Welcome to the 2010 Season

Radio That Rocks in the Morning

2010-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I owe it to our newest 'Executive Members', Marty 'The Beav' Sylvestri and TJ Connors from the Wolf 101.5 FM, Peterborough to encourage my friends and family to listen live at www.thewolf.ca as we help TJ & The Beav realize their golfing potential. Our industry partners at Callaway have invited them to the Fitting Centre in Concorde to be set up with gear that fits them best - as currently, they play pretty well with all the wrong stuff - like too many golfers, unfortunately.

Anyway, folks, when these guys achieve their golfing goals, I suspect they will talk about how it changed everything for them - their business development skill sets are enhanced with every breakthrough (and these guys get a lot of opportunity to negotiate really cool things for the community - particularly when they are demonstrating golf 'swagger' and poise through high draws with that 5-iron Beav hits like Tiger - man, I'm serious - for a couple of clowns, these guys are talented golfers with greatness pending after repetition and time.

So, listen to TJ & The Beav on the Wolf morning show from 5:30 am until 10 am Monday - Friday. Then expect to find them either on the course or the patio at Black Diamond on many occassions - NOT that they enjoy our 19th hole any more than the course - we have on-course beverage carts where Beaver Buzz Energy Drink will be on ice whenever the boys are back in town.

Thanks again fellas - from an avid listener and a determined coach. Together, we might even have fun getting you to the next levels of golf and junior development. Cheers - good match last Friday, by the way - you guys trounced me!!! But I'm comin' for ya - one day we'll all play straight up (no strokes) from the tips and I'll collect my rightful winnings when I deserve victory and pay my wager after the game when I don't. But while I'm overly charitable now, I look forward to the day when we can battle on the level and it's anybody's game.

If you would do me the honour of listening in, I promise there would be many good golf gems to learn from, call in and discuss anything you desire learning more about. I will be on-hand to take those calls and we'll have a lot of fun dispelling myths and developing better players in the Kawarthas. Listen when you can and we will be in your debt (but you will benefit from the hijinx, to be sure).

Golf Camps Are Effective for Significant Development

2010-06-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

If you think golf camp at Black Diamond may be a positive choice for your children's golf development, you would be right on the money. But we suspect you are less aware of the social rewards from attending an all-day, all-week golf camp - or the learning through 'osmosis', of the core values of the game - traits such as integrity (the only game where kids are expected to call pentalties on themselves - no ref's), determination, perserverance, demonstration of respect for others (as simply as learning not to walk in another's putting line) - as well as the traditional, customary show of gratitude for playing together (shaking hands and thanking your fellow players for a great day and a good game is not only expected, it is 'hammered' into our participants throughout the week) and of course, last but not-at-all least, every moment of every day is an excercise in safety and concern for personal responsibility. We are careful to 'quash' any negativity or unsafe behaviour (psychologically, in particular - there is no bullying at golf camp, no insults, no making fun of anyone and no subjective judgements by anyone) - our rules are objective and consistent. If someone demonstrates any of the aforementioned faux pas, we simply remove them from the dynamic altogether. Our 'penalty box' is a golf cart (without a key in it) that kids spend exactly 2 minutes thinking about it - just like hockey - no point in arguing, rules are rules and there is little grey area.

As an example...

