Good Morning! We’re rolling through July at what seems to be a frightening pace. Club Championship sign up sheets are up in the pro-shop, so register today or tomorrow, if it continues to rain today. Open Championship Flight plays four rounds on July 26th, 27th and August 2nd and 3rd. Senior Men’s Championship Flight plays three rounds on July 26th, August 2nd and 3rd. All others flights play two rounds on August 2nd and 3rd. The trophy presentations and dinner for all participants will follow the final round on August 3rd.

Sign up sheets are also up in the pro-shop for the Links of Niagara Pro-Am scheduled for August 15th.

The draw has been made for the Individual Scratch Match Play. Sheets are up in the men’s locker room. Please add your phone number to your name so arrangements for play can be made, first round matches need to be completed by July 31st.

Links of Niagara Kids clinics will be held on Wednesdays for one and a half hours between 9:00am and 10:30am. There will be four clinics starting on July 23rd and continuing on August 6th, 13th and then again on August 27th. Register by email at charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca or call the shop at 905-295-4653 and ask for Chuck Groom. Chuck staying in cause it’s wet.

Good Morning! July is here and it looks like it will bring us some good golf weather. While June, as always, was a busy tournament month, July settles in quietly and offers much opportunity to play golf. So get out and enjoy the game. Coming Up in July: Member Couples is going well. We went from 27 people in the first outing to 40 in the second. Roger’s Mixed Member Couples will continue on Friday, July 4th with a 5:30 pm start. Call or stop into the shop to sign up. These events will continue throughout July but will move to Sundays for the 13th, 20th and 27th.

The clubhouse will be closed during the late afternoon and evening of the 11th and 25th. These Fridays are set aside for a family Stag and Doe and Wedding.

The ALS Tournament will be held on Friday, July 18th it begins with a 12:00pm shotgun but the course and clubhouse are closed for the day.

Fish Fry Fridays become Fish Fry Sundays for the 13th, 20th and 27th.

The first two rounds of the four round Open Club Championship will be held on July 26th and July 27th.

Registration sheets are up in the Pro-shop for the Links Pro-Am to be held on Friday, August 15th.

Good Morning! Congratulations and thanks to Roger for organizing a successful Members and Spouses Couples evening last Friday. Twenty- seven people participated and enjoyed the evening. We will continue Couples evenings throughout the summer so join us. We will make the tee times a little later to accommodate as many people as possible. This Friday we will go out for play about 5:30 pm. Please register in the shop or call 905-295-4653. The entry fee for prizes is $5.00, carts are $5.00 and non-member spouses may play the nine holes for $10.00. All participants receive $2.00 off the price of the fish fry or Friday Night dinner special. Couples play will continue into July with play on Friday the 4th. Later in July we will switch to Sundays for Couples on the 13th, 20th and the 27th of July.

Last call for Match Play participants. At this point, we don’t have enough players registered to carry on a successful match play championship in most categories. Sign up in the shop, as soon as possible, if you are interested

Good Morning between today and tomorrow the Summer Solstice will occur. Our longest day will pass, it appears under somewhat cloudy skies but golf goes on.

Friday Night Member Couples, under the guidance of Roger Arsenault, will begin tonight with group arrangement done at four o’clock. It is hoped that we will be able to do a mini-shotgun, so all will finish at about the same time for dinner. Places are still available. Call the shop today at 905-295-4653 to register.

Canada Day Couples is scheduled for Sunday, June 29th. The event will be held in the second crossover starting after 12:00 pm. This 18-hole event will feature a 6-6-6 format: scramble, better ball and alternate shot. Golf, cart, dinner and prizes will cost each member couple $65.00,each member/non-member couple $80.00 and each non-member couple $100.00. Register by calling the shop or by email at charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca.

Kids Summer Academies by Niagara College run the weeks of July 7, July 28th and August 18th. Contact the college for information and registration. Links Kids clinics are held Wednesdays, July 23rd, August 6th,August 13th and August 27th. Contact me for information or registration.

