Episode 9: Running On Empty - The Flagstick Open and More (Brennan Smith Interview)

May 27th, 2022  |  1 hr 35 secs

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

Yes, we're a couple days late hitting the publish button on this episode but, believe me, it's with good reason. A catastrophic storm hit parts of Ontario on the May long weekend and that interrupted a few things. That included power and internet service at our offices.

Thankfully that has been resolved and here we are.

That storm also impacted the Flagstick Open Amateur Championship presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada and adidas but we managed to complete play and crown a winner. Brennan Smith, the repeat champion, sat down with Scott after the victory for the feature interview in this episode.

We also share plenty of news from the week, including details on how the big storm impacted many golf courses and events, some Golf Ontario news as they hosted their Spring Junior Classics, details on the OVGA Scramble, the PLAY JUNIOR GOLF TOUR season-opener, and another endorsement deal for an Eastern Ontario touring pro.

On the Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime, he looks at tightening the backswing turn, and in Product Watch we have a look at some new golf shoes with a "champion" pedigree.

We may be a little tuckered from a long week, but Episode #9 of the Flagstick Podcast is here. Enjoy!

Episode 8: Some of Our Favourite Golf Courses (and plenty more)

May 18th, 2022  |  1 hr 16 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

We're both not huge proponents of the term "best" when it comes to golf courses. Afterall how you feel about a golf course is fairly subjective. This week in our Back Nine we share a little about some of the courses we have both enjoyed through the years and why they have become dear to us. It's sure to just be an entry way to the topic, and variations of it. Some of them choices might suprise you, and we hope that as we bring you more discussions on the topics in various episodes that it may introduce new courses to you.

On the Front Nine this week we have a nice helping of regional content with junior golf and various events in the spotlight, along with news from ceremonies recognizing OVGA Hall of Fame members, and the announcement of the new ambassador for a junior girls golf program.

Kevin Haime brings you some thoughts on the set-up, and we explore carry bags in this week's Product Watch.

All that, and the answer to the question "which former Flagstick Open winner is hitting balls in the background as we record the podcast?"

Tune in and find out.

Episode 7: All The Usual Fun and RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford

May 11th, 2022  |  1 hr 1 min

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

Tournament season is officially underway so we have plenty of golf news to cover off this week in the Front Nine.

We bring you results from the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Spring Classic, news from the Canadian National Women's Team, an exciting addition to the field for the 2022 CP Women's Open at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, word on a golfer named as the St. Lawrence College athlete of the year, a preview of the Loyalist Junior Showcase, results from a Sunday night survey on golf travel, details the 2022 inductees to the OVGA Hall of Fame, and results from the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in Quebec.

For this show's Product Watch we take a look at the ever-growing bluetooth speaker market and highlight a few, and their features, that are designed specifcally for the golfers.

In the Back Nine this week we have an informative interview as the RBC Canadian Open prepares to return for the first time since 2019. Scott sat down with Tournament Director Bryan Crawford at the 2022 venue, St. George's Golf & Country Club, to talk about the logistics and plans to make this edition the best on all fronts since the tournament began in 1904.

Episode 6: What Are The Tees For Me, Laser Rangefinders, and Tune Your Putting Aim

May 4th, 2022  |  1 hr 19 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

As usual there is plenty on our minds this week as the golf season continues to roll on in our home base of Eastern Ontario.

We bring you news this week about a new job opening with Golf Ontario, a new golf league program involving The Marshes and the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, a new F&B option at an Ottawa-area practice facility, and updates on the play of Kurtis Barkley, a Canadian playing in England on the new G4D Tour.

On the Back Nine we have a wandering conversation of how to go about choosing the tee box you play at the golf course. We consider the past stereotypes, the implications of the choices, and an evolving system that could help you enjoy your next game of golf that much more.

On the Lesson Tee with the Kevin Haime Golf School, Kevin and Jake Haime show you how to tune your aim with your putter.

We finish off the episode with a dicussion about laser rangefinders and focus in on one for our Product Watch – the Blue Tees 3 Max.

This episode is brought to you by TaylorMade Golf Canada with segment sponsorship by Greensmere G&CC, Metcalfe GC, Golf Sim Gurus, and the Kevin Haime Golf School.

Besides Flagstick.com you can also catch the Flagstick Podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and multiple other platforms including YouTube. Please join listeners in thirteen countries and subscribe, add it to your notifications, and a leave a review!

Episode 5: The Brand Game In Golf: How Are We Influenced?

April 27th, 2022  |  1 hr 11 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

It's another fun show this week as we introduce and explore some of the stories you will find on Flagstick.com. They include spotlighting new college golf teams in Ontario, an update on Canadian golfers involved in a tragic accident six weeks ago, the lost Stanley Thompson-designed Hillcrest Golf Club and the story that took two years to unearth, and a golfer who is looking to shoot his age or better and has done it more than 100 times.

We also reveal some new Flagstick merchandise, Kevin Haime shows you how to dial in your stance width, and in Product Watch we look at a new book that will commemorate the biggest golf event in the world.

In the balance of the show we take on the topic of branding in golf (equipment, etc) and how companies build bonds with golfers, and why those golfers make the brands choices they do. We'll lean on three decades of marketing experience to take on the discussion, sharing insight on how things have changes, and stayed the same, through the years.

