the events of 2003, if the match is deadlocked at the end of singles play, the competition will be deemed a tie and the teams will share The Presidents Cup.

The Captain for the international side is Gary Player and for the United States team it will be Jack Nicklaus. The past Champions were the US squad also led by Jack Nicklaus, but this year, on paper at least, the international team is favored. Honorary chairman for this event will be PM Stephen Harper as previous chairman George Bush, William Clinton & Gerald Ford are all avid golfers.

What impresses me the most, unlike other events, the players do not receive money based on performance. Instead, net proceeds are divided into equal shares among the players and captains to donate to their favorite charities. The PGA tour is estimating over 4 million in charitable distributions.

The Blue Course at The Royal Montreal Golf Club was remodeled by American Rees Jones and will be playing at 7,153 yards. As a former golf professional at Royal Montreal, I remember the strong finishing hole that plays to the most challenging green on the championship course. Water is a factor off the tee and all down the left side. The tee shot landing area is narrow and bunkered on the right side. The green is elevated with a front left to right configuration. The back portion of the green is relatively flat; however the front portion of the green has a steep slope which is defended by a bunker. I do believe if you are going to any of the matches, the 18^th will have some dramatic finishes. Looking forward to all the matches and I hope to see you there.

Golf a Hit at Indoor Simulator Facilities | Dorval
 By Rafael Kalamat

Dorval - As far back as I could remember, golf enthusiasts put away their golf clubs during the off season due to the obvious weather hurtle we face hear in Quebec . The fun restarted in the1990’s when Indoor Golf Simulation took flight.

But in the 1990’s two developments brought bars/sport facilities and golfing closer together. “These facilities realized they were losing potential customers to other indoor recreational sports and activities by not offering indoor golf,” said Daniel Dubois, president of Golf-O-Max, a indoor golf simulator chain in Boucherville, Quebec. Technology came to the rescue, when a San Diego company called Full Swing Golf sold its first golf simulator to Canada.

The computerized simulator has cemented a lasting partnership between indoor entertainment and golf, fitting into the growing array of indoor diversions like hockey, tennis and rock climbing. At the same time, indoor facilities have expanded their indoor golf progressively each season due to the demand.

As a result, places such as Golf-O-Max Dorval are attracting the average golfer and corporate incentive groups by the dozens, with prizes handed out to top sales staff. And it is luring executives who want to talk business in a private lounge and play a world-class golf course on breaks.

“Golf is more than a sport, it’s a passion,” said Wayne Blunt, general manager of Golf-O-Max Dorval, whose golf members enjoy on a daily basis.

Using real balls and clubs, plastic grass, electronic sensors and a video screen, the simulators combine the feel of playing golf with the visuals of a live P.G.A. event. After driving into the screen, players follow a ball’s trajectory as the screen picks up its flight and shows it landing on the fairway or in the rough. The short game near the hole is just as realistic.

These golf simulator’s can start as high as $75,000 a system, which provides some 60 games and tutorials (“closest to the pin,” “longest drive,” “the Old Course at St. Andrews,” “chipping and putting” and “video swing analysis”), is a big draw for beginners to advanced players. Many facilities add golf lessons, leagues and clinics led by certified instructors.

Bryan Fritz, a 18-handicap player who is a member at Como Golf Club in Hudson, and regular simulator player at Golf-O-Max Dorval, recently tried out a simulator and joined a match play league. “We squeezed in a quick nine holes before heading home for supper,” said Bryan. “I won on the last hole and got the bragging right. And it wasn’t a five-hour round — more like an hour or so — which would make the missus happy.

“I’ve played the No. 2 course at Pinehurst, and now I’ve done it on a simulator — it was just like the real thing,” Steve Leroux of Ile Perrot said. “It’s all computer-driven with the weather thrown in … rain, wind, desert and seaside conditions. And you have to deal with different lies from bunkers to water hazards. If you’re a novice, orientation is always available as was provided for my wife Robyn.”

 “With simulators you can play St. Andrews in the morning, Harbour Town at Hilton Head in the afternoon — and still make it to the hockey game,” said John McHugh, of West Island Golf School, a teaching professional that arranges golf lessons.