GC: What prompted The Rock to host the CN Future Links Ontario
Championship?
SM: The Rock takes pride in helping to build the game of golf in Canada, and in doing so we recognize that assisting Junior Golf in Canada is imperative to that. We had a wonderful experience hosting the GAO Ontario Junior Girls Championship in 2013 as well.
GC: What can players expect when they arrive at your club?
SM: Players can expect a warm reception with attentive staff in a very relaxed atmosphere. We will be able to provide insight for all competitors regarding any questions they may have.
GC: What preparations have went into hosting this championship?
SM: Working with CN Future Links staff, we are setting up the course in a fair but challenging way. We have planned a logistically sound staging area, reached out to locals in the community for volunteers, and reviewed all aspects of the CN Future Links manual in preparation for the event.
GC: What do you think will challenge competitors the most?
SM: The Rock is a very difficult course at only 6600 yards from the tips. The important aspect is certainly course management – placement off the tee is crucial for providing the opportunity for an aggressive approach shot to our well guarded greens.
GC: Are there any significant holes or sections of the golf course that should provide excitement for the tournament?
SM: I believe holes 16 and 18 will be exciting and pivotal holes for the event. With the risk reward aspect of these two par 5’s it certainly could be the “make or break” for players in contention.
GC: Why is hosting this championship important to the club?
SM: The Rock prides itself on being family-friendly and a great home for junior golfers. There is nothing better than hosting competitive junior events to carry on this tradition.
GC: What does hosting an event like this do for your local community?
SM: I feel like it will bring the community together. This area of Muskoka is a wonderful family getaway location and hosting an event like this will only add to that.
GC: What does your club do to encourage and engage your junior membership each season?
SM: We provide a highly discounted season pass for junior golfers, and we also host a family night where any parent can pay a $30 green fee and their kids will play for free! We have a lineup of age appropriate junior camps during July and August as well.
GC: What sets your club apart from others in the area, in terms of both the
course and/or its membership?
SM: Certainly the relaxed family oriented atmosphere sets us apart from other Muskoka courses. Although we don’t have a large membership group we have a very tight-knit group of pass-holders.
GC: What is your club looking forward to the most in hosting this
championship?
SM: We are excited to show off our beautiful Faldo design to young competitors who play great tracks all season long.
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Spencer Morland is the Director of Instruction and Associate Golf Professional at The Rock Golf Club