Tag: Toronto

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Beginner Golf Focus – Beginner’s guide to Golf

The key to improving at Golf

I’m in my second full Season as a Golf enthusiast.  It was August of 2015 that I played my first full Round of Golf at Centennial Golf course in Etobicoke.  To say that I sucked would be a gross understatement.  I probably shot 140 that day and went through about 7 Golf Balls.  What I will remember most about that day was the great Putt I made on the 12th Hole, and the amazing Drive I made on the final Hole.  As much as I would like to score well each and every time I go out.  Golf is also a game of amazing moments.  Do you think I’d be disappointed if I shot 40 over, but made a Hole in one that day?  It would probably go down as one of the most memorable Rounds of Golf I’ve ever played.  The final score wouldn’t bother me at all.  This article is about scoring though.  In only two full Seasons of Canadian Golf I’ve gone from a total hack to a Bogey Golfer.  In other words I have earned myself through a lot of work an eighteen handicap.  To clarify, because a lot of Amateur Golfers are unclear of what a handicap actually means.  An eighteen handicap means that on my best day I should finish a Round of Golf 18 strokes over par.  On a Par 70 course I realistically average between 26, and 36 strokes over par.  I have a tendency to really blow it on a couple of Holes and that’s why my score ends up being that high.  Playing a solid mistake free Round has become my current goal.

How to play mistake free?

The key to reducing your handicap is the same for you, as it is for me.  You need to focus on the things that are totally in your control.  I’m sure a few of you are thinking wait a minute it’s Golf.  There’s nobody tackling you, or checking you.  You don’t even have an opponent really.  Everything is totally under your control.  Well you would be wrong.

You can attempt to make center face contact with the ball every swing but it won’t happen.  You can attempt to hit a power draw, or a baby fade whenever the situation calls for it but it won’t always happen.  You can attempt to hit every approach shot with enough backspin to have it hold the Green but there’s no guarantee that you will even hit the Green.  Here’s the good news though.  You can control how you grip each club every time.  You can set yourself up with the ball a specific distance away from you, and further forward or back in your stance every time.  You can duplicate how far, and how fast you make your backswing with every club.  You can find the ball that feels right for you, and play only that ball so every putt feels the same.

Small things add up to becoming a better Golfer.

It would probably surprise you how much a consistent grip will improve your game.  Your grip helps determine how your swing will feel throughout rotation around your body.  Swing plane is partially determined by your grip.  Resistance at the top of your backswing is partially determined by your grip.  Club face release through contact is also affected by your grip.  I would slice every shot to some degree in the beginning.  It wasn’t until I developed a consistent grip that I was able to control it.  Any corrections you make before you’ve settled on a particular grip are only temporary.  So first things first, find your grip.   Knowing the correct distance to stand from the ball at set up takes time.  It took me about 12 months of playing to really figure it out.  It’s natural to want to stand far enough away that simply swinging your arms back around you, and then forward through the target makes contact.  Most Beginners, myself included start this way.   Standing that far away will cause a number of swing faults.  Making neutral face (not open or closed) contact with the ball  becomes almost impossible.  The amount of sidespin generated at impact is greatly increased.  It becomes far more difficult to hit out of rough lies.  Standing closer to the ball creates a more vertical swing plane.  Essentially correcting all of the issues I just listed.  It will feel uncomfortable at first because a proper swing will require far more body rotation the closer you are to the ball.  Begin practicing at the Range standing a little closer to the ball.  It won’t take long before you begin to see a significant improvement in ball flight, and target consistency.  If you were to break down a Golf swing into two parts.  It would be the backswing, and forward swing.  Of the two, the backswing is obviously the easiest.  When I first got into Golf I’d attempt to generate power through the backswing.  My backswing was about 75% as fast as my forward swing.  Nowadays my backswing is about 15% as fast as my forward swing.  My accuracy, and quality of contact is probably 5 times better than it used to be.  The faster your backswing, the more likely you are to become unbalanced, or make poor contact with the ball.  I’d rather hit my 7 Iron 140 yards straight 90% of the time.  Instead of hitting my 7 Iron 155 yards straight 25% of the time.  The only thing you really lose by hitting the ball straight, but 10 to 15 yards shorter is distance.  Really though the only distance you are sacrificing is off your longest clubs.  If your target is 150 yards away then just use your 6 Iron instead.  Maybe your playing partner can hit their 4 Iron 200 yards.  Well good for them.  Doesn’t bother me to pull my 3 Wood out of the bag to achieve the same.  Always use the same ball! 

