Core Value: Perseverance

Growing up I played several sports including football and I was considered an elite athlete because I put in the effort on and off the field. I dedicated a lot of time to physical training in the gym building strength.  It was very rewarding to attain strength goals so I decided to push myself even more by becoming a competitive power-lifter.  This pursuit caused a lot of wear and tear on my shoulders that materialized when I decided to become a golf professional. 

The more I played the more pain I experienced but I was not willing to let the past influence my future.  I did as much as I could with home remedies until I met a personal trainer that had experience with my injury.  She developed a program of exercises and therapies that allowed me to gain a better range of motion.  It has been nearly five years and I am finally starting to play good golf.

Recently, I have been plagued with some hip issues that are pretty common for golfers and if I don't warm up well I can experience back pain for days.  My trainer has moved on to some bigger endeavors so I have had to take control of my exercise routine.  It is a commitment that means doing what it takes so I can play this game that I love.  

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The first shot does not determine the last. Your response to the first shot especially when it is not pretty will determine the last. Golf is about mental toughness.

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When the new management at the county golf courses decided that I was not a good fit for their programs, I did not know what was ahead.  I knew I would be teaching somewhere.  Initially that was in a park under the cover of trees.  Seriously, I found a quiet shady spot with enough room for my net and some short game tools.  It was the perfect spot to work with my junior students and they did not mind at all.  As a matter of fact, they loved it.  

It wasn't a fancy golf course, but they were progressing and they continue to do so at the Golf Learning Center at Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach.  I am sure that there are golf professionals out there that think less of me because I am not teaching at a golf course.  I have also lost a few students since then because they want to learn in those facilities.  I am fine with all of it because I love where I am, I love what I do, I love teaching.  When you love what you do, you find a way to persevere. 

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If you are looking for a great story about perseverance to read, check out Twice as Good.  You can find it at the library or if you prefer to buy, it is listed on several used book sites.

For other stories of perseverance click here. 

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