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FacebookDialogue With Golf Enthusiast John Rowe
There is nothing more thrilling than a willing student!
John Rowe came to see me personally this past summer upon reading the article in the Petoskey News-Review regarding the releasing of my new book, The Fairway of Life. He just had to have an autographed copy and connect with me personally. I am so grateful he did. As it turns out he remembers my dad from many years ago. I recently received an e-mail from him and asked him if I could share it with all of you. I also provide some of my own feedback and questions back to John. Thanks John! Here’s to keeping on…
Rand,
I finally finished, “The Fairway of Life”. The delay was due mostly to a great September for golf! For the first half of the book it seemed a little like one of my pastor’s sermons; I found myself saying, “I get it, I get it!” Then for the rest of the book, I couldn’t get enough because I REALLY did get it! This is a must read for any golfer whether he’s there already or has lots of room for improvement.
John, interesting that you mention the part about a pastor’s sermon. That’s exactly what I thought I would be asked to become when I fully surrendered to God. I went on to ask John if in his opinion everyone could benefit from the messages in the book, including say a Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson?
As for Tiger and his peers, if there is such a thing, it seems to me that ANYONE can benefit from a continuing education. That is to say, if they live with an open mind, then they are receptive to new and enlightening concepts; much like rereading the Bible or other spiritual writings. NO ONE got it all the first time through! And surprisingly, many of these very talented athletes will mention a book about their field they have recently read. Phil Mickelson is taking, as well as giving, short game lessons; doesn’t that indicate a continuing desire to learn and teach? My answer is a resounding YES, to your question!
A good teacher teaches what they need to learn even more. Practice the Infallible Formula: cause another to become that which you desire to be even more. Phil does this with his short game video, and Tiger with his clinics.
As a result of reading your book, I have developed for myself 4 main thoughts in anticipation of playing a round:
1) SEE THE BALL, BE THE BALL!
This encompasses all the various swing thoughts such as grip, setup, alignment, spine angle, clubface angle, etc.
2) LET IT HAPPEN!
For me, this replaces my “slow the tempo” thought, which I need when I start to rush my backswing because of a previous miss hit.
3) I AM LIVING THE DREAM!
This a “warm fuzzy” thought on my way to the course to tell myself I am the luckiest guy in the world! It is also a great “comforter” on the course should I begin to doubt why I play the game.
4) I AM A CHAMPION!
The use of this phrase is self-explanatory!!
I put these to use the other day as I played Hawk’s Eye with friends and it really does work! The weather was windy and 45F; why go to Scotland? I played some of my best golf although my score wasn’t great. I three-putted too often.
Just got back from playing 18 at Little Traverse Bay today (10/18) 46F and breezy; my partner was very impressed with my game and I did not tell him of your book yet, because I didn’t want his unsolicited observation tainted. He says something wonderful has changed in my game. As a note to you for future reference, his name is R** L********; just so you know a name of a real person who didn’t know before hand what he was seeing!!
Thanks for the walk,
John Rowe
Phil Mickelson – Practicing the Infallible Formula
In all my years in life coaching and life education: in processing, growing, and evolving, perhaps the quickest way to get you from where you are to where you desire to be is by practicing the Infallible Formula. Once you’re on your path of where you desire to be through your dreams, desires, visualizations and of course taking action, practicing the Infallible Formula will provide a new level of understanding. They say a great teacher teaches what they desire to learn or understand the most. The Infallible Formula states: cause another to become that which you desire to be your self. That’s exactly what Mickelson is doing now, and what other PGA teaching professionals have been doing all along. It’s why they get better themselves.
Phil Mickelson was interviewed this past weekend during his fine play in the 2009 CA Championship at Doral – The Blue Monster in Miami. Phil was describing the Infallible Formula in his words of how he understood that you teach what you want to be yourself. “Simplifying my techniques and to articulate and translate it so everybody can do it has forced me to simplify my own game and, consequently, I’ve never chipped or hit bunker shots as well,” said Mickelson, who added that he has never felt so good standing over a shot in his career as he does these days. Not too mention the way he’s freewheeling his Galloway FT-9 driver as well.
Mickelson recently put out a short-game video for the masses and said that has helped his own precision game get to be “as good as it’s ever been.” Gosh, here I thought he was already pretty dang good – one of the best in world. Now, he’s even better than he used to be!
Excerpts from Chapter 10 – Golf Vices of The Fairway of Life: Simple Secrets To Playing Better Golf By Going With The Flow ~.
Coaches Notes: Encourage others you play with to be there best and this will make you a better golfer. * In 2009 this formula is making Phil Mickelson a better short game player because he’s causing others to be better with their short game. Plus he articulates and practices the simplicity of his message at the same time. Isn’t it a lot more fun when the both of you are playing well? And if the other plays well enough to win the prize congratulate them on their fine play. Never root against another, never hope another misses, and never play for the money. Phil truly desires that Tiger will get back to being his best. The thrill of competition stimulates our desire to be our best. Play your game to the best of your God-given talent and perhaps you’ll inspire another to be their best as well. Remember: life is like a circle. What you do for another, you also do for yourself. And what you do for yourself, you also do for another. Do it with pureness of heart, with kind spirit, and genuine compassion, and your life will be blessed even more. And so shall it be.
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THE FAIRWAY OF LIFE e-zine + Bonus
Simple Secrets to Playing Better Golf
By Going With The Flow ~ Newsletter
+ Bonus
First Two Chapters of
"The Fairway Of Life"
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