One of my go to golf books is Harvey Penicks “Little Red Book”, for those of you that haven´t read it, BUY IT NOW!! Harvey Penick was one of the greatest golf teachers in history, with superstars like Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw along his pupils and life-long friends. Penick was renowned across America as a gentleman of golf, his way with students was second to none and his unusual approach to golf lessons was unique. The book is an insight into the mind of a truly wonderful teacher and although as mentioned, his approach could be considered a little strange at times the knowledge he garnered from a life in the sport is vast.
Small snippets of information on the technique and the art of golf, his personal opinions about some of the best golfers he ever witnessed play the game and advice on the mental approach are priceless.
It is this simple advice throughout his book, and later books as well, that I want to share with you today. At first the advice may seem like a cop out, information that will not really help your game of golf, but if you think about it and process it, you will come to understand that the best advice is truly the simplest.
One of the best in the book is for all those parents that are encouraging and helping their children to develop, and to be honest is good advice for anyone involved with junior golf; Penick recounts the story of proud parents announcing that their child had made their first birdie, Penick asked how long the putt was and was told that they had conceded the putt. Penick regretfully informed the parents that their child was still waiting to make their first birdie as they hadn´t actually holed the putt. The advice “hole the all”.
Another, again aimed at junior golfers, but just as easily beginners, is the advice that junior golfers should be walking the golf course rather than riding in a buggy. Walking provides a far better view of the course, which means understanding improves, after all course management is one of the hardest things to learn in golf and from a buggy it is even harder.
Finally my favourite, golf is meant to be fun, when golf becomes a chore then it is time to either re-evaluate your thoughts about golf or stop playing altogether, golf should never be something that you feel you have to do, it is a game and supposed to be fun.
Recent Comments