I can’t stress this enough.  The difference it will make when putting is reason enough.  If you haven’t selected a ball yet read my Golf Ball selection Starting from Scratch SS-10

Play within your ability

This is probably the most difficult aspect of the game of Golf for me.  It’s actually the one thing that we are all able to control from day one.  Resisting the urge to attempt shots that I have no business trying is one of the most difficult things for me to do.  Everybody wants to make that hero shot.  If you actually want your scores to improve?  Don’t waste your time trying to hit draws out of the rough around trees to hopefully make the Green.  Do the smart thing and just punch out on to the Fairway.  Playing within your limits isn’t just about trying to make hero shots.  It’s also about knowing what you are capable of from the very start.  I used to attempt to make a Green in Regulation on every Hole.  Even if it meant having to make potentially dangerous shots to do it.  For instance on a 390 yard Par 4 with a tight Fairway.  I would consider using Driver strictly based on distance.  If the landing area seemed too small I would take one club less and go with the 3 Wood off the Tee.  Landing in a Tight Fairway with my 3 Wood is a very low percentage play for me.  Even if I hit a perfect Drive.  I’d still leave myself with about 180 yards to the Pin.  Most Greens are protected by Hazards.  Bunkers at best, water or thick Woods at worst.  Expecting to land on the Green, and stick it close from 180 yards out is ludicrous.  Trying to play a Hole like that would usually go something like this.  Tee off with the 3 Wood, and miss the Fairway left by around 20 feet.  Second shot out of the rough at a terrible angle to the Green with the 3 Hybrid.  Hit it about 170 yards, and land about 30 yards right of the Green.  Third shot out of the deep rough with the 56 degree Wedge.  Hit a flyer that clears the Green, and lands in the bunker on the opposite side.  Shots four and five to successfully exit the bunker.  Shot six is a short chip on to the Green with my 52 degree Wedge. So much for the Green in Regulation right. Finally on the Green I end up two putting for quadruple bogey.  Definitely not the score you are looking for on a Par 4!  It’s taken me a long time but I have finally learned to play within my ability.  The way I play that same Hole goes something like this now.  Tee off with my 5 Hybrid landing on the left side of the Fairway 165 yards out.  Instead of trying to hit a hero shot on or close to the Green.  For my second shot I’d choose to hit my 7 Iron 135 yards down the Fairway.  This leaves an easy 90 yard shot with my 52 degree Wedge on to the Green.  Sure I never had a chance at getting that Green in Regulation.  What I have done is avoid any real danger.  I land my Wedge shot on the front edge of the Green.  Then two putt for bogey.  A difference of three strokes!  Sure my chances at Birdie are close to null.  So what.  I’ve actually one putted for Par many times in similar situations because the approach shot from within 100 yards is so easy.

Do yourself a favor, and focus on the few things within your control the next time you are out at the course, or on the Range.  Your handicap, and your enjoyment of the game will definitely improve.

Beginner’s guide to Golf

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-18 PlayLine

A new way to play.

Fantasy Fanatics like myself are always looking for a new way to play.  I was an early adopter of PPR.  I remember people telling me that it diminishes the significance of True Running Backs.  Well now it’s considered to be the standard.  FanDuel and DraftPros changed the way we bet on games.  Even ProLine got in on the act.  Well the next, and in my opinion the easiest form of Sports betting has come.  PlayLine has simplified Sports betting to something as simple as how many carries, yards, and touchdowns you think LeSean McCoy will get in his next game.  If you are the closest to his actual total amongst all the Competitors then you win.  It’s that simple!  Larger prize pools will probably include a larger number of NFL Players you will be required to predict.  Anyone with even the slightest understanding of the game could feasibly win.  You don’t need to understand point spreads, over/under, or positional matchups.  Salary cap?  Who really wants to crunch those numbers?  Well I do!  I’m the type of guy that factors in the weather report when picking my lineup, but that’s me.  PlayLine doesn’t pretend to be the most advanced Sports betting system.  There’s already enough of those available fighting for market share.  What PlayLine offers is the ability to make a few simple predictions in less than a minute to make the game you are about to watch just a little more interesting.

Bonus Time!

The PlayLine website and Application launched yesterday.  For a limited time they are offering a huge selection of Freeroll events to introduce their product.  Copy and Paste this link to sign up now and qualify for their million dollar bonus event.

www.playline.com/r/CobeLife

All you have to do is predict the total rushing yards, and number of carries for David Johnson, LeSean McCoy, and Le’Veon Bell.  If you get it bang on, consider yourself a million dollars richer.  Oh and by the way you can enter up to 50 times while spaces are available.  If you are wondering if I got my 50 entries in?  Damn right I did.  Why wouldn’t I?  Why wouldn’t you for that matter?  The number of entries are limited to a total of 5000.  Once the word gets out, I expect them to fill up fast.  So do yourself a favour and use the link I provided to get started.

Will it last?

Every new thing is always met with a tonne of excitement.  A new super bar opens downtown?  I’m there.  Skydome opening day?  Yeah I was there.  The first TFC Game?  You know I had tickets.  Do I still frequent that fantastic bar?  Maybe I would, but it closed years ago.  The Skydome is now called the Roger’s Centre, and it doesn’t really excite me to go there.  I can’t remember the last time I went to a TFC game.  Will I still be placing bets on PlayLine a year from now?  Well that’s going to depend on what unique betting opportunities they offer?  Predicting the number of receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns Rob Gronkowski might finish a game with can get old really quick.  Especially if I lose to someone who has no clue, and beats me because Gronkowski got hurt in the first quarter.  When you study the Game of Football as much as I do.  Playing a game of educated guesses is less appealing.  Things become a little more enticing when you find out that Michael Bisping is a part owner, and some events could land you ringside with The Count at a UFC event.  It’s promotions like this one that will keep me coming back.  Will PlayLine be my go to betting website?  Probably not, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be yours.  One thing is for sure.  It will definitely make Game night at the bar with your friends even better.  Find a 5 person event on that nights Game and all of you grab a spot, and make your predictions.  Whichever one of you is closest wins the money.  Just be sure to pay your portion of the Bill before the game ends if you are winning.  If your friends are anything like mine.  You’ll probably get stuck with the check if you win.  In the meantime you might as well get your football fix on PS4.

