Golf gave me a dream job. Over a period of 15 years, I was the Head Golf
Professional at three country clubs. The respect, recognition and
awards poured in from satisfied clients and the Ladies Professional Golf
Association. I was on top of the golfing world. But I wanted something
more.
One day I was watching Oprah on television at the height of her career.
She said she was striving to reach her full potential. I felt a
butterfly in my stomach for two reasons: First, I felt the same way. I
want to use all of my gifts. Second, it shocked me that Oprah felt that
she had not reached her full potential yet!
Running the golf operation and teaching golf at country clubs gave me
the satisfaction of touching many lives. People picked up on my smile.
Anxious clients learned to relax as we laughed and danced a little on
the golf course during a lesson or a round. They learned that golf is
just a game that’s meant to be enjoyed. For me, the pay was good. But
the psychological and emotional rewards were priceless.
Every time a client learned to enjoy playing golf, it reminded me of my own journey.
I started my “golf career” as the employee who picked up golf balls on
the driving range. My vehicle was often used for target practice as I
drove around retrieving the practice balls. “Bang!” I would jump,
startled even though I was listening to my Walkman (no iPods yet). When
there was a job opening, I asked to become a ranger (now called player
assistant) – and then moved on to starter, where I sat in the booth
with a fellow employee, listening to music and singing Perry Como songs
between sending anxious golfers out to play. Unfortunately, our singing
didn’t relax them! I was also working hard on my own golf game and
playing in tournaments. Next I got the chance to teach an adult school
class. None of the professionals wanted to teach a class of 15 people
for one hour and make about $10. The job was mine! I was thrilled. That
was the moment when I knew that I had found my career in golf.
On each step of my golf career, I felt a tug toward becoming a club
professional instead of a playing pro. Teaching made the best use of my
natural athletic ability and my love for people. What a relief. I’d
actually get a guaranteed paycheck, although small at the time, instead
of having to play a great game of golf to get paid.
On each step of my golf career, I felt a tug toward becoming a club
professional instead of a playing pro. Teaching made the best use of my
natural athletic ability and my love for people. What a relief. I’d
actually get a guaranteed paycheck, although small at the time, instead
of having to play a great game of golf to get paid.
The link to life beyond the country club came through my work with the
LPGA. By teaching women on the golf course and inspiring them to use
golf to reach their potential, I found my calling. During this time, I
was named the Professional of the Year in my section of the LPGA and
National Professional of the Year in the LPGA. I was honored with other
awards as well, including the inaugural Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement
Award, given to an individual resembling the legendary golf champion
Nancy Lopez’s Leadership, Passion, Giving and Approachability.
I formed a national company with a fellow LPGA professional, my fitness
professional, sport psychologist and business expert. We founded the
Official Online Amateur Community of the LPGA. We started the only
nationally published women’s golf magazine, hosted a radio show,
conducted corporate outings, tournaments and clinics across the
country. We continued to grow during a tough economy. My experience
here provided invaluable insight to the business world. It gave me the
tools to go out on my own.
An entrepreneur at heart, I started my own company called,
“Golf-Positive.” Everything I’ve experienced, learned and accomplished
in my life prepared me to launch this company. Golf-Positive reaches
people in a variety of multimedia outlets including books, audio, video
tips, speaking engagements and events.
Oprah is famous for saying: “Live Your Best Life.” Golf gave me that –
and so much more. Now I want to help as many people as possible learn to
enjoy playing golf and use lessons from the golf course to succeed in
all areas their lives!
Be Positive – Live Positive – Golf Positive!
http://golfpositive.com
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