When I found out Gord MacMillan, the longtime Superintendent at Rideau View Golf Club, was retiring, I was upset and surprised. I've worked part-time at Rideau View, and for the last 10 years, I've listened to Gord start out each morning with our assignments with his rye sense of humour and candour. How could Gord be retiring? I have always associated working at Rideau View Golf Club with working with Gord. How could this be happening?  A few weeks later, after absorbing the news, I sent Gord a text, wishing him all the best. That I would miss him and that I was happy he'd be able to ac ..read more

Ann Liguori's new book, Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf, is a delightful read that transcends the world of golf. While golf fans will undoubtedly relish the anecdotes and insights from legendary players and Masters Champions like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, and Bernard Langer, the book's true strength lies in its universal themes. I chose Hall of Famers, old and wise enough to share lessons they learned from golf that they use in day-to-day life.  Ann Liguori Liguori, an award-winning sports journalist, skillfully weaves together int ..read more

With what looks like Winter behind us, I've compiled a list of golf course openings for Ottawa and surrounding areas. Like most golfers, we want to get out there and play. Most golf ranges are open, including Kevin Haime in Kanata, but here's a list of golf course openings. LMK at birdiegolf@gmail.com if you know of any others. Ottawa Valley Eastern Ontario and Area Golf Course Openings - 2024 Whitetail Golf Club - Opening on Monday, April 8th. Power carts will be allowed out on the course. The course wintered extremely well, and all 18 greens are in excellent condition. Book a tee time ..read more

 The Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina University Must Play Myrtle Beach Golf  Finally, I had the chance to play the Hackler Golf Course in the sprawling suburbs of Myrtle Beach recently on a family March break trip. Joey, the golf pro at Hackler, was gracious enough to set up my family and friends a couple of tee times during our stay.  If you're unfamiliar with the Hackler Golf Course, The Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina University is just a few kilometres inland from downtown Myrtle Beach. Initially designed by Gene Hamm, the course opened in 1968 (love it - the ye ..read more

Before a week ago, most golf fans would have yet to learn who Jake Knapp was; for me, it was after round 3 of the Mexico Open at Vidanta that Jake discussed his Grandfather and his impact on his golf career and life. This guy is the real deal, with a sweet swing and a personality. He managed to grind out a final round 71 and secured his first victory on the PGA Tour.  Hard to believe he's only played 9 PGA Tour events in his golf career. Perseverance is one word to describe Jake. Jake Knapp - Emotional Discussing Late Grandfather “He was the guy I talked to after every single round. S ..read more

The highlight for 2023 was that I had a front-row seat to Rideau View Golf Course's bunker renovations, from the vision of consulting architect Ian Andrew to the actual implementation by NMP Golf Construction. Seeing the transition daily was amazing as I changed holes for my 10th season at Rideau View. The hard work from Gord and Greg's staff in maintaining them through the Summer months was amazing to see. For those who want to get a perspective of what Billy Bunkers looks like and what they play like, go no further than down the road to the Royal Montreal Golf Club, where the Blue Course ha ..read more

Sporting a new look, Brooke Henderson is poised to play her home open on the West Coast this week at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. Never one to waver to pressure, all eyes will be on her and the rest of the Canadian contingent this week. Always a great event on LPGA Tour the CPC put on a great event. The ladies are always very accommodating and gracious, as I witnessed a few years back in Ottawa when the event was hosted here at Ottawa Hunt Club. I know I even got to chat with Micheele Wie and others. BROOKE HENDERSON ON PLAYING IN THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN… “Yeah, this week is a bi ..read more

 Just the year I don't attend the RBC Canadian Open in some capacity Canadian Nick Taylor puts on an amazing weekend and captures the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, First Canadian since Pat Fletcher won at Point Grey in 1954. Nick Taylor shot the composite-course record after firing a 9-under 63 to lead the Canadian contingent on Saturday. He didn't disappoint Sunday.  ..read more

It's amazing how time can just get away from you. My posts on this golf blog have been few and far between over the last few years. Health issues both physical and mental definitely have played a part as well as family loss. But that can't explain everything thing. The fracturing of professional golf with the offshoot of LIV Golf definitely left me feeling empty and angry. I've even got to where my theme that I use for this blog doesn't work anymore (Oh! the neglect).  I vow to find what use to inspire me and to return here and write about my golf shenanigans. Whether it's local golf cou ..read more

Ever since the spring of 2020, when the outbreak of coronavirus began, the pandemic has brought about numerous changes in our lives, including traveling restrictions. Golf trips were no exception. When the PGA Tour canceled The Players Championship, the world of golf changed forever. As a consequence, golf players across the world had to adapt to these new changes and find ways to tackle the challenges of going on vacation.  The perpetual state of chaos specific to the coronavirus pandemic remains in many ways, but golf was one of the industries to not only survive but thrive during the ..read more