If we are working on putting (lots of kids in a small area with heavy-headed putters) and someone accidentally raises the putter past their waist - regardless of intent, we call them for high sticking and they sit for two. This has proven to be the single-most effective way to ensure safety in condensed groups of kids with what could be dangerous weapons with no intent to hurt anyone. Sometimes kids just miss a long putt and in the excitment of the moment, raise their arms in anticipation or swing their club a little too high in disappointment. These are nomal emotional responses and we have an objective, effective, zero-tolerance policy that everyone clearly understands when we begin each day. If you can imagine that I have never seen anyone with any intent to hurt anyone (and that is after hundreds of kids entrusted to my care since 1997) - and more importantly, I have never had anyone hurt - other than one little girl that hit herself in the shin with her putter and it bled a little - impoperly swinging the club around without using the safety position (holding the heavy clubhead in hand and having only the lighter end with the rubber grip on it to swing around without realization that they are even doing it). That girl was my daughter, Lauren. She's nine and an AWESOME golfer. She comes to every camp with us and helps captain the scramble teams - others watch her and learn. And they learn from her painful mistake and her story of how innocently it can happen (and how much it hurts). Kids quickly learn the importance of my safety concerns when I take my putter and swing it seemingly-harmlessly from a resting position over my right shoulder and drop it in with an axe-wielding motion. The result is my putter-head driven into the ground at a 45 degree angle and I can let go of the handle while the shaft bobs in the air. That image (or the image of my painting a face on a grapefruit and hitting it with a driver) sticks with kids. They all become referees. From the other end of a 10,000 sq foot putting surface, I hear kids excitedly yelling, "High sticking - she lifted the putter too high - that's a penalty". Now here is the really cool part. Often, the kid in the 'box' is often getting their first orientation of a golf cart. And whether they admit it or not, all kids wanna drive the cart. So, while they sit in the penalty box, they (almost pathologically) pretend to steer, familiarize themsleves with the distance to the pedals - they learn where the gearshift is and how to look at the motor under the seat. There is a cooler of water and freezies on the floor of the passenger side which they are welcome to while serving their two minute sentence. As you might guess, no one minds the penalty box. A couple of little characters have purposely (and safely) violated the rule on purpose - just to get the seat on the soft cart seat! My point is, (touch wood) we've never had anyone hurt in any of our many 45-hour weeks with children in our care. Entrusting my kids to someone else has always been tough for me. I ask a lot of questions and when I'm not certain the organizers of any event are not diligent in their efforts to keep my kids safe, I pull 'em. Immediately! It's a matter of not having any more kids than an instructor can safely handle - basic liability requires prudent and reasonable measures. By limiting the number of kids to eight for every one instructor, and subsequently grouping them into foursomes where only one of each team is allowed to remove the club from the safety position after taking their place over the ball (and ensuring that no one is within even five huge paces), we have never even had a close call.

My point is (obviously), our priorities are less about golf - that part just happens through planned activities with tight timelines for each different thing we do. And by different, I mean water gun fights, frisbee golf, soccer, field trips to the maintenance shed for an opportunity to sit on the tractors and mowers - and to see all the machines required to maintain such a huge property, and of course, (le piece de resistance) GOLF CART RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!!

The primary mandate is fun. The resulting development through osmosis is very 'rounded' and respect for others is non-negotiable. I actually fired one camper in 1999 for his inability to refrain from dangerous behaviour. We called Mom to pick him up an hour early and welcomed him back the next morning (a changed man, I promise) where he was clearly embarassed enough that no one had to even mention it again - he was leading by example for the rest of the week. Subsequently, when he tuned 14, we hired him to clean carts and service the range. That boy was one of our best employees - a team guy with a passion for doing a good job. Funny how it works sometimes - where kids are so easily written off as being undisciplined or behaviourally-challenged, they really just need to learn the validity of the parameters. Consequences are objective and delivered with respect. We will not tolerate anything but a fun, safe time for our campers. As a result, everybody learns. Everybody laughs. And everybody identifies with golf as a fun and cool sport.

Join us for golf camps in July and August 2010 - drop off is anytime after 8am with formal golf instructional activities commencing at 8:30am each day, where we head out for a few holes on the course to start each morning. That's right - the first thing we do is go golfing (before the early-morning golfers reach holes 15 through 18). We play out on the big course every single camp day - often twice. Tell me that doesn't sound too good to be true. Formal programming ends at 5:30pm and kids are free to stay and chip & putt while they wait for a ride. Supervision is perpetual and kids quickly feel comfortable enough to make their way around the clubhouse, use the phone, etc.

And, we offer unlimited text messaging between parents and kids to my cell. This allows mom and dad to check in anytime if there are early/late pick-ups, reminders for med's, sunscreen applications, moral support (the usual case is kids texting parents to tell them of their accomplishments in the moment - very cool to be able to share with Mom when you make your first par, or whatever).

If this all sounds too good to be true, I would encourage you to read the following testimonial from a parent that brough their kids to our camps three years in a row. Her name is Beverly and this is what she wrote after the second year of golf camp.

