One of the great things about our game is that it’s different from other sports. In fact, the differences are so great that golf might just be in a category all by itself. In golf, the players referee the game among themselves. Imagine NBA or NFL players playing without referees, and instead calling their own fouls and penalties. It doesn’t take much thought to realize that within minutes, the games would devolve into complete chaos. And yet, golf at the highest levels are largely refereed by the players, even to the point of calling penalties on themselves (at least when they are aware of them).
Baseball, football, basketball and hockey have great histories and traditions that are revered by their aficionados, but golf goes above and beyond with the reverence for the past and its customs. Go into any bookstore – at least while they still exist– and you will find in the sports section that golf has more books than any other sport. In some bookstores, the golf books almost outnumber all the other sports books combined.
As an individual sport, golf is hard to beat. Tennis is a fine game, but you need an opponent to have a match. And most people don’t take a tennis vacation to play the awesome courts that some hotel in Hawaii have, because all courts are basically the same. In golf, there are no two holes exactly alike, although several courses have replica holes from other layouts. The fresh air and sunshine, combined with pleasant scenery and friends, seem to grab hold of a golfer’s soul to an extent far more than other sports do.
The golf teaching professional plays a large part in keeping the history and traditions of the game alive, and it’s imperative that a professional have great respect for these aspects if he or she is to be successful in the profession. While we are tasked with making a living through monetary means, it doesn’t mean that the pursuit of the dollar is first and foremost among those who impart golf instruction. No, it’s well known among most successful people that if you get into a business strictly for fame or fortune, you most likely won’t last long. Or if you do, you will wind up dreading the thought of going to work, and it won’t be long before customers and clients take notice.
Golf teaching professionals are fortunate to be able to impart the lessons that they do, but they often go above and beyond just teaching the mechanics of the game. A professional who is lucky enough to establish long-term relationships with his or her students often find that they have made a true friend in that person, and share parts of each other’s lives that they wouldn’t share with just anyone.
It used to be, a long time ago, that golf professionals were seen as just the hired help and not worthy to even enter the members’ clubhouse. They were relegated strictly to the pro shop and lesson tee, and the better playing professionals were able to make some extra cash by playing in tournaments and exhibitions. But even those professionals had to know their place, and that place wasn’t among the well-heeled membership that thought they were doing the pro a favor by paying his salary.
Today, teaching professionals are highly respected members of the golf com-munity – quite a change from the days of Harry Vardon. Once the public became aware of how valuable teaching and club professionals actually were, the door to the clubhouse, and other venues, opened wide. It behooves the modern professional to remember the past, honor the traditions of the game, and contribute to the well-being of the game through actions that are befitting the profession.
In early February 2017, Jordan Spieth had a run-in with some rude autograph seekers after a practice round at Pebble Beach. When asked about the incident, Spieth said the “fans” were actually professional autograph seekers. He became irate, he says, when they dropped an “F-bomb” in front of several children after he refused to sign their memorabilia. This isn’t the first time Spieth has taken autograph sellers to task. In June 2016 during practice rounds for the U.S. Open, Spieth said during a press conference that he had refused to sign autographs for “eBayers” because they were “smooshing” kids out of the way.
Few people would begrudge Spieth for condemning child smooshing, but it does seem that professional autograph and memorabilia sellers are more and more active at golf tournaments. Some tournaments have begun setting up kids-only zones so players can interact with young fans without interference from adults looking to make a fast buck.
A quick glance at eBay and other collectable sales site shows why this is such a growing trend. Collectibles are big business. Sports collectibles in general is a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry. A genuine Jordan Spieth signed golf ball, pin flag, program, etc., can sell for hundreds of dollars. The most sought-after name in golf has to be Tiger Woods. Signed items from his college days at Stanford can sell for thousands. Beyond golf, the most popular items are those signed by Michael Jordan, who is as popular now as when he was playing. NFL quarterbacks and big-name baseball players are also in high demand. Additionally, websites like rackrs.com and justcollecting.com have created large online communities where collectors can buy, sell, and trade their collections. Although the big sports for this hobby have historically been baseball, football and basketball, golf is steadily on the rise.