The Jim Hughes Classic goes on July 18th. There are places available. The event as always features all the food and refreshment one could desire, golf, cart, prizes, silent auctions, balloon draws and much more. New this year is the Jet Blue Challenge, a hole in one competition for a five-day trip to a Jet Blue Challenge Resort. Donations of prizes, big or small are encouraged and invited. Since its inception, this event has raised $140,000.00 for research into the cure for a disease, which could at any time, strike any of us. Participate! Donate! For information or registration contact kmorris@talkwireless.ca. Chuck going to play, today.

Good Morning, the longest days of the year are upon us. The days of June will get shorter after the 21st. On that cheery note, here are some notes on what’s coming up and what is not: *June 13th is today and as the calendar shows there will be no Fish Fry tonight. Fish Fry Friday has been rescheduled this week for Sunday, June 15th, so bring Dad out for fish on Father’s Day. Fish Fry Fridays will continue as scheduled on the 20th and 27th of June and on July 4th. Fish Fry Fridays will move to Sundays after that in July for 13th, 20th and 27th. *There will be July calendars available in the shop and the clubhouse just prior to the end of the month and June calendars are in the shop and up on the bulletin boards.

*Next Friday June 20th, Mr. Arsenault will be hosting our first Member & Spouses (should be Spice?) Mixed Scramble. We will attempt to run these events each Friday after 4:00pm. They will feature a random draw for teams, prize presentation and each participant will receive $2.00 off the cost of the Fish Fry or Friday Night special. The entry fee is $5.00 for prizes. Carts will be $5.00 and the green fee for a non-member spouse would be $10.00. Please sign up in the Pro-shop. For more information contact Roger at the first tee or Chuck Groom at ( charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca).

*Sunday, June 28th join us in the second crossover for Canada Day Couples. Play six holes of Couple Scramble, six holes of Couple Better Ball and six holes of Couple Alternate Shot. If everyone is still speaking after that, enjoy a buffet dinner and prize presentation to follow. The cost for golf, dinner and prizes is $65.00 for a member couple, $80.00 for a member/non-member couple and $100.00 for a non-member couple. Register in the pro-shop by calling 905-295-4653 or by email at charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca. *Yes, we will be running our kids clinics this summer.

The one week long Niagara College Junior Academies will operate during the morning in three different weeks in July and August. Part One from July 7th to July 11th, Part Two from July 28th to August 1st and Part Three from August 18th to August 22nd. Contact Niagara College to register. Links of Niagara Kids Clinics will run on Wednesday Mornings on July 23rd, August 6th, August 13th and August 27th. The cost of $60.00 includes 4 clinics with a hotdog, drink and golf shirt provided at the last clinic in August. Contact me at charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca for registration or other information. Chuck at home but going to the range.

June calendars will be available June 1 in the pro shop. Please feel free to pick one up. June is a very busy month. The calendar will help you plan your golf and non-days for the month.

We are now into regular green fee pricing with the rates being $39.00 to walk and $49.00 to ride through the week and $49.00 and $59.00 on weekends and holidays. Member Monday pricing is in effect as well with members being able to bring up to three guests for $30.00 walking and $40.00 riding all day Monday.

Please note: Tee times are required at all times for play by both members and non-members at the Links of Niagara. We try to accommodate walk-ons but this is not always possible. Members are allowed eight days in advance for booking tee times i.e. call on Saturday to book for the following Saturday. Non-members may book seven days in advance i.e. call on Sunday to book for the Saturday following. A call ahead to 905-295-4653 will help avoid any disappointment.

June will mark the beginning of those Match Play divisions which have names registered. Some do not! The Match Play has been organized in Two Divisions: Men and Women. The Men’s Divisions allows play in Scratch Individual and Scratch Team categories and Handicap Individual and Handicap Team Categories. The Ladies will play in Handicap Individual and Team Categories. The cost is $20.00 with play occurring throughout the season. Sign up in the pro-shop. Chuck in the shop.

Long weekend already, Victoria Day, firecrackers and cool, I guess that really is what Spring, in the peninsula is like. At least, that is what I have been told. Summer will come it will get hot and if the almanac is correct, it will be really hot. Looking forward to that! Green fee specials are offered over the weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday, you may walk or ride for $49.00. Call the shop to book your tee times at 905-295-4653.

Starting Tuesday, regular green fee rates come into effect. During the week the walking rate is $39.00 or $49.00 to ride. On the weekend it’s $49.00 walking and $59.00 in a cart.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 4:00pm each person may play nine holes in a cart for $29.95 and get a $10.00 dinner voucher each. This special may be extended to 18 holes for $49.95 person with cart and also includes a $10.00 dinner voucher each.

