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 Welcome to summer on Vancouver Island! We waited a bit for the season to begin this year, but now that the heat is here, we can say it has been worth the wait! Pheasant Glen is in fantastic shape and we look forward to hosting the Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship here August 18-22. Jay Barner and his staff have increased the level of difficulty by creating four new championship tee boxes and the greens are in the best condition ever, rolling from 9-10 on the stimpmeter. There are still a few spaces available in our Adult and Junior Summer Programs as well as in the Collegiate Golf Prep, Post Secondary Golf Prep and Junior Tournament Prep programs beginning in September. These spots won't last long - contact Janie in the office for more information: (250) 752-8786, or click on the links throughout the newsletter to receive program information & registrations via email. We hope you enjoy reading about our Juniors' successes this year along with our sections on instruction, college golf, yoga, sports psychology, fitness & nutrition. Remember, it takes more than luck and a good swing to make a great round happen. Balance your work and play with sensible eating & hydrating habits, maintain your strength & flexibility, stay engaged in the present, keep a sense of humor and HAVE FUN! After all, it's just a game. Happy Golfing,
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You may be just missing one small piece of the swing... A simple golf swing requires the fewest moving parts possible, yet the golfer must still be able to generate a swing speed sufficient to achieve the maximum distance possible. Mechanically, we are trying to bring the club shaft and hands back to a similar position at impact relative to where we began the golf swing (at our address position). To do so, it is preferable to keep the swing plane very close to matching the starting and impact positions. An understanding of body/type and building a swing to match will maximize the effectiveness of the swing. Utilizing the muscle memory from motions replicated in other sports can assist the golfer in gaining a quicker and more permanent feel for the "new" swing. A golfer's swing can essentially be identified as belonging to one of two types: a body swing or hand/arm swing. The majority of power in the one-plane swing originates in the body (core) while the two-plane swing is dictated by hand/arm dominance. In Canada I teach many "body", or "one-plane" golf swings. Not coincidentally, many of the students I teach have a background in hockey. In hockey the arms remain close to the body while shooting, stick handling and passing. The weight distribution remains in between the feet or slightly more on the front foot. (See pictures) A common error for many golfers is the unintentional combination of both swing types where the backswing position does not match the release. For example, if a golfer with a natural tendency toward a two-plane backswing (hands/arm) develops a one-plane release (hands/arms becoming passive on the downswing), the swing plane will be forced to the outside on the downswing. Typically the ball will start to the left of the target and slice back to the right. To get the club back on the two-plane path, the hands and arms must do some of the work to drop it back on this lower plane. Conversely, in a one-plane swing the club simply doesn't leave this plane so passive hands and arms are required throughout, resulting in a body release. One-Plane or Two-Plane? Golfers with reasonable strength and flexibility may wish to consider developing a one-plane motion. A student recently coined this the "Set and Forget" swing ... an apt description as this is ultimately one of the biggest advantages; once you are set at the top you just need to learn how to release your body. The club simply stays on top the plane and requires no hand/arm manipulation in the downswing! A one-plane swing is simpler mechanically and can be more easily achieved by the golfer with a higher degree of core strength and flexibility. A two-plane swing is a more traditional swing and focuses more on timing & tempo to coordinate the hands and arms. Each golfer's swing type is indicative of his/her power source. Whether a one-plane or two-plane swing is used, golfers will achieve greater results by staying true to form throughout the motion. Regular practice will groove the swing and help replicate success on the links.
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 Lee Iacocca in his book, Where Have All the Leaders Gone, reflects on his father's comment. His father said, "You've got have adversity. Otherwise, how will you know the difference when things are good..." Then his dad said, "Do you remember what was on your mind (what you were worrying about) a year ago?...You can't remember now, and it was only a year ago." Clearly it is being suggested that we need not worry, things will change, they always do, and the thing we were worrying about will soon be forgotten. Adversity comes and goes, but it always comes. The task is to stay engaged in the present, even if it is an ugly present, for it is all we really have and there is no escape but to make our way through the "adversity. Pausch, in his book, The Last Lecture, speaks of the brick wall. He offers that the brick wall does not arrive to stop us. It arrives to challenge us to discover from within ourselves the solution. Brick walls are for those who do not fear adversity. Brick walls are for those who see opportunity in the challenge. Brick walls are where the best training occurs, if we accept the challenge.
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Core Rotation
Keep the shoulders and chest open as you rotate your core to the sky. Try to create a little more rotation each time turning while maintaining points above. To feel the abdominal muscles fire as you twist, repeat with fingertips on abdominal muscles just below ribs.
Back Strengthener
Mountain Climber
Abdominal rotation/hip work/stretch
To stretch (b): let legs land on the floor and extend arms along floor at shoulder height. Turn head to opposite direction that the legs lie. Hold 5 – 10 breaths. Repeat on other side.
Shoulder & Upper Back Stretch
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 If you are an avid golfer, competitive golfer, golf professional or golf coach who is in search of the golf specific fitness tools and resources to give you a competitive edge, this site is for you! Fitness for Golf is a private, member’s only, online golf fitness website dedicated to the improvement of golfers worldwide. Here, you will learn the exercises, stretches and training methods used by the top golf professionals playing on the tour today.
