Friday, December 31, 2010
usgtf/wgtf 2011 cup
The USFTF/WGTF 2011 Cup will be held at the Orlando Orange County National Golf Club Florida, on Octuber 9-10 practice and 11-14 tournament rounds at the orange county two courses Crooked Cat and Panther lake. on a rarity in Orlando as they are in a rural setting with no homes.
Also Happy New Years to all the Coach friends
Mike Perez
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Season Greetings From The Coach
Our Coach, Lloyd Gauthier, extends season greetings and best wishes of pars, birdies and lots of fun for the New Year.
Looking back over the past year Lloyd has highlighted a few events that were special in his view. Who could forget the Olympics as they held the attention of Vancouver, the Country and the World. What a fitting end with a gold medal hockey win as "Sid the Kid" put the puck in the net and sent millions of Canadians into sheer joy.
Next on the list of great memories of 2010 was Lloyd's 13th hole in one. It was April 19th, 2010, he was playing his annual game with good friend Charlie Maxwell at the Squamish Golf and Country Club in BC. It was the 6th hole measuring some 140 yards, the hole was aced using a 7 iron.
Not far behind number 13 in Lloyd's mind was the annual July 1st Watermelon Open Golf Tournament in Victoria. Not only did everyone have fun but the event was topped by a great display of fireworks observed from the 17th floor of the hotel.
Lloyd had his own awards ceremony at the annual Coach and Friends Dinner in Victoria on October 16th, 2010.
Lloyd congratulated and acknowledged the following;
Most improved golfer...Garry Lamontang, from Regina.
Random Act of Kindness went to Dave Irvine of Victoria.
The Diamond of the Year Award was well deserved and given to Dorthy Cowell, Lloyd's mother.
Special Guest Award was accepted by Ian and Malissa McGill from Louisiana.
The Longest Flight Award was presented to Jerry and Susan Dutka all the way from Florida.
Lloyd wants all his friends and students to know that the greatest joy he experiences is when his students are able to make improvements in their game and just have more fun. He looks forward to the Spring when he can once again reconnect with all of you on the Golf Course.
The Best of This Holiday Season...Merry Christmas...See You In The Spring
Your Coach and Friend...Lloyd Gauthier
Looking back over the past year Lloyd has highlighted a few events that were special in his view. Who could forget the Olympics as they held the attention of Vancouver, the Country and the World. What a fitting end with a gold medal hockey win as "Sid the Kid" put the puck in the net and sent millions of Canadians into sheer joy.
Next on the list of great memories of 2010 was Lloyd's 13th hole in one. It was April 19th, 2010, he was playing his annual game with good friend Charlie Maxwell at the Squamish Golf and Country Club in BC. It was the 6th hole measuring some 140 yards, the hole was aced using a 7 iron.
Not far behind number 13 in Lloyd's mind was the annual July 1st Watermelon Open Golf Tournament in Victoria. Not only did everyone have fun but the event was topped by a great display of fireworks observed from the 17th floor of the hotel.
Lloyd had his own awards ceremony at the annual Coach and Friends Dinner in Victoria on October 16th, 2010.
Lloyd congratulated and acknowledged the following;
Most improved golfer...Garry Lamontang, from Regina.
Random Act of Kindness went to Dave Irvine of Victoria.
The Diamond of the Year Award was well deserved and given to Dorthy Cowell, Lloyd's mother.
Special Guest Award was accepted by Ian and Malissa McGill from Louisiana.
The Longest Flight Award was presented to Jerry and Susan Dutka all the way from Florida.
Lloyd wants all his friends and students to know that the greatest joy he experiences is when his students are able to make improvements in their game and just have more fun. He looks forward to the Spring when he can once again reconnect with all of you on the Golf Course.
The Best of This Holiday Season...Merry Christmas...See You In The Spring
Your Coach and Friend...Lloyd Gauthier
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Players from all over
Wayne & Susan Hucik (Calgary), Anne Hartlen (Victoria) , Aaron Hodgson (Victoria)
Steve Stern (Victoria) , Frank Johnston (Victoria), Ron Bickford (Victoria), Thomas Axmann (Victoria)
Will Willier (Calgary), Terry Willey (Vancouver), Wes Hadkin (Vancouver), Hall McInerney (Vancouver)
Ken Sandwith (Victoria), John McLeod, Henry Zipser (Duncan), Tom Felter (Victoria)
Ed Rogalsky from Calgary and Jerry Dutka from Florida
A Gold Groupie - Kathryn Willey of Vancouver cruising around
the Bear Mountain Golf Course in style.
