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Stephen (Steve) H. Southern

Perform(in)ce and Achievem(in)t Coaching

Would You Like to Play Unlimited Golf?

2011-01-12T06:47:00.001-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Would You Like to Play Unlimited Golf?

Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-4 minute mile on 6 May 1954, completing the full length in 3:59.4! What an incredible feat. In all the recorded history of human life and specifically track and field competition, never before had a single human being EVER ran a sub-4 minute mile. This was a truly “inspiring” – that’s in interesting word – accomplishment!

His record, one would think, must have survived for many, many years. It would be easy to think that perhaps he is still the only person to run a sub-4 minute mile. It is not so.

On 21 June 1954 Bannister’s arch rival, John Landy, ran the mile in 3:58.0. The feat was next accomplished in 1957, and again in 1958 and 1962. In fact, a simple search of the Internet has revealed at least 17 new world records since Bannister’s mark, accomplished by some 12 or so runners.

But how can this be? If the sub-4 minute mile was so incredibly difficult, if no one had accomplished the feat for the entire history of humankind, right up until 6 May 1954, how can it be that more than a dozen athletes have since met the challenge?

The answer, once again, in some ways, is found in the mind.

We’ve previously highlighted the power of the mind in your golf game, how you shape your shots and outcomes with your mind and your thoughts. Well, you also limit your golf accomplishments with your mind!

Golfers love to label themselves. More often than not we do so on or before the first tee! “I’m a fourteen.” “I usually finish up around bogey golf or so.” “My handicap is 27.” The list goes on and on, and we all do it, over and over again.

Even if we don’t announce our label to our playing partners, we still label ourselves in our thoughts. That label, that number, our handicap, sits in our thoughts constantly.

Here’s the thing. Why did it take so long to run the first sub-4 minute mile? Because no one believed it was possible. Bannister smashed that belief in 1954 and all of a sudden runners around the globe realized that their belief was incorrect, that the sub-4 minute mile was in fact possible. Wow! And then look what happened. The flood gates opened!

Do you believe you’re a 14, or 12, or 35, or 50? That number, whatever it is, is limiting your golf game! If you believe it’s (relatively) impossible for you to shoot below a certain number, then the chances of you doing so are close to zero. Your belief is like a wall that you simply cannot scale.

Stop limiting your golf game. Believe that anything is possible. Or, at the very least, deduct five or ten strokes from your label. If you think of yourself as a 25, start thinking and talking about yourself as a 20, or a 15 handicap. You’ll be amazed at the results!

And as you do so, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Your Thoughts as You Drive to the Course

2011-01-03T11:01:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Your Thoughts as You Drive to the Course

There’s a great moment in the movie The Replacements during which we find the replacement quarterback, Shane Falco, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, standing alone one evening on the football field in an empty stadium. (The professional players are on strike, and Falco and others have crossed the line to take their places.) The replacement coach steps into frame and asks Falco what he’s doing.

Falco shrugs, clearly he’s been lost in thought, and replies “Just watching the game.”

What do you think about as you drive to the course for a round of golf? Have you ever thought about what you think about? Maybe you should, think about it, that is.

We’ve explored in previous posts on this blog how our thoughts affect our shots and our game. This begins long before we pull out the big dog (aka driver) on the first tee!

Falco was visioning the game that he was to play the next day. He was watching the game in his mind, in his thoughts. He’s already spent countless hours preparing his body, working out. And he knows all the plays and has practised them all many times. Of equal importance, he’s now preparing his mind, his thoughts.

As you drive to the course for a round of golf, if you’re like most golfers, you’re likely thinking about just about anything EXCEPT your round of golf. Maybe you’re making some phone calls; hopefully doing so hands free! Maybe you’re thinking about other things you have to do, or humming along to a great tune. Or worrying about your finances, your children, your significant other, your pet, or hoping you have enough gas or time to get to the course!

Are any of these thoughts helping your game? Are you willing to invest a little time, the time it takes you to drive to the course, in a better round of golf?

Why not vision, or envision, the round of golf that you desire? Why not play each shot, exactly as you want it to occur, in your mind? Why not take this time, while also focusing upon your driving, of course, to focus some of your thoughts upon the targets you’ll pick as you play your round?

Your thoughts affect your shots and your game. It’s never too early to start focusing your thoughts on what you want in your next round of golf.

So if you’re driving to the course with a friend, and he/she asks you why you seem to be lost in thought, what you’re doing, you can reply, “Just watching the game.”

In the meantime, before you start making your next round of golf great, make today a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Five Great Exercises to Focus Your Thoughts on Your Target

2010-12-21T15:32:00.001-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Five Great Exercises to Focus Your Thoughts on Your Target
Have you ever driven home on autopilot? We’ve all done so. After a long day on the job, we put the car in drive and our mind wanders. We’re paying very little conscious attention to the task of driving! And by some miracle, we arrive home, with very little memory of the drive we’ve just completed.

(This is a very dangerous habit by the way, and not recommended!)

We play golf the same way! (This is not nearly as dangerous, but also not as much fun as it could be.) We wander through most rounds on autopilot, exerting very little control over the direction of our thoughts. And by some miracle, we eventually hole the ball 18 times and then wonder what went wrong.

We established in previous posts that the ball will usually follow the direction of our thoughts. We shape our shots, bend the ball, with our thoughts. Even though we may focus our eyes on a very specific target in the fairway, if we’re thinking about the out of bounds along the left, our ball will likely head left.

To be more successful, we must focus both our eyes AND our thoughts on our intended target!

This is easier said than done, so here are a few exercises, off course and/or off season, to help hone these skills. These are progressively more difficult.

SIMPLY FOCUS YOUR EYES AND THOUGHTS ON AN OBJECT

Simply sit alone in a quiet room and focus both your eyes and your thoughts on any particular object. This sound simple doesn’t it. It’s not! Set an alarm for one minute, just 60 seconds, and try to focus your thoughts. You’ll find lots of other thoughts – what’s for supper, when do I have to pick up the children, did I leave that report on my boss’s desk, etc. – will drift into your mind. Each time this happens, just let those other thoughts go, and then bring your mind back to focusing, your thoughts, on just that one object. Keep trying.

ADD YOUR GOLF STANCE

Repeat the above exercise, but this time do so holding a golf club, in your stance, as if you’re about to hit a shot. Repeat this as often as you like.

PRACTICE THINKING AND PUTTING

In this exercise, you’re actually going to hit some putts. Set up your target and then get into your stance. Take one last look at your target. While doing so, focus your mind as well; focus your thoughts, on the intended target. Then bring your eyes back to the ball, while holding the thought of the target in your mind. And putt. Repeat this as often as you like.

FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS IN A BUSY ROOM/AREA

It’s one thing to focus your thoughts when you’re all alone. It’s quite another to do so with some distractions. On a golf course, our partners generally respect the fact that we’re taking a shot by standing still, quietly. But they’re still there. They’re still watching. We’ve all experienced those first-tee jitters. And sometimes they’re not so quiet, or so still. Sometimes a group in another fairway causes a distraction.

In this exercise, repeat the first exercise, focusing your eyes and your thoughts on one particular object, but do so in a busy, noisy, distracting environment. Repeat as often as you like.

FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS WHEN UNDER STRESS

Lastly, let’s introduce some stress. Most of us face times, often daily or weekly, when the stress of our job or other aspects of life are simply getting to us. This is a great opportunity to again repeat the first exercise. Just as in life, on the golf course there are times when we feel stress. The ability to focus both your eyes and your mind/thoughts on one particular object, even when under a great deal of stress, will definitely improve your golf game.

We’ll continue to explore the mind in future posts. For now, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Focus Your Thoughts, Not Simply Your Eyes

2010-12-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Focus Your Thoughts, Not Simply Your Eyes

We’ve all heard for years, ‘focus on a very specific target’ for each golf shot. The middle of the fairway isn’t good enough. Teaching professionals tell us to select a particular blade of grass, or a target line delineated by a specific tree trunk in the distance, or some other extremely narrow landmark!

