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As a Golf Instructor who has traveled extensively around the world teaching the
game of golf to players from all walks of life, I have heard numerous excuses
from golfers on why they don't play better. Such worn out expressions such as "
You can't teach an old dog new tricks", or I'm too old" to name a couple. Then a
few years ago I ran into a fellow that changed my life, and inspired me to
become a better teacher by walking in his shoes so to speak. When I stage golf
clinics, or exhibitions I try to motivate golfers to reach their potential, and
I have Steve Minot to thank.
Steve's example has not only made me strive to be a better instructor, but
more importantly to have greater patience, understanding, and become more
grateful for all that I have in my life. I never allow my students to use the
word failure, or think for a moment that they can't succeed in reaching their
desired goals.
"Failure is not about falling down in life, it's about not getting
back up".
That profound statement reminds me daily of
Steve Minot who heads up a Colorado based golf tournament that is held annually
every August in the Denver area for disabled golfers. I have been privileged
since 1991 to have been invited to participate in the tournament and stage a
demonstration for all the golfers in attendance.
Steve has polio! I remember vividly the first time I played golf with him,
and he would fall face down after each shot he hit. Well my first inclination
was to help him up which I learned quickly that he had no need for my
assistance. Can you imagine the love he must have to play the game under this
scenario? Other golfers get tired after walking a few holes.
After we played, Steve asked me for some suggestions about his game which I
gladly supplied. I felt that fundamentally he did a lot of good things. He's a
fine golfer who regularly shoots in the high 70's and low 80'S. I was determined
to get him out of the falling down mode after each shot which he had continued
to do. I began to hit shots on one leg to simulate what Steve was experiencing
to help give me a better understanding of how to attack his problem. This
allowed me to reap information of the restricted motion that was forcing him out
of balance after his shots.
Well, without going into great detail, I was quickly able to get Steve back
on track, and eliminate his balance problem once and for all. It was so
rewarding to see him hit the ball well, and maintain his balance throughout his
entire swing. The bonus that was derived later was that he began to hit the ball
much further than he ever had before and with tremendous accuracy.
Since that time a few years ago, I have incorporated numerous variations of
(trick shots) so to speak, hitting on one leg, on my knees, behind my back,
blindfolded, with only one arm, etc. In reality, these are solid fundamentals
that drive home the point to people who attend my clinics will observe that no
matter what limits you may have physically, they don't have to be mentally.
Remember, that ball doesn't care if your black, white, red, or with one arm, one
leg, sighted or not. Only 3 things effect the ball flight:
- 1. Speed
- 2. Angle of attack
- 3. Clubface at impact(square/open/closed).
Golf truly is a great
equalizer because it doesn't discriminate. Finally, the wonderful saying "What
the mind conceives, the body can achieve" really drives home this point that the
only limits we have in our lives are in our "minds". I have Steve Minot to thank
for this valuable lesson. It's the best lesson I will ever have, because it's a
lesson of a Lifetime.
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