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S<\/span>easons have come and gone. The SGC golf event of the year looms closer. Calling any predictions who\u2019s poised to seize the summer accolades is arbitrary. And after that winter hibernation, it\u2019s someone else\u2019s guess who\u2019s in opening season form.<\/p>\n What about a recap of SGC\u2019s previous year, 2018? We were blessed by mother nature because not a single game cancellation occurred related to increment weather. Out of 25 games, 22 were different day winners more than the SGC had witnessed from previous years. Winners included a new member, 14 seniors, 7 below 60 years of age. Ten members were multiple winners and only two players accomplished winning three times. Astonishingly, there were three different winners of three majors – two seniors capped the year winning MIP & SPOY while the third POY major was won by a non-senior in almost a breakaway fashion. Love this golf sport where in a time of unequivocal parity – handicapping wise, anybody\u2019s game who knows? A positive return to the players age 60 & up circuit where 12 seniors battled it out, and apparently for this summer one or two are expectantly joining. SGC also welcomed 5 new members and happily valued the successful culmination of the year\u2019s awards night. SGC had positive feedback from the those who showed up and reveled the night away. There is nothing else to be grateful for except to credit the support and care of its own members.<\/p>\n SGC is continuously looking for ways to enhance our tournament and providing chances for new members to join us. By mentioning it again, competition should be brilliant from start to finish as expected. Who can possibly achieve another milestone of winning all three majors which was achieved in the year 2017, and become the second individual to reach the almost unreachable feat?<\/p>\n Well, year 2019. What is to expect? A lot – new USGA golf rule wise. Confusing it maybe, we have no choice but to get ourselves familiarize with the revised rules. SGC\u2019s website earlier posted the links to all these new rules as well as videos of some of the changes which are easier to understand than reading the wordings in their articles. Please help yourselves acquaint with these new rules to avoid startling results.<\/p>\n Few members also suggested to make local rule changes on two of these new USGA rules:<\/p>\n 1. New rule:<\/strong> No need to get the attention of fellow competitor to touch, lift to identify a ball.<\/p>\n SGC local rule:<\/strong> The player must announce his intention to lift the ball to fellow-competitor and mark the position of the ball. Replace the ball the way it was found. Failure to do all of the above \u2013 one stroke penalty.<\/p>\n 2. New rule:<\/strong> Free relief for a ball embedded anywhere in the \u201cgeneral area\u201d (the new term for \u201cthrough the green\u201d). In taking relief, the player may clean and drop the original ball or a substituted ball from the spot directly behind the ball and then 20 inches away (not closer to the hole). No need to ask permission with fellow competitor. A ball is not considered embedded if it is embedded in grass, leaves or other loose impediments. In order to be considered embedded, the ball’s pitch-mark must be below the level of the ground. Thus, you can not have an embedded ball in a bunker or water hazard.<\/p>\n SGC local rule:<\/strong> Same as new rule but you still need to announce your intention to fellow competitor before you touch the ball. Failure to do so \u2013 one stroke penalty. <\/p>\n These two revised rules will be amended to 2019 SGC Local Rules upon approval by members.<\/p>\n SGC also posted earlier as a public service to all concerning impaired driving. SGC strongly suggests that members use car pooling and have a designated driver if you are thinking of drinking alcohol after a round of golf. Here is the 2019 New Impaired Driving Laws<\/a> posted on SGC’s web site.<\/p>\n In the golfing venue news, to keep up with trending rising prices on almost everything, golf courses are no exception. So far with more than 25 golf courses SGC contacted, most did not stay with old rates as last year. Only two of SGC\u2019s favourite mainstays \u2013 Kingsforest, was the one that rendered the same rate for reasons they claimed SGC\u2019s past years as loyal customer and the other was Glen Cedars. The centrally located Royal Woodbine hiked up theirs by about $2.50 which they said was a minimal raise. The good news was, SGC\u2019s tough negotiators hesitantly agreed but rewarded with an earlier tee off time of 1:00 o\u2019clock PM instead of the usual 2:o\u2019clock PM. Surprisingly, Lakeridge Links offered the best proposal of them all and was accepted. To member\u2019s pleasure of acclimating to the GTA Interleague event held at Copetown Woods golf course at June\u2019s end, SGC booked the same venue three weeks prior. SGC recommends that members participate this huge event.<\/p>\n SGC appreciates the effort of your negotiating team \u2013 Bingoy Pe\u00f1a, Rey Plaza, & Bert Cerrudo.<\/p>\n Games have a new look in 2019. Members voted on moving up the Grand Finals event from the last two rounds of the year to a month ahead to avoid the risk of playing under unpredictable weather conditions. It will be held on August 25, 2019 & September 1, 2019 at Royal Ontario and Kingsforest respectively. As previously agreed, no guests can play during the Grand Finals. In the event of Grand Final\u2019s round(s) cancellation, please refer to SGC Local Rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n A new season begins, SGC welcomes you back. Enjoy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Seasons have come and gone. The SGC golf event of the year looms closer. Calling any predictions who\u2019s poised to seize the summer accolades is arbitrary. And after that winter hibernation, it\u2019s someone else\u2019s guess who\u2019s in opening season form. … Continue reading