Reavie's Canadian Open Win Adds Fuel to Our Fire

Fifty four years and counting is a long time to wait for a Canadian to win the Canadian Open. Chez Reavie showed us what it takes with his amazing win yesterday. It’s also a positive sign that someone can come out of nowhere and win.

It might be awhile yet before a Canadian makes it. The signs are good though. There’s a lot of us young pros now, chomping at the bit. Thanks to RCGA and others like the CJGA we had many chances to play and develop as amateurs.

Thanks to Tiger, we are making a go of it. Golf is a bigger business with more opportunity. I did an essay in university showing how much the “Tiger effect” added tons of money for everyone in the business.

But, it’s still a long journey. RCGA recently published a guide on player development. It takes at least 5 years if you started golf as a kid or another 5 years or so more if your teen years were the beginning. A 20 year path from entry to PGA.

That’s one reason my family business, Pickard & Laws, set up my website. Maybe help a few amateurs and new pros. We’ve gotten really positive feedback from parents and players.

We have learned that much more is needed. It’s more like every man for himself. No system like we had when we were amateurs at university and during summers. Instead, we scramble for information. We’re constantly trying to figure out travel schedules, what coaches to use and many other things.

So, our business, Pickard & Laws, my apparel sponsor, Pin High, and some others have begun to think about how to help me and my buddies so we don’t drop out for lack of money and support. We are excited that the RCGA and the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association have identified the need for “systematic coaching development and support at all levels”---that means when you turn pro too. We were planning on putting on an event in October to showcase the problem. But, now, we want to re-think this—it’s important to work with RCGA.

After Reavie’s win, the media quoted Mike Weir, Davis Hearn and Bryan DeCorso all saying the same thing: it’s only a matter of time before a Canadian wins the Canadian Open. Why? We have so many young Canadian pros “in the pipeline”. With more of a system, we just might get there.

Adapting to a Post-Injury World

I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back in action. But, the reality of having been off for 7 weeks is sinking in. My options are not the same---fewer opportunities to play on the Can Tour, in particular. The other guys who have been playing while I’ve been out have moved up in status while I’ve moved down.

Fortunately, there are other options, especially in Florida---back to the Gateway and other Minor League Tours. The competition is fierce, so it will be a good way to get the rust out.

I am also going to ask for exemptions for some of the remaining Can Tour events in Canada.

Almost Healed

Next week, I’m hoping the hand specialist gives me the OK to get back to tournament play. It will be six weeks by then. I can’t say it’s been much fun. More like torture.

I have filled my time with putting, chipping, fitness exercises and reading. I’m even thinking about joining yoga classes. With this break, I realize how important it is to relax---take myself down from that revved up competitive feeling. My reading has reminded me that I must take care of my nervous system—not just my mind but the constant stress on my whole body from focusing on goals, practicing and competing. This unwelcome “down time” has helped me relax.

I miss my Canadian Tour buddies. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them soon.