Time and time again, we focus our eyes on some bizarrely narrow target and swing away. And time and time again, our ball slices right – for all you right-handed players – into the woods, or hooks left, into the rough. What’s gone wrong?

In an article last week we learned how our thoughts actually shape our golf shots. While the magician uses trickery to bend a spoon, every golfer uses his/her mind to shape each shot! This truly is magic!

The problem lies in communication, or, as is mentioned in the epic film Cool Hand Luke, ‘a failure to communicate!’

It’s not enough to focus our EYES on that very specific, very particular target. We must also focus our thoughts on that very same target! Teaching professionals say focus, and so we focus, with our eyes. That’s not enough. We must also focus our thoughts!

Let’s illustrate with another example. For me, this is a painful example, borrowed from many rounds of golf I’ve played on my home course. The front nine includes a fair share of challenges, but for the most part I generally find myself in good position off the tee and make my way around nicely (for me). I then move on to holes 10 and 11, and the fun begins.

Ten is a long, straight par 5 with OB left and a massive forest to the right. Try as I might, I’ve found it very difficult to focus my thoughts on this hole. I can focus my eyes very specifically on a target in the right-middle portion of the fairway. But my thoughts always seem to include ‘OB’. And often, my ball hooks dead left, out of bounds.

Eventually I limp on to the 11th. And yes, you guessed it, OB right and a world of hurt – trees skirted by sand bunkers and punishing rough – up the left on this mostly straight, long, uphill par 4. Once again I focus my eyes on my target, and try as I might, quite often, once again ‘OB’ creeps into my thoughts. I pull the trigger and watch helplessly as my ball slices into the great beyond, OB.

That’s back to back holes, with a hook left OB on 10 and a slice right OB on 11! Repeatedly! In the middle of an otherwise great round of golf!

It’s not mechanics. It’s my thought patterns. Once again, I’m bending the ball with my thoughts.

We’ll continue to explore this topic in future articles and we’ll suggest some off-course exercises to help. This stuff isn’t easy. Believe me, I know!

For now, just be honest with yourself, and evaluate how well you focus both your eyes and your thoughts on your intended target.

And of course, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Bending Golf Balls with Your Mind

2010-12-06T11:33:00.003-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the first for Want Better Golf.

Bending Golf Balls with Your Mind

Have you ever seen a magician bend a spoon with nothing more than the power of his mind? Incredible, wasn’t it?

Actually, no, it wasn’t incredible at all. It was likely just a trick, not magic. But do you know that you can and do accomplish the very same feat with your golf ball! You bend your shots left and right, simply with the power of your mind! And that’s far more magical than the spoon trick.

Yes, I’m treading into the great unknown. I’m exploring the power of the mind. Let me share just one study with you.

This study has been repeated hundreds of times, by many different researchers, using thousands of study volunteers, in many different countries, over many different decades. (And by the way, yes, this is just the tip of the iceberg in this field of research!) This will get technical for just a moment, but trust me; we’ll get back to golf soon!

So picture this. A volunteer is left alone in a small room. There’s a chair in which she’s seated, a small table in front of her, and a computer monitor on the table. The computer monitor is hooked up to a computer in another room. The computer is programmed with a random number generator. Every few seconds a “1” or a “0” will appear on the screen. By definition, because it’s a RANDOM number generator, there will be roughly an equal number of 1’s and 0’s.

The volunteer is then asked to pick a number, either 1 or 0, and to then focus her mind, her thoughts, on that number. Are you ready for the punch line?

If the volunteer focuses on 1, the RANDOM number generator generates more 1’s. If she focuses on 0’s, more 0’s appear. Over and over and over again, this same result appears.

The study volunteers affect the RANDOM number generator, with nothing more than their minds! Kind of makes you think – excuse the pun – doesn’t it. I wonder if my mind affects my golf shots in a similar way.

The answer, of course, is YES!

Have you ever stood on the tee and focused on the danger. You tee up your ball, take your stance, fully aligned right down the middle. Your physical body is set up perfectly. But then you steal a glance at the water along the right. Oh, and there’s all those deep sand bunkers down the left. You think, just for a split second, ‘well, sand is better than water!’ You continue the thought, ‘no water.’ And you swing....

And you watch helplessly as your ball slices or draws directly for the water.

We’ll continue on this subject in the near future. Watch for more posts!

For now though, whether you’re actively playing or in your offseason, maybe think about your thought patterns as you play a typical round. What do you think about? Be honest with yourself. You might be surprised.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Great Wayne Dyer Quote

2010-06-07T10:47:00.001-04:00

I came across a quote this morning that I simply had to share.

"As you think so shall you be! Since you cannot physically experience another person, you can only experience them in your mind. Conclusion: All of the other people in your life are simply thoughts in your mind. Not physical beings to you, but thoughts. Your relationships are all in how you think about the other people of your life. Your experience of all those people is only in your mind. Your feelings about your lovers come from your thoughts. For example, they may in fact behave in ways that you find offensive. However, your relationship to them when they behave offensively is not determined by their behavior, it is determined only by how you choose to relate to that behavior. Their actions are theirs, you cannot own them, you cannot be them, you can only process them in your mind." -Wayne Dyer

I hope you enjoyed this insight.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

An Evening in Celebration of My Mom

2010-04-26T08:51:00.001-04:00

On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of accompanying my Mom to an event in her honour. For many years now she’s been a dedicated member of the Eastern Star. Roughly a year ago she accepted the duties and honour of being the District Deputy Grand Matron. On Saturday evening, Eastern Star members, family and friends, from far and wide, gathered to celebrate her year of service.

We walked through a processional/receiving line before I accompanied Mom up on stage. We sat there through many speeches, jokes, presentations and performances. Mom received many gifts and accolades.

My two boys sat in the audience, just in front of the stage, with other family members, snapping pictures of the entire event. Many other photographers were also quite noticeably busy.

Nearing the end of the formal portion of the evening, the emcee offered me the opportunity to stand at the microphone and say a few words. An opportunity I readily accepted, of course. I happily explained how proud we all are of Mom’s achievement and dedication. Of course, I also took the opportunity to do a little roasting, and to tell a few jokes, and to offer much thanks to all attendees.

The formal portion of the evening wrapped up with my Mom at the microphone, thanking the many, many people that supported her as she fulfilled her duties.

Afterwards we all retired to the basement of the town hall for refreshments and more laughter. My boys continued taking photographs, except now while one of them took each shot, the other somehow randomly popped up in the background of EACH and EVERY picture. Good fun.

Mom has worked very hard this past year. She’s worked long hours, driven great distances to attend so many meetings, and made countless phone calls and trips to see others. All without a dime of remuneration. She did so because she loved what she was doing.

I couldn’t help but think, as I sat there on stage beside my Mom throughout the evening, what would our businesses be like, what would our retail experiences be like, what would our economy and our lives be like, if everyone, if every single worker, thoroughly enjoyed his/her vocation?

Can you even begin to imagine?

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Astounding Tax-Advantaged Services for Those Buying or Selling Businesses

2010-03-18T09:11:00.001-04:00

I met with a friend and colleague yesterday morning. He works in the field of investment vehicles and life insurance products, and along with his partner and their great team, provides fantastic service and value. He’s also, quite simply, one of the finest gentlemen that I’ve ever known.

I’m excited for him. He’s recently launched a new service entrepreneurs that are either buying or selling a business.

Through various mechanisms he helps buyers use pre-tax dollars, rather than post-tax dollars, to complete the transaction. He’s also developed strategies that ensure the seller realizes the entire purchase price largely tax-free.

He’s reviewed these mechanisms with CRA and has received their stamp of approval. This is all entirely in full compliance with all tax laws. As I mentioned, he’s one of the finest gentlemen I know. He would never assemble nor offer services that were shady in any manner.