A. Recreational Golf Package: B. Competitive Golf Package:
Discount Code: BMGA To join Fitness for Golf, click here.
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Watch for the blue BMGA golf bags - our juniors are among the best! Amanda Baker:
Dylan Cann:
Brayden Eriksen:
Kalli Gordon:
Tyler Gust:
Ryan Harvey:
Monica (Szu-Hsuan) Huang:
Kelsey Jahnke:
John Neufeld:
Riley Wheeldon:
Logan Yanick:
Junior Boys Division
Juvenile Boys Division
Bantam Boys Division
Junior Girls Division
Juvenile Girls Division
Congratulations to all of our juniors, mentioned by name or not. You've all worked hard this year and it has been an honor to share in a small part of your successes. Keep smiling!
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Applications are now being accepted for our 2008-2009 Collegiate Golf Preparatory Program. The CGP program operates September-June and is suitable for junior golfers in grades nine through twelve who are looking to present themselves as candidates for post secondary golf scholarships or who intend to pursue careers in the golf industry. Students participate in instruction three times weekly, enjoy unlimited play at Pheasant Glen Golf Course and practice at the 20-acre private Academy training facility. Personalized fitness programs, gym membership, sports psychology and nutrition consults are included as is post secondary planning assistance. Boarding options are available to qualifying students. Limited spaces available - apply today!
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 College or University years are some of the most influential years of one’s life. Junior golfers with the desire and aptitude to play College golf have big decisions to make: Where would I like to go to school? What can my family afford? What schools would be a good fit for me both academically and golfwise? Where do I start in regard to researching schools? Do I have all the courses I need to meet the qualifications to play as determined by the athletic associations (NCAA, NAIA, etc)? How do I go about contacting schools? The list goes on and on. How can an agent help me with this?
It is very common for younger players to not be certain of what they wish to do with their golf and school. A reputable agent will ensure the junior is prepared for anything within reach, so that when juniors make the decision there are suitable opportunities for them, regardless of what they wish to do. So, what would this process look like for me?
How can I find out more about working with an agent?
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 6:00-7:30 PM
Please confirm your attendance with Janie Rome Morrison, BMGA Program Coordinator:
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 Interested in Collegiate Golf Prep but finished high school already? Post Secondary Tour Prep incorporates elements of the CGP program into two shorter terms: Fall (Sept 9-Nov 6) and Spring (March 23-June 18). Flexible scheduling allows PSTP students to work, study or develop tournament experience while improving their games with this intensive instruction option. |
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Juniors and adults, time for a summer boost to your game! Our 5-Day Summer Sessions include 2 hours of morning instruction, lunch in the Pheasant's Nest and 18-holes of golf each afternoon! Suitable for intermediate level golfers, ages 14+, with boarding options available. Limited spaces still available August 4-8. Request an application package »
Each day includes 2 hours of morning instruction at our private practice facility, lunch in the Pheasant's Nest and 18-holes of golf each afternoon, accompanied by Brent on the front nine. $575.00 per person (min 2/max 4) Limited Spaces Available: Sept 12/13 & Sept 19/20 Request an application package »
At the foot of spectacular Mount Currie, enjoy breakfast, 2 hours of morning instruction, lunch and 18-holes of golf, accompanied by Brent on the front nine. $795.00 per person (min 2/max 4) Limited Spaces Available: August 23/24 Request an application package »
Suitable for beginner-intermediate players. Four 1-hr sessions cover full swing, chipping, pitching, sand play and putting.
Register for Adult Group Lessons through the Regional District of Nanaimo at Oceanside Place: (250) 248-3252 OR Ravensong Aquatic Center (250) 752-5014.
Never golfed before? No problem! Join on your own or bring your friends for a series of four or five lessons. All equipment provided. Ages 7-13 Four Lesson Package: $54/4
Five Lesson Package: $67.50/5
Register for Beginner Junior Groups through the Regional District of Nanaimo at Oceanside Place: (250) 248-3252 OR Ravensong Aquatic Center (250) 752-5014.
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Loss of stamina and endurance toward the end of an eighteen-hole round of golf happens to many golfers and can often be attributed to poor nutrition. To keep up the pace and go the distance, there is no substitute for good nutrition. Good golf nutrition has many of the same characteristics as good general nutrition. Foods that are low in fat and contain balanced portions of lean protein and slow release carbohydrates make the best choices, and the golfer’s diet should include lots of these. Lean meat, fish, and poultry are all excellent choices and should be staples in a high nutrition diet, as should carbohydrates containing whole wheat sources and green leafy vegetables. Golfers should avoid starchy foods like potatoes, white breads, corn, and foods high in sugars. These can serve to make you groggy and less able to react properly. They will rob you of stamina rather than enhance it. Instead of eating a traditional “three meals per day,” golfers can benefit from learning to eat several small meals over the course of the day. This process helps to train the body to take in energy in small doses and use that energy more efficiently. Golfers need to drink lots of water. Anywhere from eight to ten glasses per day is optimal, and more than that may be necessary when playing – especially during the summer or in places with an exceedingly warm climate. Phoenix and Las Vegas, for example, are two of the most popular cities in the US for golf and they have two of the most unforgiving summer climates. Hydration is very important. Two things to stay away from are caffeine and alcohol. Both can adversely affect your play. Caffeine over-stimulates your muscles and increases your heart rate. It makes it difficult to concentrate and can cause you to play with less elements of control. Alcoholic beverages, of course, can significantly reduce your coordination, even in small doses. It’s best not to drink any alcohol before or during play unless you don’t mind the compromise in performance. Use these simple tips to gain a competitive advantage over your foursome while preserving your energy and increasing your stamina and endurance. Keep your nutrition sound and you’ll reap a lifetime of benefits. Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit www.fitnessforgolf.com.