Golfing Bear Mountain
One the first tee at Bear Mountain Golf Club in Victoria on a beautiful sunny fall day.
Sharon & Garry Lamontagne, Paula Jamieson, Lloyd Gauthier
Monday, November 22, 2010
Coach & Friends Weekend
Bear Mountain Gold Course Friday Oct 15 
Doug Goble, Dave Irvine, Sam Headge, Ian McGill
Doug Goble, Dave Irvine, Sam Headge, Ian McGill
Monday, November 15, 2010
Where Is Lloyd Now?
Got a call from the Coach last night (November 14/10) and he was excited about a book he is reading and one of the themes was: "We are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way." Lloyd made the comment that through golf and the Spirt many of us got to know each other and share a common bond of friendship.
The last time I talked to the Coach he was someplace south of Lethbridge, now he is some 1000 miles north in a place called Fort St. John, BC. Fort St. John is about 400 miles north of Prince George and a 100 miles from the Alberta border.
Lloyd says they are doing work close to mile 101 on the Alaska Hwy. so if you see someone with a Red Titleist Hat, swinging a golf club on the side of the Alaska Hwy., it's probably Lloyd.
Posted by Wes
The last time I talked to the Coach he was someplace south of Lethbridge, now he is some 1000 miles north in a place called Fort St. John, BC. Fort St. John is about 400 miles north of Prince George and a 100 miles from the Alberta border.
Lloyd says they are doing work close to mile 101 on the Alaska Hwy. so if you see someone with a Red Titleist Hat, swinging a golf club on the side of the Alaska Hwy., it's probably Lloyd.
Posted by Wes
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Control Your Putting Distance With Your Eyes.
One of the best ways to control your distance when putting is by using your eyes.
Some people teach you to swing with your eyes closed to create muscle-memory. I believe the best way to control the distance when putting is with your eyes. Your eyes are the ones that tell your brain how to take steps up and down, how to walk down hill, up hill, etc. etc. So why don’t use them to control the putting stroke.
This is how:
Step one - Looking at the hole, put the putter next to the ball and swing your arms imitating a putting stroke 'til you feel the right distance. Then put your eyes over the ball and make the stroke.
Step two - Place 3 balls at different distances from the hole. Take 3 additional balls and looking at the first ball follow step one. Then, the second ball and so on.
If you practice this on the putting green consistently, your putting distance control will improve.
Mike Perez
USGTF master teacher &
Hall of Fame member
Some people teach you to swing with your eyes closed to create muscle-memory. I believe the best way to control the distance when putting is with your eyes. Your eyes are the ones that tell your brain how to take steps up and down, how to walk down hill, up hill, etc. etc. So why don’t use them to control the putting stroke.
This is how:
Step one - Looking at the hole, put the putter next to the ball and swing your arms imitating a putting stroke 'til you feel the right distance. Then put your eyes over the ball and make the stroke.
Step two - Place 3 balls at different distances from the hole. Take 3 additional balls and looking at the first ball follow step one. Then, the second ball and so on.
If you practice this on the putting green consistently, your putting distance control will improve.
Mike Perez
USGTF master teacher &
Hall of Fame member
October 23, 2007 World Teachers Cup
On this day in the Nevada desert at the Bolder Creek Golf Course, I walked to the 1st tee of the USGTF World Cup Tournament Practice round - the first practice round of the tournament.
And that was the day, I met for the 1st time Mr. Lloyd Gauthier. Needless to say, Lloyd was a pleasure to play with and we played again the next day.
Since the day we met, we have kept the communication and friendship lines open, and every day I learn more and more good things about Lloyd.
The "Coach" is a gentleman, a great player, a great friend, and a man of integrity who is highly respected by all who know him.
Lloyd, you may still not out-drive me, but you've got me on "Holes-in-One" (13 for Lloyd and 3 for me).
Mike Perez USGTF - Master Teacher and "Hall of Fame" Member
And that was the day, I met for the 1st time Mr. Lloyd Gauthier. Needless to say, Lloyd was a pleasure to play with and we played again the next day.
Since the day we met, we have kept the communication and friendship lines open, and every day I learn more and more good things about Lloyd.
The "Coach" is a gentleman, a great player, a great friend, and a man of integrity who is highly respected by all who know him.
Lloyd, you may still not out-drive me, but you've got me on "Holes-in-One" (13 for Lloyd and 3 for me).
Mike Perez USGTF - Master Teacher and "Hall of Fame" Member
What would Lloyd say?
Although I work as a counsellor helping others, I also continue to use some counselling support for myself, to keep growing and stay fresh on my own journey. So in a recent session I had an insight into my childhood relationship with my mother, which to begin with made me a little mad. Who doesn't have 'issues' with parents no matter how old we are?