If you’d like to learn more, let me know. Since I don’t have his permission to do so, I have not mentioned his name.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

My Role Emerges

2010-03-16T10:15:00.001-04:00

I’ve been quiet of late, on this blog at least, as I seem to have lost my voice. I haven’t lost my actual voice, my real voice. My sons have come close to that experience in the past few weeks, fighting colds and pneumonia in fact. But that’s not been the case with me. Rather, I’ve lost my blogging voice.

In a more positive light, perhaps I’ve just temporarily misplaced my blogging voice.

The process of developing our first Parmasters golf training center locally, and also developing four more similar centers across southwestern Ontario, has been life changing. I’ve grown and evolved, learned a great deal about many aspects of the business and learned a great deal about myself as well.

It’s become clear to me that my role does not lie within one particular golf training center. Indeed, my role in life, the value that I bring, and my passion, does not lie within any one particular business.

I enjoy working with entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses. I have many skills, and a wealth of knowledge and experience, that allow me to bring great value to entrepreneurs in many different ways.

It’s become clear to me that I’m meant to build – and help build – businesses.

On a daily basis I work to develop Parmasters KW. I also work to develop my other businesses. And I also work with other local entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.

There’s much happening, on all of these fronts. There are new developments within Parmasters KW and within the effort to develop centers across all of southwestern Ontario. We’re also considering broadening our efforts into the GTA. There’s much happening within my other business interests. And my consulting clients – current, past and future – are all growing and evolving their businesses in exciting new ways.

For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with many different entrepreneurs, many different clients, consulting on various projects. I’ve always done so as a sideline, during weekends and evenings. The only change, now, is that I’m now working in this realm full-time.

As time goes by, perhaps I’ll share more on these various businesses, mine and my clients. As time goes by, perhaps I’ll share more about my growth and development into this new role in life.

And as time goes by, perhaps I’ll regain my blogging voice.

In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Alfred Adler Quotes

2010-03-06T09:25:00.001-05:00

I’ve been away the past two weekends, traveling. The trips didn’t take me far, but still disrupted my normal weekend routines. While both weekends were very well spent, and I wouldn’t change a thing, it is nice to enjoy a little free, unstructured time.

My work weeks – and it’s likely the same for everyone reading this – tend to be quite structured, quite busy, and often quite hectic. I thus look to weekends for a little breathing space, a little unstructured time, time that affords more strategic and exploratory thinking.

I came across the following quote, which I found quite interesting, a while ago. It comes from late 19th-century / early 20th century psychologist, Alfred Adler.

“What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning – and some of them many times over – what do you find? That you can swim? Well – life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!” -Alfred Adler

And in looking into Adler a little further, I came across a few more quotes that also resonated.

“Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations.” –Alfred Adler

“There is a law that man should love his neighbour as himself. In a few hundred years it should be as natural to mankind as breathing or the upright gait; but if he does not learn it he must perish.” –Alfred Adler

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis Announces Indianapolis Facility to be Corporate Store

2010-02-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Parmasters HQ, now Aegis Investment Management, issued the following media release today.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis announces grand opening of Parmasters Golf Training Center in Noblesville, Indiana

VANCOUVER, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Aegis Investment Management (Golf) Inc. ("Aegis" or "the Company") (TSV-V:AIM) announced today the opening of its Parmasters Golf Training Center in Noblesville, Indiana. The facility will be open to the public in April with Grand Opening ceremonies to be held May 1st, 2010.

"Spearheaded by our team at corporate headquarters in Vancouver, we have signed a six unit Area Development Agreement for Greater Indianapolis, Indiana," said Tom Matzen, President and CEO of Aegis. "As part of that agreement, our Noblesville facility becomes the first Parmasters Center in the Indianapolis area and our second fully operating Parmasters Center in the U.S."

The Company has appointed Aegis' Director of Business Golf, Allen Bonk, to lead the Noblesville project and to hire the on-site Indiana-based team. Working alongside Allen will be Greg Keller who has been appointed General Manager of the facility and Sam Foley who has been appointed Director of Golf. As a corporately run center, the Noblesville facility will provide Aegis with direct sales revenues, along with valuable opportunity to showcase what makes Parmasters revolutionary in the world of golf training.

"We look forward to the formal opening of the Noblesville Parmasters Center. Our center is unlike any other indoor golf facility in the state of Indiana, highlighted by the 2,500 square foot short game area, along with state of the art corporate meeting rooms with world-class audio and visual technology to ensure any meeting or presentation is a resounding success," said Allen Bonk, Director of Business Golf for Aegis Investment Management. "As part of our marketing efforts prior to the facility's opening, we have signed up 515 promotional short-game memberships in the first month of offering them. That sets a new record for Parmasters. We have had an excellent response from the general public who are interested in becoming members at this beautiful facility, and from local businesses keen to participate in joint community-based marketing initiatives, including our Community Partners Program."

About Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. is a Vancouver-based company focused on developing and marketing golf-related franchises. Aegis' current brands include; Parmasters Golf Training Centers, the world's first franchised year-round indoor golf training centers; Links Golf Cafes, housed in each full-sized Parmasters Golf Training Center, along with selected stand-alone locations; and Quantum Business Golf Seminars, designed to teach the difference between a business meeting and a business round of golf to effectively leverage golf for business. The Company's main brand, Parmasters Golf Training Centers, has been selected as a Top 50 Franchise in North America by the Franchise Business Review for four years in a row, beginning in 2006. Aegis currently has one golf training center franchise operating in Memphis, Tennessee, one Quantum Business Golf Franchise operating in Vancouver, British Columbia, and eight Regional Franchisors operating in the United States, Canada, the Middle East and China. The Company has a total of 225 franchises awarded across their three franchise brands. For more information, visit www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com.

Forward Looking Information

Certain information in this press release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this press release describes the Company's expectations as of the date of this press release. The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AEGIS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SEDAR: 00024645E

For further information: Tom Matzen, President and CEO, Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc., Telephone: 1-800-663-2331, Fax: 1-800-416-6325, Email: info@aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Corporate URL: www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Franchise URL: www.YourGolfFranchise.com

If One Lacks Life Skills, One Equally Lacks Golf Skills

2010-02-06T11:47:00.002-05:00

Then the corollary must be, if one lacks the skills necessary to thrive in one’s life, then one also lacks the skills necessary to thrive throughout a round of golf.

Two days ago I posited that “the skills necessary to thrive during a round of golf are the very same skills required to thrive in one’s life.” Ergo, should those requisite life skills be wanting, then one cannot hope to thrive throughout a round of golf.

Golf is most assuredly a physical game, a game of doing, a game of motion, coordination, execution. Most definitely, golf requires certain physical skills. Indeed, we at Parmasters teach those requisite physical skills. We offer Straight-Line Golf (TM), the "simplest, most accurate way to hit a golf ball." Further still, we guarantee results. If we don’t improve your golf game by at least 25 percent, you get your money back, or we’ll work with you until you do achieve at least a 25 percent improvement.

Golf, however, is also very much a mental game, an emotional game, a game fraught with internal struggle, a game that brings the possibility of the entire gamut of human emotions.

Put simply, if you lack the requisite skills to live a joyful, balanced, fulfilling life, REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, then you also lack the requisite skills to enjoy a joyful, balanced, fulfilling round of golf.

I capitalized “REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES” as emphasis. For life is not simply about organizing one’s circumstances in such a way that brings you joy and contentment. Life is equally about finding joy and contentment in all circumstances, regardless of how closely, or not, said circumstances mimic your ideal.

Similarly, golf is not simply about executing every shot perfectly, in such a manner such that the outcome of each shot brings you joy and contentment. As Tin Cup said, “perfection is unattainable.” Golf is equally about finding joy and contentment in all outcomes, regardless of how closely, or not, said outcomes mimic your desired ideal.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Life Skills Are Also Golf Skills

2010-02-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

The skills necessary to thrive during a round of golf are the very same skills required to thrive in one’s life.

