I had a high school kid walk into my office about 3 months ago and say "I want to make the pro tour". I asked him when he wanted this to happen and he said point blank, "in two years". I asked him what his current handicap was and he said, "12".
Instead of laughing at him or making some comment that assumed my personal doubt I said, "Ok, how much time and work are you willing to devote to this goal?" He replied "as much as it takes".
I started by teaching him the mental aspects of golf along with a very rigorous exercise program. He practices his different physical aspects of his game for 2-4 hours a day and then he practices the mental aspects another hour a day. He has taken his training serious and he is already playing better than he has ever played before. In the short three months (winter) we have worked together he has raised his confidence level to that of a top athlete. He is able to focus better than any athlete I have ever worked with and he can relax on commad within 10 seconds. This kid went out the other day and shot a 72 on a difficult course. It was the best score he had ever shot and he said that he could have done better if he could have visualized his shots better. He stated "In april I will be shooting in the 60's consistently." He has no doubts and that is precisely what it takes to be a champion.
The routine he has agreed to follow is not your typical routine. He wants to be a champion and he is willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. He is serious about his physical training as well as his mental training. This situation is one that is inspiring to anyone who has a dream and who has the dedication and guts to make their dream come true. He was not even in contention when he started 3 months ago and now his dream is becoming a reality. He has a long way to go before he reaches the tour but from what I have seen so far, there are no doubts, he will make it. It is very humbling when we see someone that wants something so bad that they are willing to do anything to make it come true. He is my true inspiration.