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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-10 Old Mill at night

While the city sleeps

Something that I have always liked about Toronto is how quiet it can be at night.  Sure it stays busy downtown at night on the weekends.  Head a little West, or North of the downtown core.  It can get as quiet as being on a river up North at dusk.  This particular evening I thought I’d give the Humber River a little South of the Old Mill a shot.

I have fished this area quite a few times.  Unless the Salmon are running it isn’t the greatest spot.  I have had some success catching the odd trout there.  That’s what I was fishing for that night.  This was gonna be a new experience for me.  I usually fish in the early morning.  I have never fished this particular spot at night before.  So I really didn’t know what to expect.

I decided to travel light.  I brought my 8ft light flex two piece rod, and spincast Reel with 8lb monofilament.  I only bought 3 lures with me.  A number 3 Blue Fox silver spinner.  A number 2 Panther Martin in the bumble bee colouring.  Lastly a Silver & Blue spoon.

Anyone that’s fished downstream of the Old Mill knows that there are a fair number of potential snags.  I figured that one of three things would happen to signal the end of my night.  There wouldn’t be any action, and I wouldn’t even get a single bite for a few hours.  I would lose all three lures to snags.  I would actually catch a nice sized fish, and satisfyingly call it a night.

I took the TTC subway to Old Mill station and made my way along the path downstream.  There are very few spots with access to the River that are suitable for shore fishing.  Just north of the Toronto Humber Yacht club is one such spot.  It also happens to be my favourite.

You can easily cast to both sides of the River.  I’ve also had some success here before.  Albeit the previously successful visits were in the morning.   I decided to begin my evening of Fishing with the Blue and Silver Spoon.  It ended up being a fantastic choice.  I decided to make my first cast along the near shoreline.  Practically the moment I closed the bail to begin working the lure back in I got a strike!   I didn’t even have to set the hook.  Fish on!  I reeled it in with ease because it was a small 5 inch Trout.  Still if was an indication of the right presentation, at the right time of night.  Then things were looking good.  Well it was a very good example.  Too good in fact.  I spent the next few hours casting, and reeling in fish.  Unfortunately they were all similar to the first one I caught.  Too small to put up a fight.  One thing is for sure.  The Humber River will have a healthy run of Trout for years to come.  I’ve never pulled more than 2 or 3 fish out of this section of the Humber before.  I caught over 6 small Trout in less than 3 hours.

What would have made the night complete was just one fish worth photographing.  Still I’ve had those days where you catch absolutely squat.  So I’m not going to complain.  What I will take away from this is that Fishing the Humber at night is a great idea.  If you live in Toronto, and find yourself with a sleepless night.  Grab a Pole, and head out to the Humber.  You won’t be disappointed.

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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-8 Toronto island

Finally the Island is open!

If this was last year.  I would have been over to Toronto island a few times by now.  Unfortunately this year the Spring melt was met with heavy rains.  The islands were completely flooded. It’s taken a lot of money, and a lot of work to make the Islands safe for visitors. Well enough work has been done to finally allow people to visit the Islands.  So my wife and I packed up our gear, and caught the first Ferry over to Wards island.

I was excited for a number of reasons.  First of all if you follow my blog, you will already know that it’s one of my favourite places to fish in Toronto.  Secondly with the Islands having been closed to visitors.  There’s been little to no fishing pressure at some of our favourite spots.  I had a feeling that today was going to be a great day.  I was also very interested in seeing the condition of the Islands after all the flooding.  The evidence of the flooding was everywhere.  Some of the Holes on the Disc Golf course are still underwater.  There are sand bags lining the roadways.  Large areas are still closed off to visitors.  Unfortunately some of my favourite spots were inaccessible.   That really wasn’t a problem though because new locations have been created by the flooding.  I actually saw a small Bass in a shallow pool right beside the roadway.  Our first stop was at a spot we have fished many times before.

St. Andrew’s by the Lake Church on Centre island has a small dock behind it.  There’s enough room for a few people to fish.  My wife and I have always had it all to ourselves whenever we go.  I’ve only seen one other person fish there.  It’s easy to cast Spinners or Spoons along the shoreline from the dock.  You can also have some success jigging off the end of the dock.  I began my day with a #4 Mepps Black Fury from their Pike kit.

We spent about 90 minutes working the shoreline.  I tried a number of different presentations.  Unfortunately though we came up empty.  We continued west along the path to the next spot.

Before you reach the Bridge by the large fountain there’s a mooring point.  You can work the shoreline to the east, cast across the channel, or jig along the mooring side.  I switched to a Shallow Rattler to see if that would get them biting.

After casting for a little under an hour I got my first strike, and it was a monster hit!  I had worked the Rattler under some overhanging trees along the shoreline when the strike happened.  It folded my rod over instantly.  As soon as the moment came it was gone just as fast.  Whatever it was it shook loose after about 10 seconds of fighting.  I didn’t even get to catch a glimpse.  It was enough to raise our spirits, and keep us motivated though.  Took about another 30 minutes before I got my next strike.  This one wasn’t getting away.