Anyway I thought I might have a 'big talk' with my mother to share some 'home truths', but then a new idea popped into my head: "What would Lloyd say?". Immediately I had my answer which was that I think he would appreciate his mother for all the loving things she has done, and the huge difference she had made in his life.
So I smiled and realised that more than anything else, my mother would love to hear what I appreciate about her and how much she means to me. And sharing those appreciations with her would be good not only for her but for me too. Thanks Lloyd!
Anyway I thought I might have a 'big talk' with my mother to share some 'home truths', but then a new idea popped into my head: "What would Lloyd say?". Immediately I had my answer which was that I think he would appreciate his mother for all the loving things she has done, and the huge difference she had made in his life.
So I smiled and realised that more than anything else, my mother would love to hear what I appreciate about her and how much she means to me. And sharing those appreciations with her would be good not only for her but for me too. Thanks Lloyd!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Lucky Number 13: Lloyd Gauthier’s Hole In One Legacy
The edited version of this article will appear in Golf Teaching Pro Magazine in January of 2011 and will be distributed throughout North America and Europe.
It was a typical Vancouver November day in 2009 with grey skies and light falling rain on the already soaked greens at the Stanley Park Pitch and Putt Golf Course. A day when only fools or golf enthusiasts would dare venture out and there I was, the only person on the course, putting for a birdie on the second hole. From out of nowhere a slight older man appeared wearing large work boots and carrying some clubs. His first words were “my name is Lloyd and can I join you for a game of golf?” That day turned out to be a special beginning to a friendship as Lloyd and I played golf and exchanged stories in the pouring rain. As we golfed and laughed that day I learned more about Lloyd Gauthier, that he was a teaching golf professional of Cree heritage and his seven under par that day proved he knew his craft well.
March 5, 2010 was a bright and warm day at Northlands Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, it was late afternoon as the sun was starting to set over the 16th green. The pin was at the back making the downhill hole play about 150 yards as Lloyd struck his seven wood that sent the ball towards the green with a slight fade. Hal and I lost sight of Lloyd's ball as the setting sun blinded our view but it looked like a great shot. As we walked down the hill towards the hole I could not see Lloyd’s ball and I remarked “it’s either over the green or in the hole.” The latter was soon confirmed by the cheers from the next tee as the four golfers ahead of us witnessed the hole in one that we could not see. As Lloyd bought beer for the house he informed me that it was his 12th hole in one of his golfing career and over a few glasses of beer he recounted his previous hole in one achievements.
Lloyd’s first hole in one was in 1975 at the Palm Springs Golf Club, struck some 130 yards with his 8 iron and witnessed by good friends Ray Stewart and Doug McGimsey. Hole in one number 2 and 3 came in tournament play in 1977 and 1982 at the Kamloops Golf Club in British Columbia. Hole in one number 2 was a blind shot over a hill measuring some 212 yards and struck with a two iron and hole in one number 3 was a 130 yard hole struck with and 8 iron.
Hole in one number 4 came in 1983 and was especially memorable because it was a short par four measuring some 270 yards at the Highlands Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta. Lloyd hit driver off the tee and did not see the ball land on the green. Although a straight hit off the tee the ball could not be found on the fairway so his playing partner, Greg Huston, took a look in the hole and found the ball at the bottom of the cup.
Hole in one number 5 happened in 1992 in San Francisco at Lake Chabot Golf Club. Lloyd was playing with a group of golfers who had just watched a tournament where Nancy Lopez had chipped in from 20 yards to win. Moments later they were even more excited as Lloyd used a wedge on the 8th hole, playing some 110 yards for a hole in one. That same year at Waterton Lakes Park Golf Course in Alberta he recorded his 6th hole in one in tournament play. Using an 8 iron on the 135 yard thirteenth hole, Lloyd hit the ball past the pin and spun the ball back some 15 feet on the sloping green into the hole.
The next hole in one, number 7, took thirteen years and occurred in 2005 at Cordova Bay Golf Club, Victoria BC on the 13th hole measuring some 140 yards uphill. Lloyd used his 6 iron to ace that hole and started to sense that he and the number 13 had a special bond. Hole in ones number 8 and 9 were also recorded in Victoria BC, number 8 was at Mount Doug Golf Course in 2006 and number 9 was in 2009 at Ceader Hill Golf Club on the 6th hole measuring some 130 yards and made with a nine iron.