"The twins (Sarah and Gregory) loved their experience so much that we are already booking the same week of the summer for next year. And, while I wasn't sure how little Victoria would enjoy an entire week at only six years old, I can't begin to tell you how great it has been for her self-esteem. She hasn't stopped talking about it and her golf skills are beyond mine (not saying much, I suppose - however, you get my point). The emphasis on safety is appreciated and the on-course frequency was unexpected. Thanks so much for the summer memories that will be cherished always. See you next summer - kids can't wait!"

Need we say more?

There is a lot more to golf than meets the eye. Life skills and character-building experiences just happen. Golf learning activities and the mandatory demonstration of proper etiquette - golf 'education', if you will, is the 'mother' of self-esteem building for kids. Goal-setting, objectives and achievement are just simply happening every day. I don't know what else to tell you, other than golf camps are great for a lot more than learning just golf.

Won't you join us today? Scholarships are available for families with special needs. Don't even think for a second you can't affort it. If parents are willing to jump through a few hoops, we can help with subsidies or even tuitions paid in full (programs like Canadian Tire's 'Jump Start' or local businesses sponsoring kids in exchange for the promotional value - a little red tape is required to ensure accountability and that the most-deserving find a way to attend).

And every Friday night from 6-6:30pm, we will be offering free instruction for kids and a $10 opportunity per person to golf with cart as a family after the clinic. So if Mom brings her little girl for the clinic, afterwards, the two of them can play til dark for a mere $20 for two golfers with power cart - rentals if needed - an awesome access-granting, junior-focused, affordable golf opportunity. Only at Black Diamond - where we understand the barriers that prevent kids from getting all that awesome life-learning golf provides. And we knock 'em down with pleasure while our young participants flourish and grow.

Awesome.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

From all of us at Black Diamond Golf Club & Learning Centre, thanks for celebrating Father's Day with us on this beautiful, sunny, day of golf and family celebrations everywhere. With only one day a year being allocated to celebrating Dads across the land, is it any wonder so many of them choose to spend it golfing? Visit soon...

Callaway Demo Day Today - June 15th

2010-06-15T04:03:00.000-07:00

Big Brothers & Sisters Junior Golf Scholarships

2010-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

The two most-significant obstacles to kids learning life's lessons through golf and organized, social, fun golf programs are ACCESS and AFFORDABILITY!!! Recently, I visited a club where my daughter was welcome to play by herself (she's nine, by the way) but if I wanted to carry her clubs and ensure she kept moving along, I was told the strict policy is to have any parents also pay the adult green fee - even if they have no intention of playing - no clubs - no shoes - those things are for sale and for rent, as required (sound like sincere intentions to develop junior golf or a few extra bucks - anyway, as you can imagine, my nine-year old was no longer interested in going back for my stuff, so we went somewhere else). Now, I get that courses can't have walkers during busy times or on big, tough courses - they might get hurt and the liability is on the club - so they insist that fees are paid to assume this risk. Fair enough. But if it's 7pm on the par 3 and no one else is on the course, why can't Mom or Dad walk along with their nine-year old? I mean, c'mon...

Anyway, our mandate at the Learning Centre is to promote junior golf. Aggressively! So, walk with your nine-year-old at Black Diamond anytime you choose. If you, as a parent want to play with them, check in and learn that if you choose to play, any child of fourteen or younger will play and ride in your cart for free. Now that is a significant method of developing parent/child golf outings, no?

But further to this, we know that the access piece is even more preventative for the less-fortunate families in our area. We are out of Peterborough by a few klicks - but that won't stop our friend Darlene Evans from coming up with a creative solution. How about a bus partner? Why not take sixteen kids from families who deserve a break to a full-week golf camp at Black Diamond? Perfect. Access granted. But what about the tuition for a full week camp? Fair market value for an excusive eight-hour, five-day golf camp is out of reach for most single-parent families or (gulp) former GM employees trying to scrape by with jobs they never imagined they would ever have to do - pensions gone or reduced significantly - these families in Peterborough and the Kawarthas deserve a break. So? Mr. Stalteri and I came up with a plan. We'll foot the bill for the whole camp - eight boys, eight girls. Darlene will know how to select them - for their contributions and efforts. Kids who deserve this experience - kids with no access or ability to afford a camp like this.

