The U/17 Golf Ontario Championships are almost here and organizers have been diligently working to ensure the tournament's success.
Cory Hofferd, the Hollinger Golf Club's golf superintendent, and his crew have been tirelessly getting the course in immaculate shape. After a challenging winter for the Hollinger, the course has been groomed to the highest standards and is ready for the elite young athletes who will be showcasing their talents. Green speeds are awesome and will provide a challenge for the competitors. Cory's team has been renovating the majority of the bunkers, and organizers tell me they look awesome.
The City of Timmins has allowed the Hollinger to rent the mobile grandstand to be used at the 18th hole. It will provide an amphitheatre-type atmosphere, sure to excite fans and golfers.
Golf Ontario competitions staff will be in Timmins on Aug. 15 to start their preparations for the championships.
The tournament is still looking for a few more volunteers to add to the number of committed workers needed for such an event.
On the Sunday morning prior to the practice round, Golf Ontario's Junior Golf Pathway Talent ID Combine will be held. The combine allows junior golfers to gauge where they rank amongst other juniors in Ontario and helps them gain valuable exposure and experience. Participants will be introduced to testing stations where they can identify areas for skill advancement and gain valuable insight as to their talent levels. The combine caters to golfers with established handicaps and scoring averages who are committed to refining and improving their skills through targeted training and development. The combine is at 9 a.m Aug. 18.
So far, preparations have been a coordinated effort among a highly skilled and talented group of people, determined to help make the championships a resounding success.
Just an FYI for readers or people looking to promote their group or events.
At the bottom of my weekly column, you can find a line called "Tip for Mully".
People have used it to share a comment or to provide me with access to a future story or announcement.
The info about the Junior Golf Championships originally came through someone's use of the tip section.
I find stories just through my daily interactions with people, or my familiarity with different organizations, but most stories find me through people relaying me information.
I do not work for TimminsToday. I am an independent contractor contracted to provide a column for them. I am not the sports editor or a journalist. Just a hired gun trying to provide a weekly column for viewing.
So I am not out covering events or combing the area trying to find content.
If someone provides a tip for a story, of course, I will do research or contact the appropriate people.
A number of times people have asked me why I did not write about them or their event. The answer is pretty much "How do I know about it?"
Like I said, I am a columnist. Not a journalist. I am paid to write a column. It is not a full-time job.
I am not scolding anyone, just trying to make clear that the best way for me to get a column out about an event or achievement is by letting me know.
It is an honour to write and promote people, organizations or events. The whole focus of my column is based on that premise. It is also flattering to know that so many people like to be a part of my column. But again, you can help by feeding me tips to get that done.
I have been lucky enough to find a number of good info for columns simply through the use of the tip section.
A lot of exciting improvements happening at the Mac and the Barn that local fans and players will really appreciate have been ongoing for most of the off-season. It is always terrific news when any upgrades to local facilities are taking place.
Later Skater
