2007 Citizen Amateur

[jvincent]

Might as well start the thread now that the field is posted.

Having managed to not be a total tool to start the season, I managed to make it in this year (7.0) which was one of my goals for the season. Now onto part two, make the 36-hole cut.

This will be my first "big-time" tournament aside from the Ottawa-TO Ryder cup so hopefully I won't make an ass out myself score wise.

I noticed a few others names on the list that I recognized but I'm sure there are some others. Who else entered and made it in?

On a related note, anyone interested in caddying? There's a case of your favourite brew waiting for you if you are.

[mjf]

I entered and my index was good enough to 'make the cut' this time. I applied a couple of years ago but my index at the time (7.8) wasn't low enough.

I'm looking forward to it and my goal will also be to make the 36-hole cut. Historically it seems that 160 seems to be the number and I'll need to have my "A game" (or a strong B+) to match that. Hopefully my experience at Stonebridge will give me a bit of an edge. First thing's first though, I want to get my opening tee shot airborne!

MJF

[NoBack]

Congrats to both of you. Hope you do well.

I only wish my game was good enough

Also, where is the list? Any link?

[jvincent]

It's in the print edition today. It will probably show up online at the following location soon.

http://www.flagstick.com/ottawa_amateur.htm

[Big Johnny69]

Might as well start the thread now that the field is posted.

Having managed to not be a total tool to start the season, I managed to make it in this year (7.0) which was one of my goals for the season. Now onto part two, make the 36-hole cut.

This will be my first "big-time" tournament aside from the Ottawa-TO Ryder cup so hopefully I won't make an ass out myself score wise.

I noticed a few others names on the list that I recognized but I'm sure there are some others. Who else entered and made it in?

On a related note, anyone interested in caddying? There's a case of your favourite brew waiting for you if you are.

Mr. V, depending on the dates I may be available to caddy for you. Let me know the dates and I'll let you know.

OK, I didn't see the link first before I replied. If I can be at St. Laurent by 7pm on the 5th, I'll do it. Do you know your tee time yet? Worse case I can probably show up a bit late. I'd love to caddy for you. And as for the 16th, I'm definately a go for then.

[jvincent]

OK, I didn't see the link first before I replied. If I can be at St. Laurent by 7pm on the 5th, I'll do it. Do you know your tee time yet? Worse case I can probably show up a bit late. I'd love to caddy for you. And as for the 16th, I'm definately a go for then.

Cool, thanks Geoff.

They haven't published tee times yet but once they do, I'll let you know.

What's your brew of choice?

[mpare]

Good luck to all of you and have fun.

[Kilroy]

Cold He's a hoser and does not care otherwise.

[mbarroso]

I made it again this year. Last year's tourney for me was a total sham. I had injured my wrist prior to the tourney and wasn't totally recovered. I plan on making a big jump this year. Good luck to all entered. And I also to need a caddie, my best friend said he'd do it but not sure if he can make it now. Anyone available please let me know.

[mjf]

I picked up my tournament 'swag bag' earlier this week. I'm pretty impressed. In it was:

- An Adidas Climacool shirt (covered in advertising)
- A hat
- A sleeve of TaylorMade TP Black golf balls
- Some tees
- A copy of the rules of the game
- A bunch of documentation regarding the tournament.

I've gotta say, $150 for two rounds of golf (minimum) on a pair of nice courses plus all of this swag is a pretty good deal!

[Big Johnny69]

Are you not supposed to get a caddy bib as well? I'm looking forward to proudly displaying the Vincent last name. You and John have more guts and confidence in your games than I do in mine. Maybe one year I'll try my luck in the Citizen. Just too inconsistent right now.

[mjf]

Hmmm... I'm not planning to have a caddie since nobody I know would be available so it hadn't occurred to me to look for or ask about a caddie bib. I suspect they'll have them at the course on the day of the tournament.

I won't speak for John, but I'm not sure "guts and confidence" will properly describe how I'll feel as I stand on the first tee! I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how I do feel though. My game hasn't quite been up to snuff this year so it'll be interesting...

[jvincent]

You and John have more guts and confidence in your games than I do in mine.

Guts, plenty. Confidence, not too high at the moment after back to back stinkers.

Hey, all I've got to lose is pride and some golf balls.

If you want to wear a bib I'll pick one up when I check in. Since they are probably generic, we'll have to magic marker the name on.

[Big Johnny69]

Guts, plenty. Confidence, not too high at the moment after back to back stinkers.

Hey, all I've got to lose is pride and some golf balls.

If you want to wear a bib I'll pick one up when I check in. Since they are probably generic, we'll have to magic marker the name on.

Either or, it doesn't matter to me. I guess its whether or not you want to look professional or not.