We are proud to work with the great people at Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Peterborough and the surrounding areas. I grew up here. I was a little brother. It may have brought me here, to this place - doing what I love. And so, we give a little back. Time, access, learning and laughs. Sunscreen, bottled water, snacks and learning, through 'osmosis'. Self-esteem is the reward.

On Saturday, May 22nd, on an otherwise grey and dreary day, the partnership between Black Diamond and Big Brothers and Sisters of Peterborough was formed with a humble presentation of gift certificates for sixteen deserving "littles" to come and experience golf - at it's most awesome and memorable level. Our special thanks to Darlene Eveans, Executive Director, who came on a Saturday with no hesitation. Rather than send someone on her behalf, she came in person and accepted our offer, allowing us to take a few pictures as we cut the banner to kick off our season at the Black Diamond Golf Club & Learning Centre. This is an exciting partnership, to be sure.

We may not look like much now, but give us ten years. You might just see a kid from our Big Brothers & Sisters gang go on to compete as an Olympic competitor with a chance to bring gold home for golf in Canada. Stranger things have happened. And we're ready to help anyone realize their biggest and best dreams! Especially, the most-deserving, who otherwise may never have an opportunity to go to golf camp. We will welcome them in a special way and keep you posted.

Visit soon! We are off & running. We'll cure your slice in 15 minutes and change your golfing lives forever. (Or happily, give you your money back...). You have it in writing. FORE!!!!!!!!!!

Learning Centre Grand Opening May 22nd

2010-05-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Mother's Day at our place featured family and friends and exceptional cuisine. The weather was a little cool but at did not stop the golfers from coming and braving the elements.

Our next big thing is the Grand Opening of our Learning Centre on May 22nd from Noon until 2pm with golf & power cart with free instruction for all registered attendeed for only $10 per person!!! Join us for a planned cheque presentation as we award a local charity just shy of $5,500 at our putting green and ask them to help us cut the ribbon at the truly committed club for development of future Olympians (were you aware that golf will again be an Olympic sport in the coming years?) - dream big, kids - we're here to help you develop according to a long-term plan with goals that require work but -- said goals are not to be unattainable - they are to be measurable and evaluation of progress then becomes objective.

Join us on May 22nd - or don't. But I warn you, we only do this once and it will be an event.

Black Diamond Learning Centre - where we do our best to change people's golfing lives, accoding to our client's goals, objectives and time constraints.

Black Diamonds rare gems, indeed. As are committed, decisive plans for goal achievement. Get one. We can help.

Mother's Day Free Golf Clinics and Special Offers

2010-05-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

At Black Diamond, we know that Mothers make the world go round - even more so than golf (yikes - that is sayin' sumthin', am I right, golfers? Can I get a "Amen" for the Moms, people?)...

From 10am until 2pm on Sunday, May 9th, visit Black Diamond Golf Club where Moms and their childen can enjoy a four-hour FREE (that's right - I said it - as in... no $$$!!!) short game clinic at our beautifully-kept, hilltop, undulating, smooth and true practice putting surface - just outside of the clubhouse. Our putting green is the crown jewel of the practice facilities and features more opportunities to learn and grow as a golfer than any other amenity of the Learning Centre. More than 70% of all shots are hit from inside 100 yards - get this - for the average golfer. So, if you fall into the 'novice' category, that number might even be closer to 90%!

In short (pardon the pun get it? short game?), practicing and learning from two feet, then four, then ten, then thirty - eventually moving off the green to 'chip' (as in, fly a little, roll a lot) from five yards, then ten, then thirty (you get the picture) is the most-effective way to shave strokes from your score and build the most-important weapon of all... confidence. Golf is a game of confidence. If you don't believe it, then I suggest you get a copy of "Golf is a Game of Confidence" as well as "Golf is not a Game of Perfect", both by Dr. Robert Rotella - mental coach to the best of the best PGA Tour players. Or, for those literary 'lions', might I suggest Dave Pelz's "Short Game Bible" (about the size of War & Peace but full of scientific information about the most important part of one's game - absolutely perfect read for those 'analytical' types - Dave Pelz was literally a rocket scientist with Nasa before he decided to follow golfers, collect data and present his findings in a factual and accurate account).