This was not the Bass I was looking for.  Still I’ll take something over nothing any day.  Considering that my wife and I had three strikes over the last 30 minutes.  We knew that it was feeding time.  If we we’re hoping to land a trophy fish for the day.  It was going to happen now, or not at all.

I switched back to a Spoon, and passed the Rattler off to my wife.  We took turns working different portions of the channel.  The seconds turned into minutes, and before we knew it.  Another hour had passed, and the sun was high in the sky.  The early morning mosquito layers came off.  Might as well kill two birds with one stone, and tan as well right.  The reality that out Fishing window was closing quickly set in.  Both of us were getting ready to call it a day when finally the beast we we’re hoping to find appeared.  My wife made about a 30 foot cast along the shoreline.  While reeling in she  got caught up in some underwater vegetation.  She was able to jerk the lure free.  She continued reeling it in to clear the hooks, and make another cast.  Just before the lure broke the surface the Largemouth appeared.  Easily an eight pounder, he followed that lure within an arms length from the dock.  That’s as close as we’d get to catching him though.  His nose brushed up against the trailing vegetation, and he turned away, and disappeared.  We continued to cast for a while longer, but to no avail.

Our first trip over to the Toronto islands wasn’t a success, but it wasn’t a complete failure either.  Most importantly we got a glimpse of what’s waiting for us the next time we go.  Every fish you catch makes for a great memory, but it’s the next fish you catch that gets your heart racing.  I can’t wait to go back, and hopefully next time is my time.

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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-7 Casting

It’s all about the cast

Like the majority of you I began fishing with with a short Rod and $2 Reel.  Somehow my line never got Tangled in that tin cup, and plastic buttoned piece of crap.  There’s something to be said about simplicity there.  I’d cast that thing about 10 feet max.  That’s fine when you are Fishing small ponds, or off a dock.  My only bait those days were the worms I found flipping over rocks in the backyard.  That was the deal I had with my Dad.  Find at least 20 worms, and he would take my brother, and I Fishing.

Most of our little Fishing trips were successful.  It was a truly rare occasion that we didn’t catch anything.  Which only increased our desire to go Fishing more often.  It wasn’t long before I was asking for better equipment for Christmas.  A new Rod, and Reel that would allow me to cast way out to where I was sure the Fish must be.  I would soon learn that my predictions weren’t necessarily correct about that.  I decided on a Spinning Rod & Reel because that’s what I saw the majority of serious Fishermen using locally.  Took me a little practice to get used to it.  Once I had it figured out you couldn’t keep me from Fishing every decent day.

I was still using worms for bait, and having a lot of success with them.  Whenever I fished a popular spot though.  I’d see other people Fishing with lures.  Watching them expertly work a lure across a lilypad, or through some thick reeds to entice a fish to strike.  The urge to try this form of Fishing was just too strong to resist.  So the first chance I got.  I tagged along with my Dad to Canadian Tire, and bought a miniature tackle box plus lures kit.  It included some small Spinners, a couple Spoons, a few Jerkbaits, and of course a selection of rubber worms.

I grew up a short walk from the Credit River so I had the most luck with the Spinners, and Spoons catching Trout.  It was mostly dumb luck.  I’d cast my line to the opposite side of the River, and simply Reel it back in.  My ability to cast to a specific point had become quite impressive.  Most of my friends that fished, and even the local kids that were much older were impressed with my casting ability.  Even though I had this considerable weapon at the ready.  The number of fish I would catch was slowly decreasing.  So what was I to do?  Switch back to worms, and start landing more fish of course.

Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t tell you the last time I actually used live bait.  It’s lures only for me.  Every kind of lure you could think of.  My days of simply casting as far as I could, and reeling it straight back are long gone.  I can create all kinds of action with each lure.  My passion is Shore Fishing, but any Freshwater Fishing is fine by me.  I’ve been to so many places, and cast many a line.  I’ve had some very memorable days where it felt like every other cast got a monster strike.   That moment during a day of Fishing when you figure out which lure is irresistible to your target species.  If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s crazy.   It feels like the Fish are practically racing each other to strike your lure.

One of the most successful days of fishing I’ve ever had was on Lake Simcoe.  Three of us went really early to a spot we new of.  We had fished there many times before, and always landed a few fish.  I knew it was going to be a great day when I hooked a twelve inch Perch with my third cast.  We were there for almost three hours.  In that time we caught 38 Perch including a couple really large ones.  I personally caught 25 of the 38.  Think about that for a moment.  I was landing an average of 8 fish per hour.  After I caught the first fish I knew I wasn’t going to change my set up for the rest of the day.  I bet you are wondering what the miracle combination was?  It was a 7ft two piece rod, with a Spincast Reel, a hook, and a worm.

So why won’t I fish with worms anymore?  Honestly it feels like cheating.  There’s very little effort involved.  If you cast out a worm, and a fish is close by.  There’s a very good chance that you’ll get a bite.  I treat Fishing like exercise.  If my arms aren’t difficult to lift after a day of Fishing then I didn’t try hard enough.  Enticing a trophy Bass to strike by deftly working a Hula Popper is far more satisfying then waiting for a Fish to swallow a worm.