I thought about leaving it at that, saying nothing more. But perhaps some justification, some elaboration, some defence indeed, may be helpful.

We’ve all heard and/or said, repeatedly, that a round of golf brings similar trials and tribulations, highs and lows, good bounces and the other, as life. A round of golf provides, in fact, a microcosm of life itself, at least emotionally so.

A typical round of golf includes events and experiences that beget a full range of human emotions, from exhilaration to despair, joy to sorrow, and everything in between. Golfers often face great challenges and overcome them, realizing a great outcome. And oftentimes, these great challenges are not overcome. Similarly golfers often face golden opportunities, birdie opportunities, and sometimes miss.

Each new round of golf mimics the beginning of a new year, January 1, no matter the actual date of the round. Each tee block mimics the beginning of a new day. The parallels are endless.

In life, as in golf, we all face both good times and the other. We live through events that cause us to experience a full range of human emotions. We face challenges and overcome. We face challenges and sometimes succumb. And we find golden opportunities, with great potential, and sometimes miss.

The key, most teachers seem to agree, to a fulfilling and joyful life is to maintain a sense of balance. To feel the full range of emotions, deal with them, and then move on to experience more of life. We must focus upon what we want, not that which we want not. We must be in the moment, living life now, not lamenting the past nor fretting o’er the future. We must maintain perspective, not imbuing events nor circumstances with more importance than they truly embody. We must love and respect ourselves, just as we love and respect others. We must, above all else, enjoy life. For, why else might we be here?

In golf, it is the same. The keys to a fulfilling and joyful life also unlock the possibility of a fulfilling and joyful round of golf. A golfer must maintain the skills to feel and process the full range of human emotions. The golfer must focus upon that which he/she wants. The golfer must live in the now, in the moment, and he/she must certainly maintain perspective. Golfers of all abilities, every golfer, must maintain a healthy respect and love of themselves, of their skills, of their “game.”

And above all else, a golfer must seek to enjoy each round of golf. For indeed, why else is he/she there?

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

My One New Year’s Resolution

2010-01-04T07:33:00.001-05:00

Many of you established “resolutions” in the last few days. Many people choose New Year’s Eve as a time to establish new goals, to “resolve” to accomplish some achievement, or to accomplish some change in habit, or in their body image, etc. And I wish you all, all the very best with your resolutions.

I prefer to speak of and focus on my “intentions” and I try to do so roughly 365 days each year. I may establish new intentions, or refine old ones, pretty much any day of the year. And thus, for me, New Year’s Eve tends to come and go without much fanfare, at least in the resolution-setting department.

And so, this year perhaps is a little different. Because this year, I established one New Year’s Resolution: Before 2010 ends, Parmasters KW will be built, open and serving thousands of happy members and others each and every month.

The challenges faced on this day, January 4, 2010, are quite the same as those faced one week ago, on December 27, 2009. Regardless, before we ring in 2011, Parmasters KW will be a reality.

This, I resolve.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:54:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to all! Let’s make 2010 an incredible year!

You can find the original photo here.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Introducing Aegis Investment Management (Golf) Inc.

2009-12-31T11:25:00.001-05:00

It’s been a very busy couple of weeks. Just prior to Christmas I was focused night and day on a business plan for a client. This was in addition to, of course, Parmasters KW activities and many other responsibilities. Now it’s time, over the next few days, to catch my breath and prepare to make 2010 an incredible year!

We in the Parmasters world end 2010 with a big announcement. Parmasters HQ is now a publicly traded company!

Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc. has completed its proposed merger with Avian Capital. The new company is now known as Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “AIM” on January 4, 2010.

The media release is now all over the Internet, and can be found here on CNW. I’ve also included it below.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis successfully completes qualifying transaction and financing

VANCOUVER, Dec. 30 /CNW/ - Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. ("Aegis" or the "Company"), formerly Avian Capital Inc. ("Avian") (AVA-P), announced today that it has completed its qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") with Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Inc. ("Parmasters"), in accordance with Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (the "TSX-V"). The associated filing statement of Avian (the "Filing Statement") was filed on September 25, 2009, and an addendum to the Filing Statement was filed on December 7, 2009 (both documents are available on http://www.sedar.com/).

Successful Completion of Transaction and Financing

Concurrent with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction, the Company changed its name from Avian Capital Inc. to Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. Prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction the Company completed a non-brokered private placement financing of 1,420,000 common shares of the Company (the "common shares") at a price per common share of $0.18, for total gross proceeds of $255,600 (the "Avian Financing"). No agents were used for the Avian Financing. All of the common shares issued in connection with the Avian Financing will be subject to a seed share resale in accordance with TSX-V Policy 5.4.

In connection with the Qualifying Transaction, the Company issued 39,316,807 common shares to the shareholders of Parmasters in exchange for all their outstanding shares of Parmasters. Certain of these common shares have been deposited into escrow and will be released pursuant to the release schedules contained in the escrow agreements between the Company, the Company's escrow agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., and those certain former shareholders of Parmasters who hold such escrowed securities. In addition, the Company's directors, officers and insiders have agreed that the release from escrow of any common shares held by them will not commence until at least US$1.5 million of the Company's accounts receivable have been collected. Although Mr. Godfrey, a director, holds 257,439 common shares that were purchased pursuant to the Avian Financing and are not otherwise subject to escrow, Mr. Godfrey has also agreed that these shares will remain subject to escrow restrictions until at least US$1.5 million of the Company's accounts receivable have been collected. Parmaster's current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of CDN$2,253,842 as of July 31, 2009 and the collection of such accounts receivable is required in order for the Resulting Issuer to remain solvent for the next 12 months.

Shortly prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction, Parmasters completed a non-brokered private placement financing of 5,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.50 per share, for total gross proceeds of $2,500,000 (the "Parmasters Financing"). No agents were used for the Parmasters Financing. All of the common shares issued by the Company in exchange for the Parmasters Financing common shares upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction will be free-trading under Canadian securities laws.

The common shares of the Company are expected to commence trading under the symbol AIM as a Tier 2 Issuer on the TSX-V on January 4th, 2010.

Aegis President & CEO Tom Matzen said "The completion of the Qualifying Transaction is an important step forward for Aegis and allows us to take public high quality assets with the intention of building long term shareholder value. We intend to use the proceeds from the financings to invest in franchise marketing, pay the professional fees associated with the merger, service debts, and working capital for the growth of the Company. We would like to especially thank all those involved in completing this transaction. Thousands of hours of effort by our legal counsel, accountants, auditors, Board Members and Senior Officers have resulted in something that lays a good foundation for our shareholders."

In connection with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction: (a) Avian Acquisition Corp. (a Wyoming corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) merged with Parmasters (also a Wyoming corporation) pursuant to a merger (the "Merger") completed under the Wyoming Business Corporations Act, with the result that Parmasters, as the surviving entity (the "Surviving Company"), became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and (b) pursuant to the Merger (i) the outstanding common shares of Parmasters were converted into and exchanged for fully paid and non-assessable common shares of the Company on a 1:1 basis, and (ii) a total of 2,083,943 common share purchase warrants of Parmasters were converted into and exchanged for common share purchase warrants of the Company on a 1:1 basis:

The directors of the Company consist of the following persons:
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Director
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer, Secretary, Director
Paul Cox - Director
Richard Godfrey - Director

The Officers of the Company consist of the following persons:
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer
Robert Rudman - Chief Financial Officer
John Harrison - Chief Operating Officer
Andrew Winston - Director of Key Accounts
Allen Bonk - Director of Business Golf

The directors of the Surviving Company consist of the following persons:
Scott Hazledine - Chief Golf Professional, Co-Founder, Director
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer, Director

As disclosed in the Company's Filing Statement, the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended, also contemplated that Scott Hazledine, a founding director of Parmasters, would also be appointed to the board of directors of the Company. However, certain limitations under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) limit the Company to only four directors until the next annual meeting of the Company's shareholders. Accordingly, Mr. Hazledine has not been appointed as a director of the Company. Mr. Hazledine continues as a director of the Surviving Company.

