GOLF

Before offering feedback on my experience at the 2020 PGA merchandising show, I want to jump right in and recognize young players and families in our community.

This past Sunday, I visited The Spur at Northwoods with O’Leary Orthodontics, Pitner Orthodontics and Walker & Morgan, Attorneys at Law Division.

I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted by Jason Cline and Wade Harrell in the pro shop, while I was talking to Head Golf Professional, former college golf teammate and longtime friend Greg McBride.

Cline and Harrell both were smiling ear to ear when they told me they had already played a round of golf with their teenagers and we’re looking forward to caddying on the upcoming or final 9 holes on the Winter Tour.

“When we can, we come out to play before the event so it’s a bit like a practice round,” grinned Cline.

Harrell chimed in with a big grin.

“I get to drop my bag and pick up his for the final nine holes, so I can now practice my caddy skills,” he said.

In this program parents are encouraged to partner with their players as either a caddie, forecaddies, course guide or spectator. The idea is for parents or grandparents to be part of the game as a partner and player support partner in this golf ‘learn through play’ developmental program.

Education Consulting on the above-mentioned roles is provided by Dr. Morris Pickens.

Wyatt Harrill placed 1st and Chase Cline and Bryson Rockwell tied for 2nd. This is 1 of 2 competitive divisions on this ‘Winter Tour’ that started in 1992.

Part of the design purpose for the competitive divisions in this program was and still is to prepare young players for their upcoming high school golf season that starts next week.

The golf trip this week is about the art and science of being a caddie. It’s my observation that the greatest players act while playing as their own best caddie.

Go research this further and I’ll further unwrap the role of a golf players self talk while on the course.

This Winter Tour program addresses the rudiments of thinking on the course. At the baseline of such thinking is having fun swinging and chasing the ball around the course together with family and friends. More next week, so tune in.

Now it’s time to sum up what I took away from 2020 PGA Show experience.

There is much emphasis on technology now. There are fancier ways to get faster, increase club speed, hit more solid balls, be more accurate and measure variables that truly matter.

In theory, there are numerous complex ways to simplify the game or make it easier. There is even better education available that contains the best information in the history of the game.

Possibly the best part for me is there are numerous ways to have more success in golf. The dilemma and still, in my opinion, 1 of the greatest challenges is finding the combination that is best for you.

It’s my experience and professional opinion that to navigate the technology and to find what works best for you is find a consultant or golf expert that can assist you in your search.

My suggestion is simple. Do your research and find a competent expert to assist you in your golf search. More next week so tune in.

For now, don’t forget winter is the best time to start the game or play more because golf courses are open and available. Most of the experienced players tend to put the clubs in the garage until better weather prevails.

I like less crowded golf courses and practice facilities so just go play.