Latest Men’s League results have Todd Langelaan, Jim Borysko and Kevin Matthews tying for first in the 0-6 handicap flight with net 32’s. Brian Berton and Rick Heximer had net 28 to win the 7-12 flight for the evening. In the 13+ flight, Geoff Coop finished first with a net 27.

Fish Fry Fridays continue for $8.95 all you can eat after 4:00 pm. Check the calendar on the website at www.thelinksofniagara.com for a complete schedule of events throughout the season.

The weatherman says, ”May will be unseasonably cool.” He may be right and that robin might have been a penquin.

Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet will be featured on Sunday, May 11th from 11:00am until 2:00pm. Priced at $11.95+tax, this will be a bargain. The Mother’s Day dinner menu will be available at $17.95+tax after 5:00pm. Please call 905-295-0029 or email kmorris@talkwireless.ca for reservations for dinner.

Sign up sheets for Match Play and Niagara Cup Team Qualifications are in the Pro Shop.
Spring rates for green fee play will continue until May 16th. Through the week, the walking rate is $25.00/$35.00 to ride. On the weekends the price is $30.00 to walk and $39.00 to ride.

Stay warm, dress nice and play golf. This golf season has only just begun, Chuck.

Good Morning, Ducks like this weather, not robins. Saturday April 26th saw 101 players take part in the Links of Niagara Early Bird Tournament. It turned out to be a very good day for the brothers Sheridan. Paul won Low Gross honours with a 71 and Roy won the Low net award with a net 69. Joe Piedl and Doug Connor finished with second and third low net by retrogression.

Closest to the Pin
Dan Ciccale-#3
Nick Biamonte-#7
Doug Connor-#12
Chuck Dexter-#14
Roy Sheridan-#16
Ray Fowle won the putting contest.

Sign up for Match Play in the Pro Shop. Play for the Club Match Play Championships is available for Men and Women in individual and team formats in Scratch and Handicap Divisions. The cost is $20.00 and we need people to sign up, so we can get started.

Just a note to all who play the Links that our dress code is in effect. We ask all our players to refrain from wearing jeans or gym type shorts. Shirts require collars, which include mock turtlenecks. For the Ladies, generally shirts with no collars require sleeves and shirts with no sleeves require collars.

Sunday May 11th is Mother’s Day. Earlier in the week I sent out the menu and pricing for the Mother’s Day Brunch and evening meals. The value for your dollar and food quality will, as always, be excellent. The Brunch at $11.95 plus tax is all you can eat and the dinner menu a choice of soup or salad, appetizers, main courses and desserts for $17.95 plus tax. Please call 905-295-0029 or email kmorris@talkwireless.ca for information or dinner reservations.

Sunday, May 11th, 2008

Mother’s Day Brunch                        11am-2pm                  $11.95

Omelette Bar with eggs any style
Sandwich Bar
Ham, Bacon, Sausage
Waffles
Pastries
Fruit and Salads

Mother’s Day Dinner Menu                After 5pm                  $17.95

Salad or Butternut Squash Soup
       Appetizers

Choice of: Crab Cakes
       Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
       Shrimp Cocktail

       Mains

Choice of: Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin
       Wild Mushroom, Parmesan Tagliatelle
       Panko Battered Talapia

       Desserts

Choice of: Crème Brulee
       Cheese Cake

Good Morning! Those robins must be hardy creatures. It hasn’t been what I’d call a warm spring. The weather is changing and we have had many other hardy creatures, golfers, playing the game. Get out and join them.

Saturday, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, come and “ Meet the Chef”. Matt McGregor and staff, both current and from the past will be there to say hello. Meet some friends and get the season started with free food samples. Have a cocktail and plan the season. It’s going to get hot, let’s get ready.

Just a reminder about member playing times: All tee times must be booked in advance, Tee times by members may be booked 8 days in advance (i.e. Saturday for the Saturday following), Non members may book 7 days in advance (i.e. Saturday for the Friday following). Tee times officially start tomorrow April 19th. Call the shop for times. Members wishing to play outside the time frame designated for their membership would be required to pay 50% of the green fee rate for the day.