And, after getting inspired at the free short game clinics, by all means, take advantage of our unbelievable golf & cart specials for Mom without busting open the piggy bank or borrowing on that trust account again (kidding - sense of humour, people) - only $25 anytime that day for Mom to golf using a power cart for 18 memorable Mother's Day holes.

Before or after the game, (la piece de resistance, mes amis)...$14.99 gets your Mom a most-amazing culinary experience in our beautiful Black Diamond dining hall - a setting that few would dispute exudes comfort and elegance. The menu options are exceptionally-priced to remain synonymous with the value we are becoming renowned for - our hope is that you will join us and our families for the entire day.

And to tantilize your taste buds, the menu looks like this:

The first course features our delectible Beef Vegetable Soup and fresh Caesar Salad

Then, bring on your choice of entree; (Choice of one of the following)

Poached Salmon topped with Hollandaise sauce, served with rice pilaf and mixed vegetables

Or...

Chicken Tuscany - a 'plump' chicken breast, stuffed with sundried tomatoes, cheese and prosciutto, served with rice pilaf and mixed vegetables

And for dessert;

Strawberry Short Cake (mmmmmmmmmm)!!!

Hungry yet? And for kids, for a mere $7.99, they can have their choice of either Pizza or Chicken Fingers & Fries - with vanilla ice cream for dessert!!

Seating starting at 11:30 am until 5pm
Call 705.932.4653, ext 1 to book your reservations

(As per usual, taxes and gratuities are not included - but you knew that already).

On a side note, remember our increasingly-popular May Special; featuring Golf, Power Cart, 2 BBQ meals and sleeve of golf balls $55 Monday through Friday and $58 on weekends and holidays. Exceptional value and then some, no?

So? Any excuses not to treat Mom to a memorable day for minimal investment? We thought, not. Remember to show up for the free short game clinic for Moms and Kids fom 10 am until 2 pm and then $25 for golf & cart, all day long.

See you at Black Diamond on Mother's Day - and again, we strongy urge you to reserve your table today as we are filling fast in certain times and would hate for you to miss out on such an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a family outing that will be one for the FaceBook albums...

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Black Diamond Golf Club and Learing Centre!!!

www.blackdiamondgolfclub.ca/instruction.html

2010 Instructional Schedule Now Posted!!!

2010-05-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Black Diamond Learning Centre 2010 Group Lesson Schedule is now available at www.blackdiamondgolfclub.ca/instruction.html and registration forms are downloadable with an Adobe reader ( free download, if by chance the computer you're using doesn't have it - for example, a couple of hotel lobby computers I've used required an updated download - takes mere moments and you can find it at http://get.adobe.com/reader/ ).

Without question, our adult group programs are exceptional, affordable and fun - the junior camps are an incomparable value for an all-day, all-week structured program - and our club's committment to growth of the game is second-to-none that I'm aware of - FREE instructional clinics for kids on Friday nights in July and August and FREE golf for kids age 14 and under when accompanying their parents/guardians who purchase a regular-priced green fee - with no restrictions!

With both Mother's Day and Father's Day fast approaching, we can think of a few great gift ideas here at Black Diamond Golf Club. Call or email us today if we can help you with that special something - Learning Centre gift certificates are fully customizable with text and graphics and completed gift certificates are emailed to you as read-only files within minutes of receiving your details! Shopping is much easier at the Black Diamond Learning Centre than you may realize.

Okay! Enough, already!! Visit, sign up, buy a gift for Mom & Dad!!! Tune in tomorrow for details of our Mother's Day Learning Centre Free Clinics for Moms as well as the special menu options and unbeatable offer for those considering taking Mom out to the club for a meal she will not soon forget!

