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Pedigree. Grit. Inspiration.
How 'bout those for a much-needed threesome upon the links and life's daily sidewalks this early June day? Indeed - time flies as the summer solstice rapidly approaches. The PGA Championship & Women's U.S. Open have come and gone, and the men's national Open is around the proverbial corner.
But first (isn't that what 'we' do in this day and age upon the blue-lit screens of the blue planet - take pictures of ourselves and post, post, post in desperate search of attention to soothe & stroke the fragile egos..??), the image above:
CS and longtime colleague Todd Sammons, Director, Member Education of the PGA of America, a few short moons ago at the sparkling new PGA HQ in Friso, TX, receiving my Master Professional's accreditation.
Few & far between us PGA Master Professionals, in fact; far simpler to procure clicks, eyeballs and drive engagement. Never mind who's engaging, the quality of content, legit street cred (how about basing one's offerings in science, evidence and real experience?), and overall meaningfulness of the work.
Heaven forbid you actually write a book (think thesis for a Masters Degree from a legitimate academic institution), present said piece of work to a panel of peers, respond to questions about its validity and usefulness, then actually give a live lesson where ball flight must be changed & improved (again, under observation).
Helluva lot easier to film some ridiculous and oft-irrelevant-to-the-individual swing video, music blaring in the background, smooth/sweet-talk to your audience even though physics would vomit on your concept, or best yet: make and dress up to offer an alleged golf 'tip' where the protagonist appears more like a flunked out pole-dancer in a seedy strip club than a professional golf guide. Designed to impress (but whom?), not instruct nor inspire.
Wow. Apparently that's what golf instruction, coaching and guidance has become in 2022. So be it (speaks to the idiocy, vulnerability and desperateness of the golfing masses); I'll continue to choose a different path - as did one of my mentors, below.
So, as Paul Runyan would have sternly and sincerely expressed: "Let's get on with the business at hand."
Pedigree
My man Paul Runyan - aka "Little Poison" - pictured above on the cover of his quintessential book on the short game. The slacks alone would entice you to pick up, n'est-ce pas?
I spent many an hour with Paul back in the day. Listening (a lost art, alas; hard to listen when you're constantly talking/posting & distracted). Learning (it takes time, people - no 20 second quick fix here, sorry). Playing and watching (many a competitive round with this diminutive, yet brilliant player).
It was always an honor and privilege to spend time in Paul's company, and I can only hope I bring a bit of his savvy, wisdom and aura to my own coaching environments.
But who better than the man himself for you to experience his energy, right? In search of some insight on how best to tackle and tame the 'part shots' (what Mr. Runyan liked to refer to them as), putting and chipping, specifically, in this video offering?
You know the routine: click above on the book cover above - then sit back and watch, listen and absorb "Little Poison's" gifts.
Grit
I'll let my pal and fellow native Eugenian Casey Martin enlighten & educate you on the topic, courtesy of a tale well told by crony Max Adler at Golf Digest. Click above for this incredibly moving story. A trio of CS motivational reminders below:
Dig Deeper
There's more inside than you may realize. The mind normally 'quits' before the physical body does. Believe. Endure. Move on.
Swiss Cheese
It's what Martin's tibia had digressed to per the x-rays, his senior at Stanford; nonetheless, he walked and carried his bag for all but a small handful of events.
Oh, but your back's a little 'tight?' Shoulder, elbow or wrist joints a tad cranky? Or maybe you're just to fat & lazy to walk, so you'll sit your ass down in that cart and ride. Cry us a river.
Be thankful for what you can do. Adjust to what you've got today and circa 2022. Gratitude, brothers and sisters - such a powerful elixir.
Keep the Faith
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And keep working, practicing and spending your oh-so precious (and limited) time in efficient, effective ways, geared towards helping you as an individual (not the posse inhabiting the Intrawebs).
Mental, physical & spiritual. They all matter - like different aspects of your golf game - and are intricately intertwined, of course. Not sure where to start? Ping me, I'd be happy to share some ideas.
Inspiration
Understood - you perhaps got a large dose of "I" from the article above - but nothing like some icing on the cake and a dash of misdirection, eh?
As in that round of golf when everything's hunky dory, like it's "supposed to" be, then the unexpected, the unfair, and the bizarre rear their heads.
How do you respond? Do you actually practice useful & productive competitive responses while training, or not? You do in CS lesson/learning hood...
Or rather, do you drag another ball out - the ever-present and welcome "do-over" - and immediately get the crappy one out of your system? How does that act serve you when it matters, on the golf course? Uh.... it doesn't.
'Old man' Rafa Nadal (above) knows more than most about adversity in the competitive arena. He took home his 14th French Open title Sunday in Paris, whooping a far younger adversary (and doing it on one foot more or less - his chronic left hoof completely numbed up..).
Hoof? And vital piece of equipment that protects, and assists, said body part? Click on the man from Mallorca and stream some inspiration from a young spirit who had a final destination in mind (do you, re flight of the ball and end point, for each and every shot?) and was not to be denied...
Are you being denied competent, consistent golf guidance? Trapped in a one-size-fits-all swing, instruction, or learning, model? Yikes - fraudulent coaching can be damaging, indeed.
I'd be happy to assist live at Eugene Country Club and at Puerto Los Cabos in the wintry months - or direct you to a competent coach nearer you. I also offer remote coaching plans wherever you may reside. Click below on either spectacular venue for specifics.
"Every great story happened when someone decided not give up"
-- Spryte Loriano
Best,
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