Hole in one number 10 was made in Sept ember, 2009 at Ambleside Golf Course, Vancouver BC, a short but difficult 75 yard hole using a wedge. In October number 11 was recorded at Galiano Island Golf Club on the second hole playing some 110 yards and made with a 9 iron.
It was April 19th, 2010 when I got a phone call from an excited Lloyd Gauthier who had just made hole in one number “lucky” 13. He was playing his annual game with good friend Charlie Maxwell at the Squamish Golf and Country Club in BC. It was the 6th hole measuring some 140 yards, the hole was aced using a 7 iron.
However Lloyd’s excitement was not only about the hole in one but the fact that 13 was his favourite number, a number that held a spiritual significance, a number representing destiny. He went on to explain that ever since reading “ Golf And The Kingdom”, he was captivated and inspired by the mystical golf adventure of Seamus MacDuff, the holy man who haunts the ravine on the 13th fairway at Scotland’s legendary Burningbush golf course. It also happens that Lloyd’s best friend, Ray Stewart, a noted professional golfer has his birthday on the 13th . The number 13 is also significant in that Lloyd had to wait 13 years for hole in one number 7 that, as you guessed it, occurred on hole number 13. For Lloyd hole in one number 13 is like arriving at a special golf destination after a long journey, there is nothing more to prove but to enjoy the accomplishment. Congratulations Lloyd Gauthier on lucky number 13.
Since lucky number 13, Lloyd has gone on to record two more hole in ones bringing his total to 15.Posted by Wes
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A first post from a non golfer!
Hi there,
This is my first time writing a blog, but since Lloyd started his blog (with Wes' help) without having a computer, I guess I am in good company! I met Lloyd on the Clipper ferry going from Seattle to Victoria a few weeks ago, and we got talking because he was so friendly and outgoing.
He told me he was preparing a speech for his big dinner in a few week's time, so we talked about that and about life in general. My father who spent a lifetime as a publican in Ireland used to say "What's for you, won't pass you", and Lloyd liked that and wrote it down. At the end of our conversation, Lloyd invited me to his dinner event, so I took it as a sign from the universe to go, despite not knowing anyone there and not being a golfer!
It turned out to be a great evening, I met some lovely people, it was a beautiful place and the food was good. I was touched by Lloyd's generous and inclusive spirit as he acknowledged and appreciated everyone there, and his friendly, funny, humble ways were a gentle reminder of the wisdom of First Nations people, as well as of course Lloyd's unique personality. Thanks Lloyd for inviting me and I look forward to our continuing friendship.
This is my first time writing a blog, but since Lloyd started his blog (with Wes' help) without having a computer, I guess I am in good company! I met Lloyd on the Clipper ferry going from Seattle to Victoria a few weeks ago, and we got talking because he was so friendly and outgoing.
He told me he was preparing a speech for his big dinner in a few week's time, so we talked about that and about life in general. My father who spent a lifetime as a publican in Ireland used to say "What's for you, won't pass you", and Lloyd liked that and wrote it down. At the end of our conversation, Lloyd invited me to his dinner event, so I took it as a sign from the universe to go, despite not knowing anyone there and not being a golfer!
It turned out to be a great evening, I met some lovely people, it was a beautiful place and the food was good. I was touched by Lloyd's generous and inclusive spirit as he acknowledged and appreciated everyone there, and his friendly, funny, humble ways were a gentle reminder of the wisdom of First Nations people, as well as of course Lloyd's unique personality. Thanks Lloyd for inviting me and I look forward to our continuing friendship.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The 2010 Dinner At Olympic View Golf Course
The Coach and Friends Dinner on October 16, 2010 was held at the beautiful Olympic View Golf Course. Pictured to the left is the view of the 9th hole and fairway taken from the patio area of the clubhouse.
About 120 people came together to enjoy the evening which included an incredible meal, music, fun, presentations and entertainment.
As more pictures and stories come in they will be posted...enjoy.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Coach and Friends: Best Looking Golf Team?
The Coach and Friends annual golf and dinner celebration (October 15-17/2010) featured some ten golf teams and 40 golfers who ventured to play the Bear Mountain Valley Course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
The picture on the left is one entry into the category of the Best Looking Golf Team, if no other entries come in, this team will have a good chance to win. From left to right the handsome foresome is made up of Will and Terry from Calgary and Wes and Hal from Vancouver.
Pictured behind the foresome is the first hole, par 5 at the Valley Course.
Golfing The Bear
One of the many hilights of the Coach and Friends golfing weekend and dinner (October 15-17/10) was golfing at Bear Mountain in Victoria.