[GarthM]

Bibs are available at check-in. Most folks don't have one....

[jvincent]

Speaking of professional, mjf wasn't kidding about the shirt in the swag bag.

I'd look like a skinny John Daly wearing it.

[mberube]

You guys are lucky. Next year I’ll try to book my vacation so that they are not during the OttCitizen tourney. Or maybe stay in town during my vacation. Good luck to all of you.

Mike

[Nat Williams]

If you want to wear a bib I'll pick one up when I check in. Since they are probably generic, we'll have to magic marker the name on.

I printed the caddybacks for the BCO in 2004, and made sure to print off a couple 'WILLIAMS' just in case I'd ever need one ... now that I know the Citizen has 'em I'll have to play next year

[funk-like]

Has anyone called Rivermead to try and get on before the July 16th round for a practice round? Good luck. I called a few times, never got a call back, stopped in at the course, the pro would not come out and see me (he was in his office about 10 feet away from the front desk where I was standing). A few days later he called me back and said that they would allow practice rounds the Sat. and Sun before the Monday July 16th round (so the day or two days before) after 2pm. I know its a private course, but if you are going to host a tournament that is open to all (with a qualifying handicap) why would you not make it easier to get a couple of practice rounds in? Any weekday or weekend after a certain time when it is slow would be acceptable. I may be away the weekend before, so its possible I won't see the course before I play it.

I was not impressed by the way they handled the situation. If they want to remain totally private, they should not host any of these types of events.

Just my 2 cents.

[BC MIST]

Has anyone called Rivermead to try and get on before the July 16th round for a practice round? Good luck. I called a few times, never got a call back, stopped in at the course, the pro would not come out and see me (he was in his office about 10 feet away from the front desk where I was standing). A few days later he called me back and said that they would allow practice rounds the Sat. and Sun before the Monday July 16th round (so the day or two days before) after 2pm. I know its a private course, but if you are going to host a tournament that is open to all (with a qualifying handicap) why would you not make it easier to get a couple of practice rounds in? Any weekday or weekend after a certain time when it is slow would be acceptable. I may be away the weekend before, so its possible I won't see the course before I play it.

I was not impressed by the way they handled the situation. If they want to remain totally private, they should not host any of these types of events.

Just my 2 cents.

Are you serious? You are being allowed to play on one of the best conditioned, private clubs in the area, and for that you should be appreciative. Rivermead occasionally makes itself available for Golf Association sanctioned tournaments (RCGA, GC, OVGA, CPGA) and the occasional charity tournament, and seldom for a commercial/marketing ploy type of tournament, which is what The Citizen really is.

If they followed your wishes expressed above, not only would they be giving up their course for the tournament, but for two other days as well, to fulfill your wish to have "A COUPLE" of practice rounds. Extend that to the other three courses and The Citizen would then be a 12 round tournament. Do some really see this as Ottawa's "US OPEN" or "The Masters?"

Instead of greedily asking for more, perhaps you should respect and thank them for giving you the opportunity to play it even once. Those paying the big bucks have earned the right to decide who and who does not get to play their course. And no, I am not a member of a private club.

[funk-like]

Are you serious? You are being allowed to play on one of the best conditioned, private clubs in the area, and for that you should be appreciative. Rivermead occasionally makes itself available for Golf Association sanctioned tournaments (RCGA, GC, OVGA, CPGA) and the occasional charity tournament, and seldom for a commercial/marketing ploy type of tournament, which is what The Citizen really is.

If they followed your wishes expressed above, not only would they be giving up their course for the tournament, but for two other days as well, to fulfill your wish to have "A COUPLE" of practice rounds. Extend that to the other three courses and The Citizen would then be a 12 round tournament. Do some really see this as Ottawa's "US OPEN" or "The Masters?"

Instead of greedily asking for more, perhaps you should respect and thank them for giving you the opportunity to play it even once. Those paying the big bucks have earned the right to decide who and who does not get to play their course. And no, I am not a member of a private club.

I am appreciative of being able to play there for the tournament. Again, they chose to host it, so with that comes the fact that non members are going to play it - the day of the tournament and maybe for a practice round or two beforehand. My issue was not only the limited availablity of practice time, but also the way I was treated when asking about it. Does the fact that they are a private club give them the right to be rude, non-responsive and make one feel as though they are not good enough to play there? I don't think so. I am the member of a private club and I know mine does not treat non-members like this. BTW, the practice rounds and the Citizen Tournament round are not free, I pay for the 'opportunity to play it even once'. Wow what an honor. I have nothing but respect for the tradition of golf, and I agree with and understand the rights and policies of private clubs but, I don't agree with the way I was treated in this case. Those paying the big bucks to be a member at a private course should still be respectful of others, and if you want to keep everyone out, all the time - don't host outside tournaments.