U.S. Securities Law Note

The securities of the Company referenced herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registrations requirements of such Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction.

About Parmasters

Parmasters has developed and currently markets the following types of golf-related franchises: Parmasters(R) Golf Training Centers, Links Golf Cafés(TM) and Quantum Business Golf(TM). Assets include ownership of the Parmasters trademarks in Canada and the United States and the rights to use the intellectual property related to golf instruction and franchising.

About Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis currently has one golf training center franchise operating, in Memphis, Tennessee, one Quantum Business Golf Franchise operating in Vancouver, British Columbia, and eight Regional Franchisors operating in the United States, Canada, the Middle East and China. The Company has a total of 225 franchises awarded across their three franchise brands, and have been selected as a Top 50 Franchise in North America for four years in a row.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information in this news release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release describes the Company's expectations as of the date of this news release.

The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events. In addition, the Company's franchisees are independent businesses and, as a result, their operations may be negatively affected by factors beyond the Company's control which in turn may damage the Company's reputation and could negatively affect the Company's financial condition and performance. Revenues and earnings would also be negatively affected, and the Company's reputation could be harmed, if a significant number of franchisees were to: experience operational failures; experience financial difficulty; be unwilling or unable to pay Parmasters for any fees; or fail to enter into renewals of franchise agreements. The Company's brand recognition will be an important factor in developing and maintaining its competitive position. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially similar branding. In addition, Parmasters relies on one or more of the following to protect its proprietary rights: trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. Despite the Company's efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that Parmasters regards as proprietary. Stopping unauthorized use of the Company's proprietary rights may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that Parmasters will be successful in protecting its proprietary rights and, if it is not, its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The Company's franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of provinces. Any new legislation or failure to comply with existing legislation may negatively affect operations, and could add administrative costs and burdens associated with these regulations, all of which could affect the Company's relationship with its franchisees.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AEGIS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE.

%SEDAR: 00024645E

For further information: Tom Matzen, President and CEO, Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc., Telephone: 1-800-663-2331, Email: info@aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Website: http://www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com/, Telecopier: 1-800-416-6325

Avian Capital Media Release

2009-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, is in the final stages of becoming a publicly traded company. They’re conducting a reverse takeover (RTO) of an existing capital pool company (CPC). This transaction involves many different jurisdictions, regulatory bodies and companies. As such, it’s complicated, and the process has been arduous.

The benefit at the end of the tunnel, of course, is Parmasters’ increased ability to raise capital and grow the entire business, to the benefit of all franchise owners and centers, including Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

Avian Capital Inc. is the company that Parmasters is working with on the RTO. Avian issued the media release that follows back in early December.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so! The media release follows.

Source MARKET NEWS
Date 12/03/2009
Time 08:41:52 AM

Company Avian Capital Inc.
Title Avian
Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed

CDNX Symbol: AVA.P

Press Release

AVIAN CAPITAL INC ("AVA.P-V")
PARMASTERS GOLF TRAINING CENTERS INC ("PGFT-L")
- Avian Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed Merger
- With Parmasters

Avian Capital Inc. (AVA-P) is pleased to announce that on November 28, 2009 it received conditional approval for the completion of the proposed Merger with Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Inc. The Merger will constitute Avian's "Qualifying Transaction" under, and as defined in, the CPC Policy.

The Merger

On July 10, 2008, Avian and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avian Acquisition Corp., entered into a Merger Agreement with Parmasters which contemplates the acquisition of Parmasters by Avian by way of a triangular Merger under the Wyoming Business Corporations Act. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Avian Acquisition Corp. will merge with and into Parmasters, leaving Parmasters as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Avian. Each issued and outstanding common share of Parmasters will be surrendered by the holder to Avian in exchange for one fully paid and non-assessable common share of Avian, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. In addition, Avian will issue up to an aggregate of 2,083,944 common share purchase warrants in exchange for an equivalent number of outstanding common share purchase warrants of Parmasters, exercisable at an exercise price of either US$0.50 to US$1.25 per share until May 15, 2010 or March 31, 2012. The aggregate consideration to be paid by Avian upon the completion of the Merger will consist of the issuance of up to 39,316,807 Avian Shares.

Listing Approval is Conditional

Exchange approval of the Merger is subject to certain conditions including, among other things: (a) the filing of an Addendum to the Filing Statement that contains unaudited interim financial statements for the period ended July 31, 2009 and a pro forma consolidated balance sheet for the Resulting Issuer as of July 31, 2009; and (b) the closing of the previously-announced CDN $2,500,000 private placement by Parmasters of 5,000,000 shares at $0.50 per share.

About Parmasters

Parmasters was incorporated in the State of Wyoming in July, 2004. It has one predecessor, Parmasters Golf Training Centers LLC, a Nevada limited liability company formed in April, 2000 (the "Parmasters Predecessor"). In December, 2004, Parmasters purchased several assets from the Parmasters Predecessor, including the ownership of the Parmasters trademarks in Canada and the United States and the rights to use the intellectual property assets related to golf instruction and franchising. Parmasters has developed and currently markets the following types of golf-related franchises: Parmasters(r) Golf Training Centers, Links Golf CafsTM and Quantum Business GolfTM.

About Avian Capital

Avian, a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange, was incorporated in October, 2006 and was listed on the Exchange in March, 2007. Avian does not have any operations and has no assets other than cash. Avian's business is to identify and evaluate businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the Exchange.

Trading in Avian Shares has been halted on the Exchange since April 9, 2008 and will resume trading on the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

For further information, please contact:
Paul Cox
President
Avian Capital Inc.
207 - 1425 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B9
Ph: (778) 786-1285 Fax: (604) 926-5806
Email: paul@aviancapital.com

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management filing statement or addendum thereto to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Canaccord Financial Inc., subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, has agreed to act as sponsor in connection with the transaction. An agreement to sponsor should not be construed as any assurance with respect to the merits of the transaction or the likelihood of completion.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information in this news release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to Avian's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, such as Avian's acquisition of Parmasters by way of the Merger, the completion of the private placements by Parmasters and the activities of Avian and Parmasters after the Merger. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release describes Avian's expectations as of the date of this news release.

The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events. In addition, Parmasters' franchisees are independent businesses and, as a result, their operations may be negatively affected by factors beyond Parmasters' control which in turn may damage Parmasters' reputation and could negatively affect Parmasters' financial condition and performance. Revenues and earnings would also be negatively affected, and Parmasters' reputation could be harmed, if a significant number of franchisees were to: experience operational failures; experience financial difficulty; be unwilling or unable to pay Parmasters for any fees; or fail to enter into renewals of franchise agreements. Parmasters' brand recognition will be an important factor in developing and maintaining its competitive position. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially similar branding. In addition, Parmasters relies on one or more of the following to protect its proprietary rights: trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. Despite Parmasters' efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that Parmasters regards as proprietary. Stopping unauthorized use of Parmasters' proprietary rights may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that Parmasters will be successful in protecting its proprietary rights and, if it is not, its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Parmasters' franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of provinces. Any new legislation or failure to comply with existing legislation may negatively affect operations, and could add administrative costs and burdens associated with these regulations, all of which could affect Parmasters' relationship with its franchisees. Parmaster's current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of CDN$2,253,842 as of July 31, 2009 and the collection of such accounts receivable is required in order for the Resulting Issuer to remain solvent for the next 12 months.

Avian cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Avian has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AVIAN AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE AVIAN MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME.

