|
|
Ron Pietroniro, This Week photo
Dan Connelly successfully completed the Masters Program at
the GolfWorks Clubmaking Academy in Ohio recently. Like many
avid golfers, he will be glued to the coverage of the Masters
tournament this weekend. |
Dan Connelly is one of only three in Canada
to reach prestigious
clubmaking status
HAMPTON - Dan Connelly has a very exclusive distinction when it
comes to golf, and it has nothing to do with his game from tee
to green.
The Hampton resident is one of just three people in Canada to have
successfully completed the Masters Program at the GolfWorks Clubmaking
Academy, regarded as a premier technical program in golf club assembly,
repair and fitting.
"
There were only seven of us at the program, and one guy came from
as far away as Puerto Rico," says Connelly of the four-day
program he graduated from in Ohio last month.
The extensive training program explored everything there is to
know about golf club design, clubmaking and fitting, as well as
allowing students to interact with founder Ralph Maltby at his
design studio.
A lover of the links since the age of 14, Connelly went in search
of a new set of clubs about six years ago, and was surprised at
what he found.
"
I couldn't believe the cost of a high level set," he remembers. "I
thought to myself that I was going to try and build my own set."
When he walked off the green of the 18th hole after his first round
with a new set he had constructed, he knew right away he was on
to something.
"
I could not believe the difference the way my game instantly improved," he
says.
Orders didn't start pouring in right away. But his dad was his
first customer, and his sister was soon to follow. Last year, he
made 30 sets from the shop just behind his home for a wide range
of golfers from duffers to low-handicappers.
"
I get guys who are highly educated in the game and play scratch
golf who are just looking for an extra edge," says the GM
employee of more than 20 years.
" I get some other guys who come in and want something so they can
hit it as far as they can."
Having passed the Golf Clubmakers Association 394-question exam
with a grade of 92 per cent, Connelly says he's just trying to "help
people improve their game" by customizing a set of clubs "to
exactly what they want."
As for the advancements in technology, Connelly "still thinks
a lot can be done" to improve the equipment used by players
at every level, from touring pros at this week's Masters, right
down to the weekend duffer.
But even the weekend duffer can hit it like the pros once in a
while.
"
I've had three holes-in-one by people using clubs I've made," he
notes.
Apr
9, 2004
Brad Kelly, Sports Writer
Clarington This Week
|