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Brent Morrison joined the Canadian PGA in 1988. His passion for helping people fulfill their objectives has resulted in a diverse career, from Club Professional and U.S. mini tour player to his current roles of golf instructor, mentor and consultant to both golfers and players of varied sport backgrounds. Brent is consistently recognized as one of the "Best Golf Instructors in North America" (Golf Magazine rankings, 1999-2008). In 1998 he was named "Teacher of the Year" by both the Canadian and British Columbia PGA. He has been included in Golf Magazine's prestigious list of "Top Regional Golf Teachers", and nominated for "Top 100 Best Golf Teachers" and "Top 25 Best Golf Schools" in North America (2004-05). Teaching private, group & corporate lessons to both amateurs and professional since 1989, Brent's constructivist approach to golf instruction led him to create the comprehensive Collegiate Golf Development Program, fast gaining recognition as one of North America's premier development programs for junior golfers. Brent oversees all golf instruction programs at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort and personally instructs students in our Collegiate Golf Prep, Post-Secondary Tour Prep & Junior Tournament Preparatory Programs, as well as our adult golf schools at Big Sky Golf & Country Club in Whistler/Pemberton.
Gord became a Class "A" Professional in 1996, and was awarded the British Columbia PGA "Assistant of the Year" designation in 2001. His desire to teach golf and manage a golf facility was realized in January 2002, when Gord became Head Professional at Glengarry Golf Links (now Pheasant Glen Golf Resort), a position which highlights his enthusiasm both for the game and for helping players fulfill their goals. In addition to his commitments as Pheasant Glen’s Executive Professional, Gord instructs both the Collegiate Golf and Junior Tournament Preparatory programs at the Brent Morrison Golf Academy.
With nearly twenty five years of golf experience, including time spent playing on the Canadian Tour, Chris brings a dynamic approach to the BMGA instruction team. His passion is to develop quality golfers, and help players of all abilities improve and enjoy the game. Chris is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at Camosun College in Victoria, BC. He obtained his CPGA card in August 2006 and holds TCCP Level III Teaching Certification. Chris' philosophy of teaching and learning golf is best summed up in the words of Ben Hogan: "To improve is the best part of the game".
John has 13 years of experience in the golf industry and has completed levels 1-4 of the Canadian PGA Teaching & Coaching Certification Program. Passionate about supporting students as they learn their best swing based on physical abilities, learning style and personal goals, John also specializes in Club Fitting, helping students find the best equipment to suit their individual body types and swing mechanics. John instructs the Junior Boys' Tournament Prep program and our weekend junior golf clinics as well as teaching adult lessons and coaching programs.
Janie oversees all program registrations and client communications for the Brent Morrison Golf Academy at both our Pheasant Glen and Big Sky locations. She coordinates the Homestay program for boarding students in our Collegiate Golf Prep and Summer Programs and acts as school and home liaison for our boarding students, maintaining a solid support network for our juniors living away from home.
Doug is a Human Performance Consultant, specializing in the areas of team and individual consultations in Sports Psychology, Managing Adversity and Lifestyle Management. Formerly Chair of the Rehabilitation department at Red Deer College and a sessional instructor for the University of Calgary, he now consults in the area of physical and mental athletic performance for various athletic teams and organizations through his company, F.I.R.S.T. Place for Human Performance. Doug shares his expertise in the field of Human Performance with our Collegiate Golf Preparatory students in the form of individual consultations, small group seminars and large group presentations.
For the last 15 years, Penny has worked with yoga students of all ages and walks of life in both Canada and Australia. Penny facilitates Power Yoga classes for our Collegiate Golf Prep students each semester to help them improve their core strength, flexibility and breathing techniques, reducing physical tension and slowing respiration for increased mental clarity and physical stamina.
Susan Hill has earned national certifications as a fitness trainer with several organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports Science Association, and the American Council on Exercise. She is a contributing writer to Golf Illustrated, a guest speaker at private and public golf clubs, and a published writer on topics of health, fitness and golf. Her work has been featured in Travel Golf, Resort Living, SELF magazine and on ESPN. Susan was chosen as one of the top three trainers as Trainer of the Year 2003, having been chosen among over 85,000 trainers across the United States. |