Capitalization Report for Avian Capital Inc
Shares Issued: 4050000
Shares Escrow: 2000000

TEL: (778) 786-1285 Paul Cox
FAX: (604) 926-5806 President
paul@aviancapital.com Avian Capital Inc.
____________________________________________________________
(c)2009 Market News Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Toronto:(416)366-8881 Vancouver:(604)689-1101 Fax:(604)689-1106

Great Local Indoor Golf Options

2009-12-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

There are some days when a home office offers up a distinct advantage. Perhaps today, given the nice white blanket of snow outside, is one of those days.

Golfers this year enjoyed quite a protracted outdoor golf season. I’m sure some were playing last week. Which of course is only fair, given the dismal spring and early summer sent our way earlier this year.

For now, it seems outdoor golf season has officially come to a close.

We’re blessed in Waterloo Region with several great indoor facilities. Of course, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will open soon and will no doubt add significant flair to the list of indoor golf venues. But, even so, the current offering is wonderful.

Golf Without Limits can be found at the top end of Waterloo, on Northfield Drive. They offer several simulators in an intimate setting. With a restaurant right next door, in the same plaza, this can make for a great local indoor golf destination.

Max’s Golf Dome also offers up an enjoyable and unique local option. In addition to time on the indoor driving range, they offer batting cages and mini-putt.

For now, it’s time for me to get back to raising the final portions of capital required to build and open Parmasters KW. We look forward to bringing more depth and an entirely new concept to the local indoor golf scene!

In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Parmasters Video on Corporate Memberships and New RCGA Role for Carroll

2009-12-07T08:33:00.001-05:00

I’m once again running out the door to a series of meetings. But wanted to share another Parmasters video, and some news regarding golf leadership in this country.

This latest video focuses on the many benefits of a Corporate Membership at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Corporate Memberships allow up to five employees to enjoy the full benefits of membership... Well, it’s all covered in the video. You can find the video here.

And lastly, the former Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, Steve Carroll, has recently landed a new role with the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Golf News Now reported this last week, in their periodic newsletter. You can find the article on the GNN website here, and I’ve also included it below.

Carroll Lands Key Role With RCGA
November 26, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

The timing of the announcement that Steve Carroll has been named director of membership and business development for the Royal Canadian Golf Association may lead to speculation that he had been recruited by the RCGA before announcing his resignation as executive director of the Canadian PGA.

The announcement of Carroll’s new position comes just a few weeks after his 22-year tenure with the Canadian PGA concluded at the end of October, but he says he didn’t even consider the RCGA job until his last few days at the CPGA.

“I resigned in August because I felt that I had done everything I could for the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll. “I looked very carefully with a career coach at opportunities inside and outside of golf and around the world. All of that activity was taking place in September and October.”

The turning point towards his new position, according to Carroll, came on October 19 at a National Allied Golf Association meeting that was being held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.

RCGA representatives, including chief operating officer Peter Beresford and Ron Gardner, managing director of membership strategy, were speaking to NAGA about the association’s business development strategy, which features the Golf Canada branding effort to consumers that will have a big push in 2010.

“I had known about it,” said Carroll, who had served as NAGA chairman and had consulted with the RCGA on the effort. “They had brought in outside experts from corporate Canada. It’s a very bold vision for the RCGA.”

It was during that presentation that Carroll heard that the RCGA was looking for somebody to spearhead that effort, including the promotion of the Golf Canada initiative, which will feature merchandise with the maple leaf/golfer logo, to the golf industry.

“I thought to myself, I could be that guy. The next day, I called (RCGA executive director) Scott Simmons and I said, `Scott, I’d like to throw my hat in the ring for this person you’re looking for,’” said Carroll. “I’ve always had a great working relationship with Scott. It all came together very quickly.

“When we starting talking about the details of it, it just made nothing but sense to me to utilize all those contacts I have made in my 22 years, with not only golf pros, but throughout the industry, and not just in B.C. or Ontario, but throughout Canada.

“It just seemed like a really good fit,” he said.

Carroll, who spent 13 years as executive director of the British Columbia zone before taking the Canadian PGA executive director position five years ago, brings outstanding qualities to the position, according to Simmons.

”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and, more recently, as NAGA chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study,” said Simmons.

“He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions,” he added.

“We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada,” said Simmons.
Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs, as well as recruit, train and manage Golf Canada volunteers and increase the profile and awareness of Golf Canada/Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

“What was also appealing to me was the idea that I wouldn’t have to, at this point in my career, be concerned with running an entire organization and just simply focus in on a cause and a project that’s a very exciting one and close to my heart,” said Carroll.

“I’ve always thought the RCGA could step into a role like Hockey Canada and like Basketball Canada and be the National Sports Organization in every way possible,” he added.

“Hockey Canada has done a great job in cementing that brand name in the consumer’s mind. There’s a good parallel here, that Hockey Canada is still technically the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, but nobody knows that anymore,” said Carroll.

Straight-Line Golf (TM) Video

2009-12-02T09:06:00.001-05:00

I’m just about to head out for a day full of meetings, but wanted to share another of the new Parmasters videos.

I shared the first of these last week, in a previous blog post.

This video focuses on the golf swing teaching system we use, called Straight-Line Golf (TM). You can find the video here.

Canadian Roots for World Cup of Golf

2009-11-30T07:41:00.002-05:00

Ontario Golf carried a wonderful reminder last week of the Canadian roots out of which last week’s World Cup of Golf was born. As Canadians, we’re notoriously humble. And as a golfing nation, we often minimize our importance within the world of golf. This is unfortunate.

Canada did indeed spawn the World Cup of Golf. I’ve included the article below, or you can find it on the Ontario Golf website.

Congratulations to Brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari who captured Italy's first World Cup title!

Congratulations also, of course, to the Canadian Football League’s 2009 Grey Cup Champions, the Montreal Alouettes! It was another fantastic, tight Grey Cup finish.

Here’s the OG article on the World Cup.

World Cup of Golf Was Born in Canada

Twenty-eight teams are teeing it up this week at the World Cup of Golf at the massive Mission Hills Resort in China. Canadians Stuart Anderson (Calgary) and Graham Delaet (Weyburn, Sask.)-each a three-time winner on the Canadian Tour-are tied for fourth after Round One.

Three years into its 12-year tenure at Mission Hills, the World Cup has recovered much of its old stature and romance. Dr. David Chu, Mission Hills' chairman, has rekindled the event's early ideals and made it unique on the world golf calendar. Chu's vision clearly jibes with that of the late John Jay Hopkins (photo [above]), the founding father of the World Cup-known as the Canada Cup from 1953 to 1966. The Santa Ana, California-born Hopkins, who was president of General Dynamics (which created the world's first atomic submarine), saw golf as "a civilized and civilizing" pursuit and one which could promote international goodwill.

In 1957, defending champions Ben Hogan and Sam Snead brought immense crowds to Tokyo. But the Japanese team, relative newcomers to the sport, stole the show when Koichi Ono and Pete Nakamuru came out on top. Hopkins passed away shortly before the event, but Fred Corcoran, the World Cup's tournament director, knew exactly what he'd have thought about the results.

"If," said Corcoran, "I had any doubts about Hopkins' sincerity and the soundness of his doctrine, Tokyo erased them. It was hard to believe, watching the teams chatting easily on the first tee, that many of these nations had been at war only a few years earlier."

Overnight, Japan became a nation of golf fanatics and Ono and Nakamuru became national heroes. In 1956 alone, no fewer than 20 new courses were rolled out across the country and the first double-decker driving range shot up in Tokyo.

When Argentina won in 1953 at Beaconsfield GC, just outside Montreal, it was one of only seven two-man teams. The event would gain steam through the 1960s and '70s, becoming a "must play" tournament for the world's best players. However, its status soon began to dwindle.

