Mill Run in January

Hi, it's Chester.

Here is my take….

January is the toughest yet most exciting month of the year for Ontario Golfers.  The excitement of Christmas and New Years has passed and golf in Ontario is still 2 ½ to 3 months away.  January is pretty tough on us Ontario Golfers, but there are a few things that can help make the time pass quickly, and the start of the Golf Season get here quicker.

The buzz of the start of the PGA season and the launch of all of the latest and greatest in equipment, golf balls, gadgets and apparel is in full swing.  As well most of those winter golf getaways that are planned by many Ontario Golfers are fast approaching.  I know it helps me pass the time quickly when I watch the great PGA events during the deep freeze of winter and do my research on all of the new equipment.  Unfortunately I am not getting away this year for a golf vacation, very envious of all of you that will be.

PGA Tour Season….

Well say good bye to Hawaii and hello to California.  The next couple of tour stops are in sunny California, then off to one of the most boisterous crowds of the year in Scottsdale Arizona.  Is it a coincidence that the liveliest crowd of the year is on the same weekend as the Super Bowl?  I think not.  Click this link to have a look at the shots of the week from the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open. The early season stop that I am looking forward to the most is the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am; it looks to be the first tournament of the year for Tiger.  I am very interested to see what Tiger has in store for golf fans (on the course that is) in 2012.  If you ask me, I say he wins 3 events with one of them being a major.

What’s New in Equipment….

The New RAZR Fit - Available on Feb 17

All of the latest and greatest in equipment is introduced just in time for the Annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in late January.  Here is a little preview of some of the Drivers to keep your eyes on from Golf Digest’s 2012 HOT LIST GOLD.  For the complete list of all clubs on the list click this link.  Remember that just because it is January that does not mean that you can’t think of putting that new driver in your bag.  Feel free to get in touch with me and I can help you make your decision.  The best way to figure it out is to get a professional fitting.  I have the opportunity to book you a fitting appointment at the Callaway Fit Center.  Future blogspots will feature what fairways woods, irons, wedges, putters & golf balls to keep your eyes on as well.

My picks from the Golf Digest 2012 HOT LIST GOLD

• Callaway RAZR Fit Driver – I’ve got this one in my bag and can’t wait to hit it!
• Titleist 910D2 Driver
•  Titleist 910D3 Driver
• Ping G20 Driver
• TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon,

Chester Morin, DIrector of Golf at Mill Run Golf Club.

Year of the Dragon

Here we are, brand new year, brand new PGA golf season.

It's 2012. The Chinese Lunar New Year Calendar is the longest stretching chronological record in history dating back to over 2600BC. According to the calendar it's the Year of the Dragon. Wikipedia says that according to Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon's characteristics include being strong, proud, passionate, self-assured, decisive and pioneering. According to the PGA it's the Year of the Youth and they are pioneering a new sense of confidence amongst young golfers on Tour.

Simply put, they're saying they're not afraid to win.

The 2012 season gets under this weekend in Hawaii with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Kapalua hosts the inaugural tournament which is exclusive to tournament winners from last year. The 28-man field features 11 golfers in their twenties (an additional 7 qualified), and their expectations are high. That being said, there are plenty of fantastic mature players sill on tour. The void of dominance that Tiger left when he fell from glory is still very present, and the number 20-something year old golfers on tour who are salivating at the opportunity to grab a piece of victory pie is growing.

Of particular note, 22-year Rory McIlroy won't be playing as he takes a bit of time off. Expect him to compete in plenty of Sunday afternoon battles throughout the season as he looks to chalk up a few more tallies in the wins column.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua

There's definitely still something to be said for how 15 years of professional experience come into play on the back nine of the fourth round, but more and more PGA newbies are saying "so what?"

Player list source: pgatour.com