The Junior program wraps up today with the final junior league now out on the course playing.

It was a successful year for our program with 7 free junior clinics, three golf camps, the Junior Opening Day, Junior Member Guest Day, The Junior Senior, Junior Invitation and the best participation we have seen in years in the Friday Junior League.

Thanks to Jo Ann Martin, Morag Mitchell, Rich, Andrew and Jared and everyone who helped out this season. With over 130 junior members, our program looks to be in good shape moving into 2012.

Rob  

The PGA of America held it's 93rd Championship this past week. It was an incredible finish at a very difficult golf course. Keegan Bradley won in a play off with Justin Dufner and with that win he has certainly changed his life.

Keegan's father is a PGA member which must have made the win especially sweet for the family. PGA members who are club professionals are involved in many aspects of the game including teaching, playing, merchandising the Pro Shop as well as running events for the members and guests of their respective clubs. Aprenticeship in the PGA is a big commitment but those who go through the process, hopefully, become strong leaders. The most important word in Professional Golfers Association is the word Professional. One of the main purposes of PGA training to help ensure its members act and communicate in a professional manner.

Mike Small was the low Club Professional in the championship. Mike is from Champaign Ill., and is the Head Coach at University of Illinois. Helping young people become better golfers and people, is one of the reasons so many people see their PGA professionals for assistance and Mike represents all of the Club professionals all over the world. Congratulations.   

The Junior Golf program has had good participation this season. Another fun event was held this past Sunday where parents and children enjoyed a 9 hole scramble, a light meal for all players and prizes for each junior. Ben and John Thornton shot 32, Paul and Brad Vollmershausen were 33 as were Connor and Jeff Gilson. Ben and John will have their names added to the John Skillings Memorial trophy in memory of one of the great characters of Craigowan. John always enjoyed playing with a junior that needed an adult to play with in this event. Congratulations to all that played.  

The Junior Senior event is this Sunday. This is a great chance for parents and grand parents to join the juniors for a fun 9 hole scramble event that begins at 1:30 and includes a light meal for everyone and prizes for all of the juniors. Regsister in the Pro Shop.

George Neil will be here on Thursday August 11 for the final Ping Fit Day of the season. This will be your first opportunity to see and try the new Ping G20 line. Book an appointment between noon and 5:00 p.m. at the Pro Shop.

With a goal of improving Canadian golfers' overall enjoyment of the game, the Canadian PGA and Golf Canada are supporting the new TEE IT FORWARD initiative.

TEE IT FORWARD is aimed at helping golfers have the best possible experience on the golf course by playing from a set of tees best suited to their abilities.

Driving Distance Recommended Yardages

275 yards 6700-6900 yards

250 yards 6200-6400 yards

225 yards 5800-6000 yards

200 yards 5200-5400 yards

175 yards 4400-4600 yards

150 yards 3500-3700 yards

By playing from a set of tees that are more suitable to one's game, many golfers will hit approach shots with 6 and 7 irons instead of hybrids and long irons. The new Yellow and Red tees are an example of Craigowan leading the way in this initiative.