The very nature of golf tournaments themselves allows for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite athlete. Players are constantly moving through crowds and near galleries of fans, which creates a much more intimate experience than, say, an NFL football game, where fans generally have little opportunity for autographs.
So it’s little wonder that sellers have been showing up more and more at golf tournaments. Or maybe it’s because of the ever-growing demand for golf memorabilia. In 2011, a new record was set for the sale of a golf collectible. The green jacket worn by Bobby Jones at Augusta National sold at auction to an anonymous overseas buyer for $311,000. As long as collectors have that kind of cash to throw around, Spieth and the rest of today’s golf stars can expect to see a lot more professional autograph sellers pushing their way to the front of the crowd.
Continuous learning sharpens our ability to serve others and stay passionate about what we do. The energy that comes from discovering new ideas and applying them can completely transform how we approach our craft. This mindset extends far beyond the fairway—it’s about constantly challenging ourselves to grow, experiment, and refine our techniques for the benefit of those who trust us. When a teacher or coach keeps learning, their students can feel it, and the results speak for themselves.
In much the same way, a dentist summerlin nv who values ongoing education brings that same spirit of growth into patient care. By staying informed on the latest dental technologies, materials, and treatment techniques, they ensure every visit feels both advanced and reassuring. Modern dentistry is not only about fixing problems but also about providing experiences that blend precision, comfort, and innovation. From digital imaging and minimally invasive procedures to cosmetic enhancements that boost confidence, patients benefit most when their dentist embraces the newest advancements with enthusiasm.
As we come close to another wonderful year in the books, I challenge everyone to make it a goal to learn more this year. Continue to expand your skills and garner knowledge. Take it one step further and share your ideas and the teaching aids you implement that make you more successful – both personally and professionally. Happy learning!
Seldom do I discuss or write about any of my accomplishments in golf because firstly, they are few and far between, and secondly, no one really cares. This past winter, however, I took it upon myself to set a goal to qualify for the MSOP putting championship to be held in late October in Las Vegas.
Many have perhaps seen the promotional campaign for the MSOP (Major Series Of Putting) on Golf Channel in certain markets throughout the country. This article is not to promote MSOP, but since they are from my home town of Montreal, it offered a great opportunity to get the competitive juices flowing through season-long events, and ultimately their home base “Tour Championship” in which MSOP will be sending two players to Vegas to compete against players throughout North America.
This is no small potatoes, as there will be some serious cash on the line as competitors will putt in various televised events and formats on a custom-built Jack Nicklaus designed artificial green inside a temporary stadium with Brad Faxon as the ambassador.
As a full-time coach to young athletes competing professionally, in the NCAA and at the highest ranks of junior golf, I felt it necessary to step into the competitive arena once again as I haven’t done so in many years. With little time to work on my game, what easier way to re-acclimatize myself to the pressures of competitive golf than putting? I’ve documented in previous articles my issues with the yips, but have learned to override them. If I could get my way to Vegas, then I could really test those issues under an even higher level of scrutiny and pressure. This is the test. If you’re going to talk the talk as a professional coach, then you better be prepared to walk the walk. Turning the big “Five-O” later this year, I relish the idea of qualifying for the Senior European Tour within a couple of years.
This brings me to the true point of this article, and a question that must be asked: How important is it for a coach or teacher to compete? In the grand scheme of things, probably not very important at all, as our role is to help our golfers and competitive players play their best. If, however, you’ve never competed, I believe you have a duty to do so at least once in order to fully grasp the range of emotions golfers of all levels experience. Whether it is a newer golfer teeing it up on the first tee with two foursomes behind watching while waiting to tee off, or coming down the stretch in a tough battle for a championship with your heart beating and adrenaline flowing, these now become experiences you can relate with and pass onto your students.
With 18 holes to play on the green at the MSOP home base Tour Championship, my palms were sweating and heart rate was elevated, needing to not simply hold on but make some birds as my lead was only one. Hope to see some familiar faces in Vegas. See you in October. Bring it on!