Today there are 28 teams eagerly vying to place their names on the original John Jay Hopkins trophy (18 of whom qualified automatically, while another nine were drawn from qualifying events in Europe, Asia and Latin America). The field is rounded out by the host nation, China.

By offering the event a spectacular 12-year home at Mission Hills, Dr. Chu has made his own distinct contribution to its storied lore. Twelve, he explains, is a special number in China, one that signifies the 12 years in the Chinese horoscope and the completion of a cycle.

Meanwhile, his picture of the world swinging in unison is evolving all the time. When YE Yang, who is competing in this year's event, became the first Asian player to capture a major at the 2009 PGA Championship, the festivities were not confined to Asia. Over in Montreal, there was a day-long celebration that attracted in excess of 200 golfers from the city's South Korean community.

Where was it held? At Beaconsfield GC, the World Cup's original home.

Busy Week in Parmasters KW and Canadian Golf News

2009-11-28T11:05:00.003-05:00

It’s been a busy week so far, in more ways than one. Lots of fun though, which I believe is really the only reason we’re all here!

As mentioned, my meeting schedule is ramping up significantly, both with respect to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, which is gaining some great momentum, and also on the consulting side of my business, through S.H. Southern and Associates.

There seemed to be a separate activity just about every evening this week so far. Monday evening I was in meetings near Pearson Airport in Toronto. Tuesday my eldest played hockey. Wednesday I did relax at home with my lads. Thursday evening was the annual football banquet at my eldest son’s school. And last night I had the pleasure of attending the Guelph Storm vs. Erie Otters tilt at the Sleeman Centre. An old friend had rented a box for the evening.

Tonight, I think I’ll just stay in and read, or maybe watch a movie.

It’s been a busy week in golf news as well. I won’t touch upon the news de jour regarding young Mr. Woods and his unfortunate incident. As is the case with everything Woods does, this too shall be over-analyzed from every conceivable angle.

No, let’s focus on Canadian golf news!

For example, Golf News Now ran a great story this week noting that the overall purse on the 2010 Canadian Tour could increase by as much as $650,000. This is great news for the Tour, for Canadians, and for Canadian Tour players, such as our very own Ryan Kings. You can find the entire article here, and also included below.

Continuing with the great Canadian golf news, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this weekend. This, of course, was widely reported. I’ve included an Ontario Golf blog entry by Robert Thompson below, and it can also be found here.

Tour Schedule Will Be “Unprecedented”: Commissioner
November 22, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

The finishing touches are still being applied, but the 2010 Canadian Tour schedule could be “unprecedented” in terms of prize money, according to commissioner Rick Janes, who says the raise in overall purse on the season could be as much as $650,000.

“The real highlight of (the 2010) schedule and what we’re working on right now is prize money increases that are really going to be quite unprecedented,” said Janes.

Increases are expected at existing events such as Times Colonist Open in Victoria, the Players Cup in Winnipeg and the Canadian Tour Championship. An announcement about an event in Alberta is expected later this week, but Janes wouldn’t elaborate.

Another announcement coming soon is expected to outline a rebranding of the tour’s Montreal event.

“I think people are going to be quite surprised at what this looks like, particularly in a tough economy, and it will only get better,” said Janes.

“It’s not perfect, but it’s probably the best schedule in terms of prize money – and that’s the operative, in terms of prize money – that the Canadian Tour’s ever had. There’s a bit of risk in this, risk in the sense that we still have a lot of work to do in terms of sponsorship,” he added.

“My board is supporting what we’re doing here. It is a bold effort,” said Janes, adding that as many as 17 Canadian events could take place in 2010, but will more likely be around the 13 mark compared to 10 in 2009.

New markets being considered include Fort McMurray, Alta., the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Thunder Bay, Ont., and possibly Vancouver.

Janes went on to say that rumours of the demise of the tour’s swing through Latin America have been greatly exaggerated in recent media reports. Last year at this time, the tour was making stops in Chile, Argentina and Costa Rica, tournaments that were part of the 2009 schedule despite being played in ’08.

Janes stresses, however, that the tour has not severed ties with Latin America.

“I really don’t know where that came from. No, we’re not giving up on Latin America at all,” he said. “The fact of the matter is that they couldn’t create a schedule of consecutive events. We really wanted that on the circuit, but they just couldn’t put it into the rotation of events.

“What we’re doing is looking now towards a series of events in the spring right now in Argentina and Colombia,” said Janes, adding that those events, played towards the end of March, would be co-sanctioned by the European Challenge Tour and Tour de las Americas.

Even though the swing through South American is still developing, Janes believes there is a strong upside to continuing.

“The reason why we’re in South America and the reason why we’re in Mexico is that we can’t play in Canada at that time of year and I’m very happy with the results of South America,” he said.

“One of the byproducts of it was that we attracted players like Hugo Leon (Chile), who joined us in South America,” said Janes, also pointing to players such as Mauricio Molina and Rafael Gomez, both from Argentina and both two-time winners over the past season.

Janes adds that his isn’t the only tour eyeing South America these days.

“What you’re going to see is PGA Tour expansion into South America, no doubt about it,” said Janes. “You will see, in all probability, on the Nationwide schedule another South American event, most likely in Colombia, in the coming year.

“The reason we’re in South America is to, first and foremost, give our players these international opportunities, to expose some of the top young players from South America to our tour and to bring them to Canada to play.”

All Roads Lead to Brights Grove: Mike Weir and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
November 27th, 2009 by Robert Thompson

This weekend in Brights Grove , Ont., a little suburb of Sarna, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at the age of 39. I’m heading down with Ian Andrew, Weir’s design partner. It’ll be the second HOF induction I’ve attended, having given the introduction speech for Jim Barclay two year’s ago at St. George’s.

Of course this is premature — and everyone, including Weir recognizes it. During a conference call about the induction earlier this week, the point was made that the plaque, which will be at the Golf Hall of Fame in Oakville, can be altered should Weir win again.

Weir was nominated for the accolade by Ian Hutchison, the golf writer at the Toronto Sun, among other places. We’ve had a good discussion about how I think it was wrong — but within the current standards of the HOF, Ian had every right to put Mike up. He was always destined for the place — it just seems odd to do it now. Talking with Richard Zokol the other day, I asked why he wasn’t in the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His answer was simple: “I’m not 50 and you have to be 50 to get in.”

Regardless, Weir was as reflective as I’ve seen him while discussing the honor. I particularly liked his discussion of putting after dark on the practice green at Huron Oaks, where the ceremony will take place:

“There was a little flood light that came from clubhouse that gave a little light on the putting green and I’d put there until my mom made me come home,” he said. ”I found a little corner with some light on it and I’d spend all my time there.”

In my experience Weir isn’t a very reflective man. He doesn’t think about his past accomplishments all that often. This award has surely given him a time to consider what he’s done — which is more than anyone, himself included, expected — but he’s still looking forward.

“I definitely feel like there’s a lot of business to take care of in my years going forward,” he says. ”Where that leaves me when it is all done, I’m not sure. Hopefully my impact is awareness of the game in this country and that we can produce quality, world-class players. Hopefully I’m doing it the right way – all across the board.”

Interestingly, initially the proceedings were scheduled for the Canadian Open. Then in LA at the Northern Trust Open, I had the chance to ask Weir about the HOF announcement, specifically when and where it would take place. Weir said the plan was to hold it in Oakville in July, which I mentioned was odd since the entrant’s home club was usually the place where the reception took place. Score’s Bob Weeks, who was standing behind me, chimed up that this wasn’t the case — that some had been done at LPGA Tour stops, for example — but he agreed the home club was the normal route. Mike seemed surprised. I think people forget he hasn’t lived in Canada with any regularity since he was 19, and he’s never attended a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame induction and didn’t know the protocol for such events.

The RCGA now seem to see the folly of the initial decision.

“We’re happy to take it to the location best suited to the inductee,” said Karen Hewson, director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the truly helpful people in the Canadian golf industry, the conference call earlier this week.

