Keith Stewart, Golf Professional, Springdale Golf Club

Golf is Hard

            The game of golf is very difficult.  Even at our best, we still only get to borrow the game for a short period of time.  It is for this very reason my staff and I believe we should try to help our fellow golfers as much as possible.  The mentor program we have implemented at Springdale Golf Club doesn’t just apply to junior golf or the nine-hole ladies association; it is directed toward our entire golfing membership.  A mentor is someone who is half leader and half coach.  As much as they breakdown, they build up.  Since golf is such a difficult sport, the later of the two could be considered our full time occupation.

            The simple focus we have on our day to day operations helps our members and their guests relax and enjoy their practice and play time.  We believe in being accessible to the membership.  To educate them on as many facets of the game we can.  It doesn’t just end with player development programs.    Our team will help them pick out a comfortable pair of shoes to make their feet feel good throughout the entire round.  Or a shirt that not only makes them look good, but it fits them properly and has performance fabrics to keep them cool on a hot day.  If your goal is to play better, I suggest you take a similar holistic approach to your game. 

            We begin our initial player development program each season with a free swing seminar in late March.  My staff and I prepare a discussion of a couple crucial swing characteristics designed to help everyone improve.  Everyone who attends always comments; they like how much the professional team cares about their game.  In giving golf lessons for a living, the simplest lesson is usually the most difficult message to convey.  When I ask a student to change their alignment or correct their posture the basic nature of the task sometimes leads to second guessing.  Again, the difficult nature of this great game creates too many negative connotations.  Start a global golf perspective today to improve some detail in your game/equipment which will permit you a positive feeling or two.

            Golf is hard, and I propose golf will become an easier game for you if you surround yourself with a network of players and teachers who feel the same way.  In developing a sound golf network, those whom you play and practice with should be trusted.  Allow them an opportunity to help when help is needed.  After all, we need all the help we can get.  I believe the secret to golf is just this, “Golf was about people before it was about score.”  So as the golf season begins to reach full stride increase your golf network this season.  Find a new shirt that looks and performs like 2011.  Lessons are vital, but so is paying attention when you are around the game.

            Players who make the game look straightforward are also the players my staff and I pay attention to when trying to learn.  These are not always the players on television.  More often than not those golfers are some of the most complicated.  In continuing with this theme, I propose we all take the time to learn from one another.  Golf is hard.  Whether you play at a private, public or resort facility there are all types of people who can help.  Ever ask a locker room attendant what is the best way to care for your shoes, or a bag attendant the easiest way to work the straps on that dual strap bag?  At the end of the day we all love the game and we are in this together.  There are so many opportunities for us all to meet people and develop relationships in and around the golf courses we play.  One never knows where any of these golf affairs may lead.  It might lead to actual game improvement.

            Golf is hard, it’s complicated; it has a myriad of details and rules some written and others unwritten.  It is my goal to make the game easier for my members and guests.  My team works tirelessly to help everyone just play better.  If you share a similar goal we strongly suggest you increase your golf perspective this season.  Take a lesson, talk to someone who works at the course where you play.  Take a moment to watch some golf swings on YouTube or read a golf column.  Those on our side of the golf world are trying our best to grow the game.  So what I propose should be readily accessible.  It should really help each of you improve and it will make the game more enjoyable.