I’ll bet your goals for a new golf season have been similar to mine throughout the years. Typically, I went into each new season seeking to practice more, which would—I hope—lower my handicap, cut down on three-putts, and increase my fairways-hit stat. How have you done with those goals? Hmm, generally not so great, eh? Me neither. But for the last few years, I’ve done something a little differently … and I invite you to give it a … [Read more...]
Cut your story short before it becomes a drama
January 15, 2019 By
When it was all over, he couldn’t believe the agony that he put himself through. In need of a new swing coach, the college golfer contacted a well-known instructor. The instructor asked for his tournament resume, bio and some swing videos, and promised to get back to him quickly. The player, a client of mine on a U.S. scholarship, emailed the information without delay. As the days ticked by without a reply, the young man’s mind began … [Read more...]
Why your storytelling leads to the ‘spiral vortex of death’ and more missed putts
January 15, 2019 By
As he rushed past me at a university golf tournament this fall, the wide-eyed young player exclaimed, "I've missed five putts within 10 feet. I can’t putt!” He was telling himself one hell of a story. As a coach of a university golf team (Guelph), I hear plenty of stories from anguished players who don’t want to let their teammates down. ‘I can’t close a good round; I’m such a choker.’ ‘I can't get a break.' In other coaching, I also … [Read more...]
The ever fascinating Fred Shoemaker shakes things up
July 30, 2015 By
I posted this clip on my Facebook page Wednesday and it sparked some debate among a couple of high profile instructors about the difference between 'what's correct' and what makes a student—in this case, Golf Channel's Damon Hack—just feel good. Check out the video of Fred Shoemaker on The Golf Channel. To me, it demonstrates why I believe Fred is arguably the greatest coach in golf who operates under the radar. Fred's approach is … [Read more...]
Secrets of a successful faux camping trip
July 18, 2013 By
I respect camping, but I don’t love it. Attempting to back a borrowed tent trailer into a campsite every year is the most stressful moment of my entire year—as my wife tries unsuccessfully to guide me in, and the kids laugh at my ineptitude. I find many parts of camping really annoying. However, this year I loved camping. Now I will share the secret to enjoying camping for folks similar to me who prefer cottages and room service to sleeping … [Read more...]
