“The expert at anything was once a beginner.”
― Helen Hayes
For most sports fans, March includes the madness that surrounds tournament basketball. For those that keep up with the game of golf year round, this is when we bring the winter practice swings from the living room onto the local courses. The desire to hit those new golf clubs from Christmas continues to rise, as we all wait for spring to finally arrive. No matter if you are the weekend warrior looking to take down the rest of your foursome, or someone looking to pick up a new outdoor hobby this spring, I hope to become a resource. I hope to be the caddie on your bag and guide for help, during the 2018 season. As Helen Hayes said best, "the expert at anything was once a beginner." I love this quote because it reminds us to not look at the finish line as an impossible mission, but rather the starting line as an opportunity. Throughout my posts, I am going to be highlighting my instructional values, give reviews, as well as comments on other stories I believe can improve different aspects of your game. Even the top tour professionals in the world have instructors and trainers, so know there is comfort to be gained by having someone else there to help along the journey…
So let’s take that first step forward. During the first time together with my players, I go over the expectations and goals of each individual. This is always an exciting time, because there are different responses. Some players are looking to accomplish better competitive results, while others are holding the club for the very first time. While these players are different in experience level, they both desire the same thing…. Confidence. The ability to go to the first tee and look down the fairway without fear. To do this, players have to create and repeat a smooth swing of the club that is comfortable to them. Easily mistaken for hitting at the ball, which is easier said than done. Like Bobby Jones said “I get as much fun as the next man from whaling the ball as hard as I can and catching it squarely on the button. But from sad experience I learned not to try this in a round that meant anything”. The golf swing is a fluid motion that combines the mind and the body to work in unison. A bonding of the two hands, while working in perfect harmony with the arms, chest, and lower body to turn from one side to the next. Pulling back not with our hands, but rather with controlled tempo from our body. For right handed players, this is a turning motion from right to left, finishing with our hands across our shoulders and the hopeful view of a little white balls soring into the blue sky.
This is a passion I have had my whole life. The many intricacies of the game of golf is what makes it such a beautiful game and why it gives me such great joy to pass unto others. I started this journey of my golfing career as a simple mentor to younger friends, playing on our home course together, giving tips along the way and it has blossomed into where I am now. Watching friends grow with the game, knowing I had an impact in their enjoyment and progression is what brings me fulfillment and happiness. This blog is the hopes to extend a hand out to seasoned veterans and to those that have never touched a club, and every player in between. Together, opening our eyes to what makes golf the most respected game among athletes, and have fun along the way, growing together and forming relationships that reach much further than a tee box.