Truthfully, Brights Grove is the right place for this. Huron Oaks, where Weir visits a couple of times a year, is the course in Canada most affiliated with the golfer, who was never connected to Toronto/Oakville with the exception of his link to IMG Sports.

“We talked about having it at the Canadian Open – but it was such a busy week. The more I thought about it – when I heard that I could have it where I wanted to have it and that other inductees had it at their home clubs – I thought it made sense to have it at Huron Oaks. Originally I didn’t know I could have it there,” Weir says.

“It is where it all kind of began for me and it is an opportunity to share this moment with a lot of friends and family and people who have been supportive of my career,” he added. “In that regard I thought it was the right thing to do.

New Series of Informative Videos from Parmasters HQ

2009-11-25T10:17:00.002-05:00

My meeting volume has been climbing significantly lately. It’s still manageable, and a productive use of my time, but I do keep an eye on these things. As Lou Gerstner, former CEO of IBM Corp. once said, “Never confuse activity with results.”

Over the next few blog entries I’m going to share some videos. In my opinion, this series of videos is fantastic and basically speaks for itself.

The videos to which I refer all feature Parmasters HQ President and CEO, Tom Matzen, presenting information on one particular aspect of Parmasters. They all feature background footage of Parmasters Memphis.

Again, I’ll share them over the course of the next several blog entries.

This first video focuses on Parmasters Golf Training Centers in general.

You can find the video here.

The Incredible Stories of Vijay, Charlie and Esteban

2009-11-21T13:28:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon the following uplifting post, from 2006, by Matt Adams. Immediately I knew I had to share it on this blog. Enjoy.

You can find the original here.

Vijay, Charlie, And Esteban
By Matt Adams
Posted: March 3, 2006

Forging a plan to get from where we are to where we want to go can feel like a journey of a million miles. Sometimes it helps to see the path forged by others to help us see the possibilities on our own horizons. Take for example, the varied journeys of Vijay Singh, Charlie Sifford, and Esteban Toledo to reach golfing success.

Vijay Singh knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a professional golfer. But growing up in Fiji with five siblings and his parents in a cramped little house, the world of professional golf must have seemed like a very unlikely prospect. Unlikely, that is, if you were not Vijay Singh.

As a boy, Singh loved the game so much that he would sometimes make his way through various drainage pipes that ran beneath the runways of the Nadi Airport to reach the golf course. The pipes were completely dark, and the lanky Singh had to crouch down simply to fit. The putrid water drained sewage to the ocean, and it would normally run higher than his ankles. Singh was so committed to his plan that he would drop out of school by the time he was sixteen in order to pursue his dream.

Vijay Singh was blessed with a gift and a conviction—and these would be the ticket to his dreams. His gift was his ability to play “with peace.” Part of this gift was just his natural disposition. He had the ability to stand over a putt that might mean the difference between playing on the weekend or going home, and he would not be overcome with crushing anxiety. Vijay has long been a student of Eastern philosophy, and he has mastered the ability to control his breathing, and, as a result, his temperament in high-stress situations. Singh was also convinced from very early in his life that nothing can beat unrelenting hard work and practice. He has worn this philosophy like a shield for his entire professional career. Singh has said that the reason he has become successful is that he has always had a disposition to do “whatever it takes.”

Like Singh, Charlie Sifford had to wade through plenty of filth to play golf, but the indignity he endured poured from the hearts and minds of ignorant people. Today Charlie Sifford, now in his eighties, seems relaxed and unassuming, yet his pleasant demeanor belies the trials he had to endure to realize his dream of playing professional golf against the best in the world.

Sifford is an African American, and during his prime years of playing golf, black golfers were banned from playing on the PGA Tour. Sifford would sharpen his game wherever he could. He won the National Negro Open five times straight from 1952 to 1956. Sifford has said he believed that if he kept working on his game, eventually the doors of opportunity would crack open.

Sifford made history in 1961 when he became the first African American allowed to compete on the PGA Tour. By that time, Sifford was forty-one years old, and his best playing days were behind him. Much like Jackie Robinson, Sifford was well aware of the significance of the path he was blazing. What’s more, simply making it to the big dance was not the end of his struggles. Sifford endured insults, threats, and indignities virtually everywhere he played. An example was the time he was barred from eating with the other players in the men’s grill room at a country club in Florida. Sifford was forced to eat in the caddie yard. Many of the other players knew that Sifford’s treatment was wrong, and Ken Venturi led a group of players out to the caddie yard to dine with their friend.

That Sifford could remain focused and committed to his plan to become a professional golfer is an incredible testament to his fortitude. Sifford would go on to win the 1967 Hartford Open and the 1969 L.A. Open. He won the latter in a play-off over Harold Henning at nearly fifty years old.

It is commonplace that great golfers are measured by the number of major tournaments they have won. But Charlie Sifford’s victory over racial injustice could be the greatest success story the game has ever known.

Esteban Toledo also had to overcome great odds to make it as a professional golfer along a path that was marked by extreme poverty, death, and a fighting spirit.

Toledo was born in Mexicali, Mexico as the youngest of eleven children. The family lived in a “choza,” the Mexican word for a hut. Actually, “hut” as a description of his family’s living conditions probably paints too nice a picture. The reality of their existence in the barrio was near destitution. Their tiny house had no plumbing, and their roof leaked like a river during even the smallest amount of rain, probably due to the fact that their roof was little more than cardboard. His family was forced to find space for all of them to sleep on two small beds.

Life was hard on Toledo and his family. When he was a small boy his older brother was found dead in a river, probably murdered. The thought that by 1994 Toledo would be playing on the PGA Tour was inconceivable.

But Toledo was a fighter, literally. Searching for a way to break out of gripping poverty, Toledo turned his hopes toward becoming a boxer. He fought with a ferocity that allowed him to amass a 12–1 professional record. His boxing took him to Tijuana, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. He was once paid $5,000 for a fight in Las Vegas. Toledo thought boxing would be his ticket to freedom, but reality once again put him down for the count.

An infection set in after appendicitis surgery and his boxing days were done. So it was back to the barrio for Toledo. He landed a job at a dusty golf course on the border—the same course where as a kid he used to sell golf balls he found back to the golfers for three for a dollar. Now he was cleaning clubs, shining shoes, doing whatever the boss told him to do. In the small slivers of time when he was not working, he would swing a golf club until the boss told him to stop.

One day, Toledo met Jon Minnis. Minnis was from California, but he might as well have been from heaven. Minnis was kindhearted, and he saw potential in Toledo. Minnis took Toledo under his wing and brought him back to California, away from the oppression of the barrio. Minnis found him a place to live and helped him to become a golfer, nurturing Toledo’s natural athleticism into a highly proficient yet simple swing. Toledo calls Minnis his father for the kindness and mentoring he has provided.

To this day, Toledo’s boxing instincts continue to serve him on the golf course. Toledo believes that boxing teaches you patience under pressure—the pressure of someone trying to knock you out. Toledo learned that the game of golf is like boxing in that you have to wait for your chances. You need to be patient until opportunity presents itself, but while you are waiting you need to work and be prepared. Clearly, Toledo knows the value of hard work and preparation, and he has been smart enough to turn opportunity into success.

The varied paths of Singh, Sifford, and Toledo prove that with conviction and tenacity a dream can be turned into reality.

Copyright 2006 Matthew E. Adams Fairways of Life

Editor's Note: Matt Adams is a reporter for The Golf Channel, equipment expert, twenty-year veteran of the golf industry and speaker. In addition, he is a New York Times and USAToday bestselling coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of Fairways of Life, Wisdom and Inspiration from the Greatest Game. Fairways of Life uses golf as a metaphor for life and features a Foreword by Arnold Palmer. To sign up for Adams’ Golf Wisdom email quotes or for more information, go to www.FairwaysofLife.com.