The tournament business is an extremely competitive one in the Greater Vancouver market with golf courses looking at these events as major sources of revenue towards their bottom line. The revenue from an event is never affected by weather conditions and is guaranteed. As well, the up sell possibilities are endless; from food service, scoring systems and merchandising opportunities.

A trend has emerged over the past few years towards smaller, more targeted tournaments in which the hosts actually have the time to properly interact with their guests. Not to mention, many individuals do not have the 9 hours plus to register, play and dine at events and leave the tournament feeling somewhat angst about the work that they have to get caught up with the following day.

Courses recognize the need for fast play and have devised many ways to address this common complaint from adding additional marshals, simplifying pin positions and being creative with scoring formats.

"For a tournament to be successful year after year you need to have the players wanting to return," says Michael Cunningham of Corporate Golf Management Company.

Brad Doey, Director of the CPGA Golf Management program at Georgian College in Ontario, says that, "the growth of golf will come from well designed and aesthetically pleasing courses that you can play in 3 - 3 1/2 hours."

We are fortunate the Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort fits into this growth category. The design genius Les Furber created for this 4,700 yard, Par 64 course is found in the stunning beauty, the time it takes to play, the challenging experience, and respect for the environmentally sensitive habitat.

Don't be fooled by Par 3's & Par 4's, Garibaldi Springs provides championship standards, is impeccably maintained, demands skill, accuracy and falls nothing short of brilliant. This course is BC's newest most Naturally Challenging 'eco-golf' experience. Register online for Special Introductory Offers.

Discover the Sea to Sky Corridor's newest most Naturally Challenging golf experience.

Many people who play golf are looking for the secret to playing more consistently. The good news is, there is a secret! The bad news is that many golfers hear it but think there is an easier way.

You can not shortcut the learning process. It is the way we learn all things that determines what we do subconsciously, and that holds true on how we must play golf... in order to play well consistently. The way we learn is through a process called the 'cycle of competence.' There are four stages to the cycle and I will briefly describe each of them:

• Imprint - We begin by paying attention and studying or imprinting what it is we would like to learn to do ourselves.

• Repetition - as I repeat the movements over and over again consciously, making sure that what I repeat is exactly what I want... it will form a habit;
• Habituation - as a person begins to form the habit, they will also begin to execute the movements subconsciously ie. brushing your teeth, driving your car, etc;
• Variation - the last stage is variation. You may have to vary your movements to accommodate for other considerations by changing something. In golf this may be required when hitting a shot into the wind. The golfer would modify their position or direction and then execute their subconscious swing to complete the task.

Ask about our 2005 special introductory rates to host your tournament or group at Garibaldi Springs. Download a complete 2005 Tournament Package, and contact us at 604 898-1075 for to customize your requirements.

Garibaldi Springs Staff members
Sandy Cyr, Frank Roche, Cheryl Cook
Donny Ellis and James Kirkham

Janice Grimes is the Golf Services & Marketing Manager at Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort. This recipe makes a wonderful addition to any apres' golf get together, or sample it for yourself on the deck at Garibaldi Springs.

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and mix well. Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Store in a glass container. Does not require refrigeration.

A memorable moment during Take A Kid to the course week. Left to right are William and Christian Fenn, Tony Vogel, Krista Cook & Tatjana Vogel.

Would your kids like to learn to play golf? Or, would you like them to learn at an early age so they can develop a love for this challenging sport?

All facets of the game will be covered including etiquette, rules, chipping, putting, pitching and sand play. And, each session will include finishing with a round of 9 holes.

Maximum 8 young golfers on a first come, first serve basis! Call NOW to register at 604 898-8356 or 1 866 441-4747

Watch for LADIES GOLF 'LEARN & PLAY' beginning in September!