[BC MIST]

Again, they chose to host it, so with that comes the fact that non members are going to play it - the day of the tournament and maybe for a practice round or two beforehand. ..... and if you want to keep everyone out, all the time - don't host outside tournaments.

This is what I responded to above. I guess I need some work on my writing skills as I obviously can't get my point across.

Best of luck to those who appreciate being able to play Rivermead.

[LobWedge]

Are you serious? You are being allowed to play on one of the best conditioned, private clubs in the area, and for that you should be appreciative. Rivermead occasionally makes itself available for Golf Association sanctioned tournaments (RCGA, GC, OVGA, CPGA) and the occasional charity tournament, and seldom for a commercial/marketing ploy type of tournament, which is what The Citizen really is.

funk-like, make sure that you get down on your hands and knees and kiss the ground when you get there. Apparently you'll be playing on hallowed ground.

If they followed your wishes expressed above, not only would they be giving up their course for the tournament, but for two other days as well, to fulfill your wish to have "A COUPLE" of practice rounds. Extend that to the other three courses and The Citizen would then be a 12 round tournament. Do some really see this as Ottawa's "US OPEN" or "The Masters?"

Heaven forbid that a club that's actually hosting a tournament round allow the competitors a chance to see the course first. This tournament may not fit your "lofty standards", but for a number of competitors this will be the one big tournament they play all year. It's completely insensitive to make this kind of statement. No, it may not be the Masters or US Open, but for some it is still a pretty big deal.

Instead of greedily asking for more, perhaps you should respect and thank them for giving you the opportunity to play it even once. Those paying the big bucks have earned the right to decide who and who does not get to play their course. And no, I am not a member of a private club.

Maybe not, but something tells me you'd fit right in.

[BC MIST]

funk-like, make sure that you get down on your hands and knees and kiss the ground when you get there. Apparently you'll be playing on hallowed ground.


Heaven forbid that a club that's actually hosting a tournament round allow the competitors a chance to see the course first. This tournament may not fit your "lofty standards", but for a number of competitors this will be the one big tournament they play all year. It's completely insensitive to make this kind of statement. No, it may not be the Masters or US Open, but for some it is still a pretty big deal.


Maybe not, but something tells me you'd fit right in.

Ignoring your sarcasm for a moment, my previous comments were based on this question: Is it reasonable for a private golf club to make their course available for ALL Citizen competitors for TWO ("A couple") of practice rounds? The original poster obviously thinks, "Yes," and further, if they don't, he thinks that they should NOT hold the tournament. Am I and "Nat Williams" the only one who thinks that this a little unreasonable? Nowhere did I say that the club should NOT “allow the competitors a chance to see the course first.”

Rivermead is a wonderful place to play golf, as are Rideau View, the Hunt and the Royal Ottawa. They are that way because the members can afford to pay the fees necessary to have their respective courses maintained to the highest standard possible. What is wrong with that? Just because you and I don't play there does not mean that we should look at those that do, unfavourably. Even when I was a member at Rivermead, I was there because it was affordable for me, at that time, I enjoyed the course and enjoyed playing with the large number of competitive golfers that it had. However, I did not fit in with the wealthy, the politicians and others who were status oriented, pretentious snobs.

The Citizen is a very good, well organized tournament. However, the pretence of finding out “who Ottawa’s best golfer is,” infers that the field for this tournament is the deepest of any around. It is not. If The Citizen tournament gets some golfer’s legs all rubbery, then good for them. For me, whether I am teeing it up in the Canadian Amateur, Tunis, Citizen or playing by myself on a Sunday evening by myself, there are always a few butterflies, no more, no less, before the first tee shot, because I just love to play golf, anywhere, any time, on any course and with anybody, and doing so just might prove you wrong, again.

[Nat Williams]

IMO those times are reasonable.

[GarthM]

Anyone know how much they are charging?

[marcf]

With the round being on the 16th of July (Monday), offering the Saturday and Sunday actually sucks. Intersectionals is on the Sunday the 15th this summer. I think they knew this and thought this offering through knowing a lot of the players would be playing intersectionals on the Sunday. Could be a full tee sheet on Saturday if everyone remembers this.

[albatrossman]

I know that the pro shop at Rivermead is really busy these days, so please try to cut them a little slack. (Remember, the members pay the pros salary.) I checked the club calendar to see what it looks like in early July. You might be able to ask for a practice round on the afternoon of July 9th. Good luck!

[MusicMan]

if anyone needs a caddy for the citizen drop me a PM

[GarthM]

I spoke to the pro shop yesterday evening at Rivermead. The only time being made available is Sunday afternoon (yes I know, intersectionals). Cost is probably $65.