With Avec

Established in 1998, the golfing group of Time Out /Temps Libre has increased its membership from 8 to 30 golfers interested in challenging the links. Activities are presently being planned for the year 2000 season. Formerly known as the Gay Golf Group (GGG) it is called the Out Golfing Group since 1999. This change was made to reflect the link with TimeOut/TempsLibre, the nature of the activity and to maintain discretion regarding members' sexual orientation while at the golf course, a factor important to some golfers. The Group now has a distinctive logo, which can be placed on polo shirts and other apparel. Thanks to two members of the Group, Glen and Kevin, for this initiative. The web site describing the Out Golfing Group and its activities is maintained by Charles Dutcher, whose contribution is greatly appreciated.

Members ranging from beginners, to intermediate and to more advanced players, participate in various planned activities, thereby enjoying not only golf but the presence of new friends and the freedom of community companionship. Beginners are encouraged to register in clinics and private or group lessons offered at various courses in the area. In these classes, the new golfers will learn the basic elements of golf technique and etiquette. At the same time, they will be able to participate in the Group's activities and consequently accelerate their learning process and their comfort level on a golf course.

For those members comfortable on a regulation course, foursomes are organized at local golf clubs. Although dates and times depend on the interest and availability of members, the group usually meets on a weekly basis, most often on a Saturday, but occasionally on a Sunday. Activities can also be organized in late afternoon during the week, preferably on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

We have played during the 1999 season at such golf courses as the Canadian Golf and Country Club, GreyHawk Golf Club, the Kingsway Park Golf and Country Club, Manderley on the Green, Mont Ste. Marie. So far two bestball events have been organized during the summer: the first was The Annual Gay BestBall Tournament which took place on July 10 as part of the Pride activities while the second was held on August 7 as part of the Group's regular activities. Both were very well attended with twelve members on each occasion.

The programme of activities for the year 2000 season will be finalized in early May and it is hoped that the Group's first activity will take place on Saturday, May 13th. Note that again this year the Out Golfing Group plans to hold its Second Annual Best Ball Golf Tournament during Pride Week festivities. This activity is planned for Saturday, July 8.

An e-mail goes out to all members (who have indicated interest) early each week before the golf outing. Reservations must be made early and any cancellations must be made two days before the event. This allows us to golf as a group and prevents the organizing member from being stuck with green fees that are not used. Many of the golf courses have maps of their location and maps of the course. Take a look at: www.golfmax.ca . It is important that everyone golfing be at the course 30 minutes before tee-off time. In some cases, we are allowed to tee-off earlier and to keep us intact as a group this 30 minute grace period is needed.

You are invited to join the Out Golfing Group, whatever your category: whether a novice who wishes to learn to play golf, a more experienced player who would like to get back into playing more, or a casual player who would just like to spend a few hours in a natural setting playing golf with like-minded convivial people. It is not necessary to be a member of T i m e Ou t / T e m ps Li b re to be on the Out Golfing Group membership list but you are encouraged to consider it.

To join the Out Golfing Group or for more information on our activities, contact us by email at timeout@gayottawa.com or call Paul Delage at (613) 562-1869. You can also access our Capital XTRA voice mail box message at 237-XTRA ext. 2175 and check out this page; our activities are posted on a weekly basis.

With trepidation a few pointers on golf etiquette:
As a general rule, remember that other people are golfing with you and therefore do nothing that would distract them from their game. To wit:

• Do not talk, cough, shuffle, go through your bag, etc. when someone else is ready to hit. This is the time when the golfer needs the most concentration.
• Repair your golf ball marks on the green and replace your divots on the fairway.
• After you have finished on the green, move away quickly so that the next group can hit up.
• If you are delayed in play and the group behind you is pressing you, ask them to go through. (Generally speaking, 18 holes should not take make then 2 hours 30 minutes to play).
• The person closest to the pin should tend the pin on the green. The person who finishes putting first should tend the pin for replacement when the group is finished on the green.

Visit the Rainbow Golf Association You've got it here - The Rules of Golf

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