Leagues start next week, Ladies orientation on Tuesday about 6:00pm and the men on Thursday. Check out the website at www.thelinksofniagara.com under Leagues for details. Early Bird is Saturday, April 26th at 10:30am. Still spots. Call the shop at 905-295-4653 to register.

The range opens tomorrow. Chuck in the shop, then on the course.

Good Morning! Yes, Mr. Gibbs, there is a Santa and this morning he is riding in a motorized power cart. Carts go out today. In other news from the Pro-Shop, we will start booking Tee Times Saturday April 12th for play on Saturday April 19th, you may call 905-295-4653 or book 8 days in advance when you see us.

We have some pricing specials available as well:
Until May 16th - Weekday green fee is $25.00 walking/$35.00 Golf & Ride.
-Weekend green fee is $30.00 walking/$39.00 Golf & Ride.

May 20th to October 5th - $39.00 Weekday Green Fee/Riding $49.00.
-$49.00 Weekend Green Fee/Riding $59.00.
-$36.00 Twilight Green Fee (after 3:00pm).
-$45.00 Twilight Golf and Ride.

Twilight Special- Friday, Saturday & Sunday after 3:00.
$59.95 per couple - 9 holes of golf and ride and a $20.00 dinner voucher.
$74.95 per couple – 18 holes of golf and ride and a $20.00 dinner voucher.

Ladies’ League Orientation is Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:00pm.

Men’s League starts Thursday, April 24th.

Ladies” League play begins Tuesday, May 6th.

League Rates - $18.00 – 9 hole green fee.
- $25.00 – 9 green fee with cart.
- $36.00 – 18 hole green fee.
- $45.00 – 18 hole green fee with cart.
- For complete League information check out the website at www.thelinksofniagara.com.

The Links Masters is still a go, weather may require some modifications, but call the shop for groupings and tee time assignments. Meet the Chef Cocktail Party is April 19th at 4:00 pm. Memberships are still available for 2008, again see the website. Chuck going to open the shop

Yes, there will be golf, soon. As with last year, I’ll let you know a few days in advance. It really depends on the melting of snow, the falling of rain, the drying of grass and other technical weather conditions, but I did see a robin. So, it will be soon.

Other stuff: Kitchen renovations continue, but like Spring and the coming of golf, not quickly enough, so we must postpone the Taste of the Links, until later in May.
The Willodell Masters will be an 8:30am crossover as planned on April 13th, weather permitting. We will open the event to non-members for $50.00.Members pay $30.00 which includes golf, ride, buffet lunch and prizes.

Meet the New Chef Cocktail Party will go on April 19th with a 4:00pm, start.

Ladies’ League Orientation evening will start at 6:00pm on April 22nd, with play beginning the next week on April 29th. Men’s League play starts April 24th. League information may be found on the website www.thelinksofniagara.com under Leagues and Tournaments.

The Links of Niagara Men’s Early Bird Shotgun is Saturday, April 26th commencing at 10:30am Golf/Ride/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Prizes are included for $50.00/members, $65.00/stag members, $85.00/non-members. Gross and Calloway Scored Net Prizes for Individual Play.

Until the course and shop are fully open, registrations for all events may be done by email at gator15@talkwireless.ca or at charlesjgroom@sympatico.ca .

Congratulations to the staff of the Bagger’s Grill for preparing and hosting an excellent Valentine’s evening. The food was delicious and the service friendly. Kathy Morris should as well be thanked for setting up a beautiful and welcoming dining room. Well done. The evening was enjoyed by all those who attended. It was great value for your Valentine dollar.

Winter continues to drag on, but as it does each year it will end. We have planned three events between now and the start of Spring and golf, which should make March and April seem a little shorter.

Saturday, March the 15th is St. Patrick’s Day at the Links. Come out through the day to try a special Irish menu and green beer.

Saturday, March the 22nd between 6pm and 9pm we will be hosting the “Taste of the Links”. This evening will feature some tapas treats, to demonstrate the skills of our new chef.

Saturday, April 5th at 4:00pm come out and meet our new chef in person. This “Meet the Chef” cocktail party will provide and opportunity to taste some specials from our menu.

The days are longer and the sunlight is stronger, soon the course will be covered with golfers instead of snow. Chuck.