The picture on the left is the practice putting green overlooking the valley and first hole just below. We got to play the Valley Course that meanders through forest, along side lakes and offers a fantastic views of rugged landscapes.
Some 40 golfers took on the Nicklaus designed course and unfortunaltly the Bear won. Golfers were humbled by the large and undulating greens and 4 putts on the green were quite common. If the ball made it's way into the rough, and many did, it was an automatic drop to the fairway if the ball could be found. However, the golf may have been average but the golf experience was spectacular. Not only was the view and the beautiful surroundings incredible but the friendships made were exceptional.
Everyone had a great time and then it was onto the hospitality room at the hotel to meet more friends, have a few drinks and witness the Coach's other talent of cooking bannock.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
An Introduction To The Coach
LLOYD GAUTHIER COACH'S STORY
Our inspirational Golf Coach, Lloyd Gauthier, was born in the small community of McLennan, in North-Central Alberta to Cree parents. He was adopted into a loving but poor family that lived primarily of the land and survived by hunting and fishing. Lloyd recalls the small mud home they lived in and the luxury of an outdoor toilet with the latest Sears catalogue to read and use for certain purposes. In those days the family got into town a few times a year by horse and wagon.
At an early age Lloyd started to nurture a deep attachment for the land and the environment. He developed a spiritual connection to how God provided for the land, animals and people. He felt that respect, conservation and gratitude were qualities he wished to demonstrate in his life.
Our inspirational Golf Coach, Lloyd Gauthier, was born in the small community of McLennan, in North-Central Alberta to Cree parents. He was adopted into a loving but poor family that lived primarily of the land and survived by hunting and fishing. Lloyd recalls the small mud home they lived in and the luxury of an outdoor toilet with the latest Sears catalogue to read and use for certain purposes. In those days the family got into town a few times a year by horse and wagon.
At an early age Lloyd started to nurture a deep attachment for the land and the environment. He developed a spiritual connection to how God provided for the land, animals and people. He felt that respect, conservation and gratitude were qualities he wished to demonstrate in his life.
Sports and School
An athlete since high school, Lloyd participated in both hockey and track. Known by the nickname “Tonto” Lloyd was a member of the Mount Royal Cougars from 1967 to 1969, and was on the team when it won both the Alberta Inter-collegiate Championship and the Senior League Championship.
According to Lloyd nature and the land was his teacher for the first 9 years of his life. In grade school he credits many teachers who encouraged him to keep learning. Despite difficult circumstances this motivated Lloyd to continue his education attending High School in High Prairie and later in Calgary, Alberta. Lloyd supported himself through college completing a B.A. degree at Bemidji College in Minnesota.
An athlete since high school, Lloyd participated in both hockey and track. Known by the nickname “Tonto” Lloyd was a member of the Mount Royal Cougars from 1967 to 1969, and was on the team when it won both the Alberta Inter-collegiate Championship and the Senior League Championship.
According to Lloyd nature and the land was his teacher for the first 9 years of his life. In grade school he credits many teachers who encouraged him to keep learning. Despite difficult circumstances this motivated Lloyd to continue his education attending High School in High Prairie and later in Calgary, Alberta. Lloyd supported himself through college completing a B.A. degree at Bemidji College in Minnesota.
Golf Legacy
Lloyd Gauthier’s golf legacy is extensive and impressive. Winner of over 50 tournaments Lloyd counts his 3 North American Indian Golf Championships and 3 consecutive Wetaskiwin Open wins as major highlights. Finishing in the money at the Alberta Open and winning 9 out of 10 playoffs are other memorable milestones. Lloyd has recorded 15 hole in ones, an amazing accomplishment that will be featured in the winter edition of the Golf Teaching Pro Magazine that will be distributed throughout North America and Europe this January.
For Lloyd golf is as much a spiritual adventure as it is a game. Golf has been his passion and his greatest teacher. Now as a golf Coach he derives great enjoyment in passing on this passion and knowledge to help others learn and have fun.
Lloyd Gauthier’s golf legacy is extensive and impressive. Winner of over 50 tournaments Lloyd counts his 3 North American Indian Golf Championships and 3 consecutive Wetaskiwin Open wins as major highlights. Finishing in the money at the Alberta Open and winning 9 out of 10 playoffs are other memorable milestones. Lloyd has recorded 15 hole in ones, an amazing accomplishment that will be featured in the winter edition of the Golf Teaching Pro Magazine that will be distributed throughout North America and Europe this January.
For Lloyd golf is as much a spiritual adventure as it is a game. Golf has been his passion and his greatest teacher. Now as a golf Coach he derives great enjoyment in passing on this passion and knowledge to help others learn and have fun.
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