Everyone enjoys Fishing their own way, for their own reasons.  For me it’s Casting every kind of lure until my arms fall off.  For others it’s Casting out a worm, and sitting on the riverbank while reading a book.  Whichever way you like to do it one thing remains the same for everyone.  It’s always exciting to land that first fish.  I caught 25 that day, but the first one was the most satisfying.

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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-6 Harbourfront

Fishing Toronto’s Harbourfront

Last Tuesday the weather forecast was calling for clear skies.  My wife and I figured that it was a great opportunity to try our luck down on the Harbourfront.  We packed up our gear Monday night, and got up early Tuesday morning ready to go.  Got on the Blue Night TTC bus heading South, and made our way downtown.

There are a few decent spots to fish along the Harbourfront.  I personally have a couple of favourites though.  We began our day fishing the first of those.  Just West of the Jack Layton ferry terminal is a short little boardwalk that’s normally a docking point for private Water taxis.

It sits just above the water line.  Well it usually does.  With the Lake level so high from Spring rains.  Lake Ontario was making itself felt by spilling over the edge.

This has always been a great spot for jigging just over the edge of the boardwalk.  I’ve caught a nice sized Pike here in the past.  After about an hour of jigging with s few different lures, it was obvious that there weren’t any fish to be had here today.  That’s something you should know about this particular spot.  If you don’t get a bite, or see any fish early.  Pack up your gear and move on.  Predatory fish patrol the Harbourfront, but rarely keep to one area.  So don’t stay anywhere too long if there isn’t any activity.

My next spot is the welcome exception.  Just West of Stadium road near Stadium road Park is a small harbour with a few boat slips.

Sweet spot

The combination of the boats, boat slips, a dock, and underwater vegetation make for a perfect fish habitat.  It’s kind of an out of the way spot as well, so you won’t have to deal with too many distractions.  I absolutely love this spot!  I’ve caught Pike, Bass, and Drum here.   A quick note before I continue.  If you enjoy Carp Fishing, then anywhere along the Harbourfront is fine.  Just find a spot with calm water, and put out a line.  There are Carp all over the place.  I’m not interested in Fishing for Carp.  Still I see so many I’m tempted to begin.  Honestly I could just bring a long net along, and catch one with that.

I wasn’t out that morning looking to land a Carp though.  It didn’t take long before my favourite spot teased me.  A good sized Bass broke the surface by the boat Slips across from the Dock.  I switched to a heavier Spinner to make casting beyond that point easier.  I went with a number 4 Mepps Gold Spinner.

After about thirty minutes of casting I got a strike.  It was a hard strike, and I set the Hook well.  Really well in fact.  I know this because immediately after the Hook set the fish got Tangled around a Slip support post.  What should have been a minute at most to bring it in turned into twenty.  I was tempted to just cut the line a couple of times.  This was the first fish of the day though so I was determined to land it.  Fortunately my perseverance paid off and I was able to bring it in.  Looks like our luck had changed, or had it?

What I had assumed was a good sized Bass turned out to be a small Catfish.  Shit!  You think I’d be happy with at least catching something only a couple hours into our day.  Well I wasn’t, and neither was my wife.  What you don’t know about our previous Fishing trips is that my wife and I have a Catfish jinx.  Sounds like bullshit right?  Well it isn’t.  Whenever one of us catches a Catfish as our first catch of the day.  You can pretty much guarantee that it will be our last catch of the day as well.

Might as well just pack up our gear, and call it a day.  My wife did just that.  Packed up her rod, found a Park bench to relax on, and wait for the morning sun.  We had been out for such a short length of time that I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.  In the end I probably should have.  Not another bite for the rest of the morning.  There is a silver lining to this catfish cloud though.

Fishing downtown definitely has it’s advantages.  You are never too far from bathroom facilities.  Getting there, and back is really easy.  If you are craving a snack, or something to drink you don’t have to walk far.  Today’s advantage though, if you get Catfish jinxed you can just pack up, and find a decent place for breakfast.  We chose the restaurant at St. Lawrence Market, and got a spot on the patio.

All in all it wasn’t the best morning Fishing, but still managed to be a pretty good day.

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GOLF Uncategorized

Dentonia course review Starting From Scratch SS-9

The most enjoyable two hours of Golf you can play in Toronto.

Dentonia Golf course

There isn’t a more accessible Golf course by TTC than Dentonia.  Step out of the Victoria Park subway station, and there it is.  It is actually right next door.  The two properties actually share a fence it’s that close..

Although it’s a short course.  It’s only 2100 yards long from the back Tees.  The 18 Par 3s that make up the course provide more than enough of a challenge.  Well positioned Bunkers, trees that can impede your flight path, elevation changes, and Greens with a lot of break make going low through 18 Holes a real test.  I’m such a glutton for punishment that I try to play Dentonia once per week.  I play this course so often that I figured that it was about time I did a hole by hole review of it.

Something I would strongly suggest that you have to carry your clubs around with you on a short course like Dentonia is a Sunday bag.  They are light, have enough space for the few clubs you will need.  Make sure you purchase one with a few additional utility pockets, and a shoulder strap.  I also find them great for the Range.  I usually only bring a few clubs with me that I’m interested in working on.  Here’s a great example available on Amazon that qualifies for Free shipping as of the publishing of this post.

