Responses
Greetings Golfers,
Last week’s blog got a lot of interesting feedback. Most of it positive … yet one fairly hostile response.
I responded and tried to make it about ideas - not make it personal. It’s sad that a lot of people can’t disagree without making it nasty and personal.
But as I said … most responses were positive. In fact, one included a TED talk about being positive.
Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__kBVq1M
… it’s pretty inspiring.
And another one was about a kid playing a hole with Tony Finau
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=709847767688291
… Wow. That one really got to me.
Another response was about how important deep conversations are … and that this guy was having fewer as he got older … his friends didn’t want to go there. He said that he just read this quote about Heaven: “Imagine the stories that you’ll hear. And all the questions that shall finally have answers. And the answers won’t be one-word answers, but story after story, a feast of wonder and laughter and glad tears.”
How good are those responses?
This all fits with golf:
* Positivity
* an amazing experience with a Tour player
* great stories and conversation after a round
Let’s talk about positivity. It needs to make sense … a way to deal with reality - not deny reality.
Here’s an example. When I walk up to the tee box … I want to think negative. I’m looking for danger - where I don’t want to hit it. Then, I shift to positive - where I want to hit it. And I try to stay with that positive thought before and during my swing.
If I don’t go through that negative phase … I can’t understand the risk/reward aspects of the hole. And … I’ll probably all of a sudden see the danger during my set-up and/or swing … that’s not a good thing.
Negativity and positivity are tools to deal with reality. So is logic. So are ideas. Name calling is basically a denial of facing reality.
When I responded to the name caller - I made it clear that I wouldn’t make it personal … that I wanted to discuss ideas. I wrapped-up my “speech” with how good for people golf is:
Hit it
Find it
Deal with it
Some bloggers post the responses. I would never do that. I feel the responses are private. And I enjoy hearing from people … and a discussion if need be.
So … keep it coming! And … I can handle the nasty … but it’s more interesting arguing ideas than name-calling.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com