Earth Day & Black Diamond Learning Centre

2010-04-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

Mother Earth is not opposed to the scars we leave in her many fairways and marks in her many greens. She appreciates our two stroke penalty for breaking anything fixed or growing and loves that we are not permitted to ground our clubs in her hazards or improve our lie in any way when playing the ball 'down' (as in, how it is played by the rules - without exceptions for winter rules or soggy conditions, where some enjoy lift, clean and place or replace, depending)...Mother Earth appreciates, almost as much as we, the industry professionals do, the replacement or filling of divots, the smoothing of traps, the fixing of your ball mark and two others on every green and the careful treatment of enviromentally-sensitive areas. I know, I know - it was a Pro V...

Come to Black Diamond's New Golf Learning Centre and learn more about how to care for your golf course and its' environmental boundaries. And please, fix your marks and replace your divots. If not for us, do it for Mother Earth.

Happy Earth Day. And may the wind be always at your back on both #1 and #10. As well as the fabulous #11. What a golf hole. Talk about a postcard for earth day...

Visit is today at www.blackdiamondgolfclub.ca and learn more about choosing to play better now, rather than making change for the sake of making change. We coach you and your children to use what they've already got and offer suggestions for improvement over time and with repetitions. Coaching works today - now - in the moment. Choose to play better. It is a choice. Come visit, sign up, attend free opportunities to meet the pros at our club. Peruse our website and find all kinds of great incentives to register early and receive free things like clinics, golf and fitting/demo opportunities that happen at every club who cares about their members.

Earth day reminds us of how lucky and fragile we are. I promise, successful players with trophies and green jackets are taking a moment to ponder and accept the profoundness of how lucky and fragile they are. Ask 2010 Master's Champion, Phil Mickelson. Do you think that the embrace behind #18 at Augusta National with his precious Amy, (who the world has closely-followed in plight against the same disease that has ravaged Mary, Phil's mom) was anything less than sincere? 'Nuff said. It's in. As soon as it left the club. That, my golfing friends, was as real as it gets. And I promise, they are thinking about Earth Day today just like we are.

Happy Earth Day. From all of us at Black Diamond Golf Club and the Learning Centre that changes golfing lives forever, we love our Mother Earth and her fairways & greens. Fairways & greens, fairways & greens, with only one hand hitting fairways & greens...

Tune in tomorrow - new website infomation is gonna cure your slices, hooks, and chili-dips!!! What three-putt?

Golf Instruction Makes All the Difference!!!

2010-04-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Golf is as daunting at times as it is awesome. Spring offers Canadians a new sense of hope for improvement, an opportunity to set realistic goals, and the weather itself is often the inspiration for those who have always wanted to learn but never had the time, the motivation, or even the resources.

Our group programs are introductory-aggresively priced that, the value for the investment is undeniable. Typically, people who start in a novice group will elect to continue the following month or even two, registering for intermediate and even short game schools, consecutively. And at a mere $99 price point, spaces will fill quickly for each program. Registration forms available at www.blackdiamondgolfclub.ca/instruction or in the Pro Shop.

The feedback and the testimonials we've received as Canadian PGA coaches is that the learning process, as facilitated by a trained coach, makes all the difference.

And for all you non-golfers, professional coaching expedites the learning process and allows a complete beginner to understand the language of golf, the basic rules, expectations of fellow-players and the host courses, a clear understanding of the learning process and a coach to use as a reference when future challenges seem insurmountable.

Want to learn? Want to improve? Hoping to compete? Want to win a golf scholarship? Want to work toward a career as either a club pro or a touring pro? Nothing is out of the realms of possibilities. Dream big and we'll design a program that will ensure you ultimately make it happen, in time.

Don't forget to check this site prior to venturing out to the club for a group program that may have been cancelled due to weather.

We are pleased to announce the schedule for the 2010 instructional programs at the Black Diamond Learning Centre. Your feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.

For further information, please contact golfinstruction@blackdiamondgolfclub.com or call 932-GOLF and ask for the Learning Centre voice mail. We will return the message the same day/evening/night, as soon as we wrap up with our evening groups and private lesson clients on the range and/or the golf course.

Black Diamond Golf Club - A Rare Gem

Black Diamond Learning Centre - Inspiring Hope for New Players and Experienced Golfers