HOLE 1

Your first hole at Dentonia sets the tone for what is to come.  Depending on the Tee, and Pin placement this hole plays at around 110 yards.  The course played a little shorter today because the Grounds Crew were making repairs to a number of the Tee boxes.

Looking at the approach to the Green you’ll notice that it’s downhill from the Tee box with a deep gully between you, and the Green.  The Green sits in a bit of a bowl with the high sides along the right side, and back.  A bunker sits back left of the Green in case a Lefty like me misjudges the distance, and slices it.

HOLE 2

After what may have been a difficult first hole.  Especially if you hit it long into the back hill behind the Green.  The first Green slopes downward from back to front.  Chipping from behind the Green is a very tricky affair.

The second hole looks like an easy task at first glance.  Take a closer look, and you will realize that missing the Green is not an option.  Today the hole played 95 yards to the flag.  Miss left and there’s a bunker waiting.  Miss right and there’s a slope that’s steep enough to leave your ball under a grouping of trees.  Miss it long, and you could find yourself in serious trouble.  Brutal rough, and Trees can leave you with an impossible second shot.  Do yourself a favour.  Land it short, or better yet, get yourself a Green in Regulation.

HOLE 3

Looking at the Green from the Tee box on the third hole.  The first thing that you will notice is that the third Green is cut into the side of a hill.  Everything slopes downward from the left side to the right.  Today it was playing 90 yards long slightly down from an elevated Tee.  In other words it was begging me to hit my 52 degree Wedge.  Missing left, which is my usual miss isn’t so bad here.  A good kick off the hill will land you on the Green.  Don’t miss right though.  Two bunkers, and of course the hill that slopes away from the Green.  These hazards can turn a Par 3 into a triple bogey right quick.

HOLE 4

Looks a little bit like the previous hole doesn’t it?  Today this hole played 100 yards long.  So it was a little longer than the previous hole.  There are a few major differences though.  The first, and most significant difference is if you miss the Green left, or long.  Unlike the previous hole where hitting it left, or long could earn you a lucky bounce on to the Green.  Hitting it left, or long here can result in a lost ball.  Your only safe miss is to the right.

HOLE 5

The fifth hole is another one of the holes at Dentonia that rewards you for taking precise aim.  Today it was playing at 115 yards long.  Looking at the photo the hazards are obvious.  Bunkers protect both the left, and right side.  Trees can be an issue for people who like to shape their shots.  Short right has a waste area that’s brutal to hit from.  The only safe miss is long because the Green has a backstop of sorts.

HOLE 6

Similar in appearance to the first hole only longer with way more danger.  The sixth hole was playing at 140 yards long today.  There is a real danger of losing your ball on this hole.  The stream cuts across your approach at an angle ready to gobble up any errant Tee shot.  Carry the stream but come in left of the Green, and you can lose your ball in the woods as well.  The only safe miss is to the right.  You will leave yourself with a very easy chip up to the Green.

HOLE 7

There are a few holes at Dentonia that require you to hit off mats.  Hole 7 is the first of these.  Today the hole was playing 98 yards uphill from the back mat.  Obviously if you come up short with your Tee shot.  You will end up at the bottom of a steep hill.  Hit your Tee shot left.  There’s a very good chance that it can end up rolling down the cart path, and settling at the bottom of the hill.  Miss hit your Tee shot right, and well good luck finding it.  Hit it a little long, and there’s a good chance that it will kick back on to the Green.

HOLE 8

There’s that threatening gully between you, and the Green again.  Playing 96 yards to the Flag.  I was happy when my Tee shot flew long, and came to rest at the top of the hill behind the Green.  Hitting it short leaves you in a world of trouble.  Bunker on the left, bunker on the right, and of course the gully in front dares you to play it to the front of the Green.  Better to club up than down on this hole.

HOLE 9

There is trouble all around.  That about sums up the ninth hole in five words.  You’ve got bunkers protecting both sides, trees all across the back, and a large tree that blocks out a portion of the left side of the Green.  Then of course there’s another gully across the front.  Today it was playing 115 yards to the flag.  I really hope that’s a good distance for you.

HOLE 10

This has been, and hopefully always will be an easy hole for me.  Today was an unfortunate exception.  Playing at 100 yards even today.  The tenth hole has a bunker on each side of the Green.  The bunker on the right is set far enough back for me to use my Pitching Wedge safely.  I aim a little right of centre so I either catch the Green or land just off it before the bunker.  Today I missed the Green and landed short of the bunker as usual.  Only this time I landed in a particularly deep hole in the rough.  Took me two chips to reach the Green.  Two Putts later and I’m marking a double Bogey on my scorecard.

HOLE 11

One of the most picturesque, and intimidating holes on the course.  It plays 185 yards to the Pin.  It’s severely downhill though, so all you need to reach the Green is your 150 yard club.  Running along the left side from Tee to Green is Woods.  If you miss left you’ll be hitting another ball for your next shot.  Hit it too far right, and you could end up in the stream I mentioned on Hole 6.  You can come up short safely, which has happened to me many times.  A truly well struck ball from the 11th Tee is something to behold though.  So I say go for it.