This episode is brought to you by TaylorMade Golf Canada with segment sponsorship by Greensmere G&CC, Metcalfe GC, GolfSim Gurus, and the Kevin Haime Golf School.

Episode 4: Is Nine Fine? Nine Hole Golf Courses and The Fit In The Golf Industry (and more)

April 20th, 2022  |  44 mins 44 secs

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

We've got nine holes on our mind this week. No, not playing nine but talking about the concept of playing nine holes instead of eighteen and exploring why from people frown upon it, or nine holes courses in general. We chat a little about the advantages, discuss how they shaped our own golf careers, and reference some of the better ones we have played though the years.

Also on the agenda for Scott & Jeff this week: the growing trend of golf courses having their own alcoholic beverages, the shifting preferences in golf shoe styles, the addition of more junior golf tournament opportunities in Eastern Ontario, and we take a look at the Flagstick.com PGA Ottawa Tour schedule and venues for 2022.

On the Lesson Tee, Kevin Haime gives insight on using the ground for more power in the golf swing, and for Product Watch we spotlight a device that promises insight into your wrist angles during your golf swing and putting stroke - Hackmotion.

Episode 3: Three’s A Charm? The Masters Wrap-Up & Much More

April 13th, 2022  |  1 hr 31 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

Golfers everywhere are fired up after the playing of The Masters and that includes Jeff and Scott.

This show is chock full of analysis and discussion from the first men's major championship of the season, following all the storylines and providing our thoughts on them. That includes the victory and potential for Scottie Scheffler, the turn of events for Cam Smith, the continued fine play of Corey Conners, and, of course, the return of Tiger Woods.

This somehow leads into a putting, and equipment discussion, including the discussion of potential future limitations.
Based on our Flagstick.com Web Poll we discuss the prevalence of online golf betting and if it will make an impact on actual play on the course.
Based on our Flagstick.com Web Poll we discuss the prevalence of online golf betting and if it will make an impact on actual play on the course.

We also have a look at the field for the 2022 U.S. Women's Open qualifying and the entrants, including an 11 year-old Canadian.

With the Flagstick Open already sold out, we bring you details on another event we will be hosting later this season, the Flagstick Two-Ball Championships at Brockville Country Club. We might even give you a glimpse of the storied trophy that will go to the overall winner.

The Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime brings you a downswing drill and the Product Watch segment takes us into a deep discussion on push carts, including a new model from a category leader, Sun Mountain.

We also bring you the latest information on golf course openings in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

As always, it's a fun show with plenty of great information and opinions, but no shortage of laughs.

Thank you to episode sponsor TaylorMade Golf Canada, and segment sponsors Greensmere Golf & Country Club and Metcalfe Golf Club.

Episode 2: Ooops We're Doing It Again (Guest: Carol Ann Baxter)

April 6th, 2022  |  1 hr 30 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

As we creep closer to a full-on outdoor golf season in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, we're back with another episode full of regional golf talk, and plenty more.

We get started with some updates on the local golf facilities and opening dates, work into news on some golf events in our region, and even have some updates on local golfers and their recent tournament play.

Scott and Jeff then explore the current business enviroment for golf and surmise what 2022 may have in store.

It also happens to be Masters week (easy to tell from Scott's coat if you catch the podcast on YouTube) so we pick some favourites, ponder whether Tiger Woods will play, and have a look at the Canadians in the field for this year.

For our feature interview, Carol Ann Baxter is our guest. The owner of Archie's in Cornwall, Ontario and the Executive Director of the PGA of Canada - Ottawa Valley Zone talks about her history in golf, how she and her team are adapting their business each year, and shares details on what is in store for 2022 for the golf professionals of the region. She's always a delight to talk to and has a wide perspective on golf that you should find interesting.

In Product Watch we take a look at the newest direction in golf grips from Golf Pride and on the Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime he provides some backswing insight garnered from working with G.E.A.R.S. 3D Motion Capture.

Episode 1: The Flagstick Podcast Debut

March 28th, 2022  |  1 hr 27 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

It's the opening episode of the Flagstick Podcast where we lay out the groundwork for what is to come with this new show from Flagstick.com.

Co-Hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod let you know who they are, what they bring to the show, and what listeners (and viewers) can expect from the weekly episodes.

In the Front Nine presented by Metcalfe Golf & Country Club we share insight into the new direction for the Flagstick brand as we start our 26th season of operations, discuss the prospects for golf courses openings in the Ottawa Valley in the near future, lay out some of the movements within the golf professionals of the area over the last few months, and update you on recent activity by Canadian players on the LPGA and PGA TOURS.

Our feature interview this week is with Greg Chambers of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada. He joins us to discuss the recent virtual Canadian Golf Expo, how it went and where things might be headed for next year. We also dive into the business of golf at the club level in 2021 and explore all the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the golf course operators among their membership for 2022, and beyond.

In The Lesson Tee with the Kevin Haime Golf Centre, Kevin shows us how you can improve your swing using a basic frisbee that most of us already own.

Thank you to episode sponsor TaylorMade Golf Canada and segment sponsors, Greensmere Golf & Country Club and Metcalfe Golf.