Number 21 For Coach Lloyd

 

 Most of us struggle for the odd birdie as we play this great game of golf but Coach has made an art form out of the elusive hole-in-one shot.  On August 1st at the Willows Golf and Country Club he got his 21st hole in one witnessed by playing partner Jake Broadoway.  It was on the 7th hole, a tricky uphill par 3 some 110 yards with just the top of the flag showing.  As Lloyd tells it, he hit his 9 iron and it was not on the flag and when they got to the green no ball was visible.  They looked around the green and finally looked in the hole and there it was.  Lloyd claims it was divine intervention but we know that you have to be good to be lucky.  

Congratulations Coach Lloyd on Number 21. 

"The Coach's" 7 Wood Invitational Golf Tournament

The Trophy

As most of you know I'm a certified professional clubmaker. I trained to make golf clubs for all golfers whether beginners or more proficient. My training involved a comprehensive understanding of both the golf swing and the golf club, and how these fit together for the individual golfer. And that's the reason Lloyd and I met 16 years ago then became friends.

Lloyd came into my shop in Duncan, and as most people that entered the shop, he ended up in the hitting area swinging a golf club. He had a solid golf swing. We talked golf. At first I couldn't quite make out why he was there. Anyway, I had a 7 wood that I seldom used and he was hitting it very well. So I told him to take it away and if he liked it, it was his. In his hands this 7 wood became famous everywhere he went. It was magic in his hands.

A number of years ago I asked Lloyd (Coach) if he would like a trophy for the annual social gathering and golf tournament. His initial reaction was negative for whatever reason. Anyway we talked about it and the result was the pictured trophy. I called it "Lloyd's" but I should have called it "The Coach's" 7 wood invitational golf tournament. Oh well, nothing is perfect and as I said to Lloyd, after his remark "It sounds like Lloyds of London!" the plate can easily be changed. It hasn't been.

The materials for the trophy may have a bit of interest for some. The base material came from Haida Gwaii (formally Queen Charlotte Islands). The clubhead came from Louisville Ky. It is a persimmon wood head that was made by Louisville Golf in memory of Elmore Just who was one of the founders of the Professional Clubmakers Association and owner of Louisville golf. He had a real passion for golf and especially for the equipment that golfers used. Elmore died on the golf course.

We have always had a very diverse group attending the annual event, and that, rather than gathering dust in my shop, the materials for the trophy have been put to good use. The trophy is now played for annually.

The next "gathering" and tournament will be held in April. Apparently the trophy has travelled from Victoria to the United States where it has resided for a number of years. The "Coach" would like a team from Canada (Victoria) to go down there to reclaim "Our" trophy. Contact the Coach. I haven't made it down there yet, but apparently it's a real good time. Maybe this year. Getting older is a good thing but it does have it's drawbacks. Happy New Year and may the golfing Gods smile upon your game (and not die laughing). Cheers!

COACH AND FRIENDS 17TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Some interesting stories soon to follow...stay tuned!

COACH & FRIENDS

*Coach’s first selfie!

GOLF TOURNAMENT - TAMPA, FLORIDA 2018

What happens when Coach Lloyd phones and starts the conversation with “Hi, it’s Coach, I was thinking…...”??? Next thing you know, a few months pass and all sorts of Canadians and Americans show up somewhere to enjoy a few rounds of golf while they make new and connect with old friends.

This year, the wonderful hospitality of our Floridian hosts and perfect golf weather greeted Coach and Friends in Tampa! Golf enthusiasts from Canada as far west as Victoria (can’t get any further west than that!) to PEI on the east coast (can’t get farther east than that!) and the USA from Tampa to California.

Day 1 - Bardmoor Golf Course for a friendly warm up game….even our feathered Floridian friends on the golf course welcomed the noisy feathered Canadians! 

 

 A few practice swings and re-connecting with friends were the order of the day.

 

Day 2 – Practice round at Seminole Lakes was followed by dinner at the new Cici’s which was delicious and allowed more time for reconnecting and much laughter.

Day 3 - Mario Garza kindly organized a game for the group at Bay Palms Golf Course on MacDill Airforce Base. The group was honoured to be joined by several prominent members of the Canadian Military.

Gracious hosts Mike and Mona Berryman welcomed all to their home for cocktail “hour” (or two or three). A good time was had by all! 

 

 

Connie is always happy to share techniques for a great golf swing, although today it looked like she digressed to mud wrestling techniques.

Day 4 - Tournament Day at Seminole Lake Country Club. Bob and his fantastic bagpipe band kicked off the tournament.

On your mark, get set, FORE!

Thanks everyone for kindly posing for a team photo…..

And of course, the 19^th Hole is where it all happens after the tournament!

These gals kept finances organized which ensured we were well looked after by these gals

A tournament requires a pre-dinner drink and rehashing the agony and glory of the game!

Wrap up dinner and awards followed with Hal lending his skills as MC, he always laughs hardest at his own jokes!

 

The attentive audience was entertained with a flute composition and fascinating didgeridoo.

Team Awards to celebrate everything from best score to brightest shirts! 

  

  

 

Coach always expresses gratitude to all who join him on this annual celebration of sport and friendship, gives thanks to those who helped organize it and takes a moment to remember those who have passed to the heavens above.

A new rule, every tournament dinner must end with a great golf joke!

 

Thanks to Coach for bringing us all together in friendship and making these tournaments happen. A special thanks to all our friends and hosts from Tampa who went out of their way to welcome everyone to their city and to their homes.