HOLE 12

Playing at only 85 yards today.  The 12th hole lets you relax after that crazy Tee shot on the 11th.  There’s still a lot of trouble to avoid.  You still have the Woods that run from Tee to Green along the left side.  There’s a bunker protecting the right.  Hit it long here, and you are probably down another ball.  Honestly though, after playing the 11th hole.  The 12th hole just seems easy.  That’s how it felt for me today.  I hit my Tee shot, and earned myself a Green in Regulation.  Stepped up, and sunk my Putt for Birdie.  Just goes to show you how much of this game is played in the mind.  Confidence will always generate results.

HOLE 13

This hole looks a lot worse than it actually is.  Sure it’s 130 yards long.  The Green appears tiny because it’s framed by trees in the foreground.  Actually once you are past those trees the area opens up.  You can actually miss safely to the left, or right.  You can even go a bit long left, or right as well.  The only real danger is the stream in front, and Woods far back.

HOLE 14

This is by far the easiest hole on the course.  Today it was playing at 95 yards to the flag.  The only real danger is completely duffing your Tee shot into the stream in front of you.  The Green does have a fair amount of slope though so I’ve yet to Birdie it.

HOLE 15

The other easy hole on the course.  Not as easy as the previous hole because you can lose your ball long, and misses right tend to roll down towards the trees.  Today it was playing much shorter than usual at 85 yards.  Definitely a hole you should be looking to Birdie.

HOLE 16

Another hole that at first glance looks dangerous.  It isn’t as bad as it seems.  The trees along the left appear to block out the Green but once you are past them it opens up.  The smart play here is to avoid potentially getting caught up in the branches on the left.  Aim a little right where the mound just in front of the Green can provide a great kick on to the Green.  Today it was playing at around 120 yards long.  As long as you don’t hit it too far left you should leave yourself a decent second shot.

HOLE 17

Playing at 95 yards to the Pin today.  The 17th hole is deceptively tricky.  Part of this has to do with the yardage for me.  It’s a bit too long for my 52 degree Wedge, but just a touch too short for my Pitching Wedge.  With a bunker on the right, and trees along the back and left side.  You might be tempted to aim for the front of the Green.  Unfortunately it has a bit of a false front.  The 17th Green is quite the complicated puzzle.

HOLE 18

The final hole on the course has been for me the most challenging.  This hole is my nemesis.  It’s a very rare occasion that I earn myself a Par on the 18th.  There are bunkers in the front, and back.  I’ve never landed a Tee shot in either one, so that’s not the problem.  There are Woods along the left, and that’s my usual miss.  Truth be told, I’ve never put it in the Woods here.  So that’s not the issue either.  The real issue is the Green.  Unless I stick it close directly uphill, or downhill of the hole.  The amount of slope on the 18th Green practically guarantees I three Putt.  Your ability to read Greens will definitely be tested at Dentonia.

CONCLUSION

Depending on how busy it is, and how many people you play with?  A Round of Golf at Dentonia should take between 2 to 3 hours.  My friend Carlisle, and I have finished a Round in 110 minutes.  Today’s Round took 2 hours and 15 minutes.  If you are interested in playing a quick Round of Golf in Toronto.  Dentonia is the perfect course for you.  It’s never too busy during the week, and at $27 for 18 holes.  It’s easily the most affordable Round of Golf that you can play in the GTA.

 

Categories
FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-5 Cheltenham

A totally fantastic Fishing hole!

Less than an hour Northwest of Toronto.  Provided you aren’t driving during rush hour of course.  Realistically you shouldn’t be driving during rush hour if you are hoping to catch a few fish.  There is  a little known spot that’s fantastic for Brook, and Rainbow Trout.  Along a stretch of Creditview road between King Street, and Olde Base Line in Caledon lies the small village of Cheltenham.  Unless you are from Cheltenham, or somewhere else close by.  You’ve probably never been to the great little stretch of the Credit River that runs alongside Mill Street in Cheltenham.

Beginning just behind the Cheltenham General store, and continuing Southwest to Mississauga road.  This small stretch of the Credit River is perfect for casting lures, fly fishing, or drifting worms with a hook and bobber.  There is a campsite Park at Mississauga road by the river which gets busy at times.  Personally I prefer to avoid fishing in groups, so I tend to stay closer to Creditview road.  As an added bonus, having the Cheltenham General store close by is really convenient.  It’s a great place for an early morning coffee, or lunch after fishing.

http://www.cheltenhamstore.com/

If for some strange reason the unthinkable happens!  You’ve been fishing for a few hours, and haven’t caught anything.  Don’t worry about it.  You are within a fifteen minute drive of a number of great spots.  About a five minute drive away is another great spot on the Forks of the Credit. There’s available parking, and one of the most picturesque spots on the river below the trestle bridge.

If you have read my previous The Right Angle posts then you will already know about my favourite spot in nearby Belfountain. Refer to my previous post for the exact location.

The Right Angle RA-2 Guelph Lake fishing

I’ve had the most luck in this area casting with Spinners.  A number 3, or 4 Blue Fox Silver Spinner has worked well.  Try whatever you prefer.  If you find something that works particularly well for you.  Please leave a comment and let me know.

A quick reminder for any new visitors to my blog.  Be sure to click on over to my VIP Subscription section in the menu.  For a limited time Subscriptions are free!  Monthly contests will begin at the end of summer.  All VIP members will be automatically entered.  You will be given notice of all upcoming contests, or events by email.  You will also receive a new post update each Friday.  Membership does indeed have it’s privileges my friends.

Keep landing Lunkers!

Categories
GOLF

Proper Practice for Beginners – Beginner’s guide to Golf

Beginner Practice

(If you haven’t read my previous Starting from Scratch posts, I strongly suggest that you do)

Hopefully some of my suggestions have already helped you improve.  By this time you should be on your way to developing a repeatable Iron swing.  You should have a Putter that suits your swing.  If you have begun playing courses, you’ll know which parts of your game are lacking.

Now it’s time to improve.  Develop Practice routines that will truly make a difference.  I have two practice routines that have made the greatest difference for my game.  The first form of practice requires having a putting mat.  I was given an old one by a friend.  I usually take it out, and set it up in front of my TV screen.  During commercials, or while watching the Golf channel I will occasionally sink a few putts.  Over the length of a PGA broadcast I’ll easily hit 50 putts.  The majority of my putts are from around seven feet.  I will mimic distances I see pros attempt during a PGA event though.  So if Sergio Garcia needs to sink a short five footer to save Par.  Well so will I.  This type of practice helps me accomplish two things.  First of all it really helps me dial in my putting stroke.  Secondly I get so used to seeing my putts roll in from seven feet.  My confidence on the course when hitting putts from ten feet or closer is off the charts.  Five feet or closer starts to feel like a gimme.  Before I had the putting mat to practice on.  Any putt outside of three feet had me nervous.


The second form of practice that has seriously lowered my scores is Chipping.  Specifically short chips from about thirty feet or closer.  Lets be honest as Beginners.  No matter how perfect your angle to the Green may look.  More often than not your approach shot isn’t going to end up on the Green.  Being able to successfully chip one close to the PIN will make a huge difference in your final score.  If you are able to get it close enough to give yourself a decent opportunity to one putt.  You can turn a missed Green in Regulation to a solid Par.  A lot of driving ranges will have a practice area for Chipping.  If you don’t have a location that’s close, then just do what I do.  Grab a couple of Wedges, and a few balls.  Find a secluded spot in a nearby park.  I live in midtown Toronto, and I’ve found parks within walking distance that had enough space for 50 yard Wedge shots.  Granted I had to go early in the morning to hit 50 yards.  I have practiced hitting flop shots over a park bench in the middle of the day.  I even had my own little gallery of onlookers cheering me on.  For the most part people aren’t offended by someone practicing their golf game.  In most cases they’re interested.  I even had a passerby help me with my ball position when hitting Flop shots.  Just remember to be respectful of the space.  Don’t risk hitting anyone or anything, and repair any divots you take.

Beginner’s guide to Golf

Categories
FISHING

The Right Angle RA-4 Toronto Fishing

Fishing in the city of Toronto

Living in the center of the city has its advantages.  I’m a five minute walk from St. Clair station.  I can walk to the Eaton Centre in under an hour.  If you are familiar with Toronto, you’ll know that walking south on Yonge street is practically all downhill.  It makes for a very easy walk.  I have access to fantastic restaurants, galleries, theatres, festivals, and other amazing forms of entertainment.  This is supposed to be a fishing Post though.

Unfortunately the amount of conveniently located fishing spots in Toronto is sorely lacking.  Of course if you go out at just the right time of year.  You can get some pretty decent Salmon fishing in on the Don, or Humber Rivers.  If you like fishing for Carp?  I sure as hell don’t.  But if you do, then take a ferry over to Centre island.  Guaranteed you will catch some great sized Carp.

I’ve fished Grenadier Pond, and landed the odd sunfish.  Sorry I didn’t take a picture.  I recently fished Topham Pond.  All I got to show for it was a small catfish.  I actually have a picture of it.  If you would like to see it just send me a request.  I tried Centennial Park Pond in the west end, and came up empty.  I’ve fished all along the Lakeshore.  Sure I’ve landed the occasional fish.  Nothing worth bragging about mind you.  Sounds pretty hopeless doesn’t it?  I should just pack my gear in a car, and head North like everyone else right.

Well not so fast.

There is a spot accessible by TTC that never seems to disappoint.  The Rouge River mouth is a fantastic spot to fish for a number of species.  You can have a fair amount of success fishing from shore.  I’ve landed a number of very nice trout casting from shore.  I generally access the Rouge River by entering through Rouge Park.  There’s an entrance to the park at the Easternmost end of Lawrence Ave.  I’ve caught everything from Trout, Pike, Crappie, Catfish, and Suckers on the Rouge River.

There are a number of shallows, and weed beds to fish along the river mouth that are accessible by canoe, or inflatable.  If you have access to one.  I would suggest trying it for sure.  You will also be able to access some of the deeper water where trophy Salmon, and Trout can be found in late summer to early fall.

Even though I haven’t had much luck fishing many of the Rivers, and Ponds in Toronto.  I still try fishing each one a couple of times each year.  I don’t have to land a trophy fish every time out.  If I felt that way I’d absolutely hate fishing.  A nice calm day on the river making a few casts is enough for me.  Feeling the first rays of the sun warm my face in the morning is almost as satisfying as that first catch.

The days I’m determined to land something that’s picture worthy.  Those are the days I head out to the Rouge.  She’s never let me down.  So if you feel like fishing, but don’t feel like taking a trip out of the city.  Catch the TTC Blue Night, and head on out to the Rouge.