Jon Rahm

From Spain and a prodigy of Seve Ballesteros, Jon did not speak English. Jon said his most significant initial challenge was coming to the US on a golf scholarship – not speaking English and having to learn a difficult language quickly. Very uncomfortable. Jon said Seve told him to work harder than anyone else in everything Jon did, and he would be a golf star.  Seve drilled over & over into Jon’s head “believe in YOU”!!!!

When asked the question: What are your secrets to your amazing game?  Jon, standing in front of his golf bag, reached into the bag and grabbed four clubs – putter, PW, SW & 60-degree wedge. Jon pulled them out and said, “these are my big buddies – my secrets – taught to me by Seve.” Jon pulled his driver out of his bag and said, “this guy is next important – hit it long.” Seve’s wisdom embedded into a talented boy from Spain.

When asked, “what are the two or three most important messages you tell young folks building life skills from golf?” Jon said: Believe in YOU, give honored respect to others around you, and work harder than everyone else toward your goals.

Jordan Spieth

On June 24, 2013, Jordan made his first professional golfer event debut at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD. In the Pro-Am Wednesday event, Jordan on the 18^th hole had an 8 to 10-minute delay before being able to tee off. The 18^th hole is a Military honor guard tribute hole with representatives from all service branches.  Jordan walked over to each of the Military honor guards, thanked each personally for serving our Country, talked with each asking them their personal history questions, and asking if they are being treated well, and if they needed anything to reach out to him or his business manager.

When Jordan was introduced by the honor guard announcer on the 18^th hole with a big standing ovation, Jordan waved, and immediately said to the fans surrounding the tee box – thank you for your amazing applause. But – let me bring to your attention these honored Military members standing here.  THEY are the ones who deserve ALL of our respect and honor.  They serve our Country to allow us to live the way we do today, and I am truly thankful for our Military and honor them.  Please – our honored military guards (pointing) – result – Extraordinary loudness & duration of applause.

In Jordan’s first event (at 19 years old) as a Professional golfer – a vivid example of explicit deep character, high personal values, respect of others & an immense maturity.

See David Feherty and Jordan Spieth interview from (Feherty Golf Channel) for details on Jordan’s career since its inception this first day.

Doc Redman

Won the 2017 US Amateur at Riviera with an epic comeback. Down 2 holes with 2 holes to play, Doc eagled No. 17, birdied 18^th to even match and won the title on the first playoff hole over Doug Ghim. Turned Pro in 2018 leaving Clemson after two years.

Doc’s message to young players striving to become great golfers and building critical long-term life skills along the way is to work as hard as you can, never give up, believe in YOU, and, importantly, have fun doing what you LOVE!

Hal Sutton

Hal was an All American golfer – early in his career celebrated as a “future comer” player – winning 7 times in 3 years including the 1983 PGA. Fast out of the gate start including Player of the Year in 1983. Hal reports as his career progressed, he became marred with constant failure.

While falling from stardom as an elite player, Hal regained deep internal strength and determination to be a winner again in life and golf. In 1994 Hal was the “Comeback Player of the Year” on the PGA Tour. Hal rebuilt his successful golf career by mental toughness, hard work, dedication & perseverance.

On June 11, 2010 – Hal’s fabled 18^th hole second shot “Be the Right Club Today” words rang out around the globe – when Hal beat the No. 1 Player in the World (Tiger Woods) in dramatic fashion winning his second Players Championship.

Hal had planned and executed a full game plan strategy including laying up on the par 5 sixteenth hole reducing the risks and working to one of his strengths in the short game.

When Hal was asked what messages about life skills he has learned from golf that he would like to pass along to young folks, Hal said: work hard, build mental toughness and have a plan to thoughtfully execute against.

Hal amassed 14 PGA Tour wins, 3 majors and 2 Players Companionships during his rebounding career path. An amazing story of rising, falling and coming back to the top.

Charlie Sifford

From caddie to professional golfer. First African American to play on the PGA Tour and break uncharted ground for others. The Pioneer of African American golfers – smashing color & race barriers – with perseverance to clear values and desire to enable change.

Turned professional in 1948, won consistently in Negro League, and won the 1957 Long Beach Open, tied for 32^nd in 1959 US Open, was allowed to join PGA Tour in 1961 – erasing the Caucasians only membership clause – opening the doors for others to enter. Played in the US Open 12 times, 22 career tour wins, Hall of Fame induction (2004), and changed lives forever.

Tiger Woods credits Charlie Sifford for being instrumental to his Dad’s thinking African Americans can, and should, play golf. The Pioneer blazing the trail for others and opening the golf opportunity door for Tiger Woods to achieve the highest number of tour wins in history – surpassing Sam Snead’s historic record.  Below is a must see documentary showing histories and personal stories of the other golf pioneer heros.

See Honoring African American Golf Pioneers – Uneven Fairways: Golf Channel Documentary:

The Golf Channel documentary – Uneven Fairways – honors and discusses in live interviews the hard & challenging lives of the Negro Golf league players before segregation was outlawed and the PGA Tour was unified.  Their lives and historic challenges overcome by these early professional golf warriors deserve high recognition and continuing honor toward changing the golf equality landscape as we know it today.

The honored players featured included Pete Brown, Thomas Smith, Darrell Nicely, Kenneth Sims, Charles Owens, Calvin Peete, Lenord Jones, Albert Green, James Black, Ron Terry, Adrian Stills, Alton Dubron, and Bill Wright.

Brooks Koepka

As a young man growing up, Brooks played lots of sports – excelled in most – and around early teens decided to make golf his life dream and career path. His commitment to golf was clear & complete. Brooks was grilled lots and challenged by his Dad testing Brooks’ determination for golf as his “A” Plan life direction with the same question:  Brooks, what’s your “Plan B” if golf doesn’t work out? Brooks’ answer: “Plan A again, again and again.”

A young man with a vision, clear dedication, self-belief, determination, confidence, and commitment to hard work and a firm grasp on perseverance.

See Feherty (Golf Channel) show featuring Brooks Koepka for inside details of his path, difficulties, set-backs and amazing successes grounded in golf’s priceless life skills.

Martin Piller

Born & raised in Texas with a stellar college golf record, Martin turned Pro in 2008, and won his first PGA tour event – The Texas Open. Martin said his golf success was all about the short game including putting which is an amazing strength of his total game. He was never a long-hitter, sometimes not always straight, and had to rely on his short game to achieve great scoring accomplishments. Golf, Martin said, is a game of recovering from bad shots, not a game of perfection every shot.

Martin’s message about golf life skills to young folks was to work really hard AND long hours (7-8 hours a day) on the short game. He says: Hit short shots from places you would NEVER expect to be while playing in a golf match.  Practice the crazy, hardest, most impossible lies, odd locations, difficult situations where one has to be really creative & understand what to do and how to execute these impossible shots in order to build your “real” skills solid base in the short game.  Martin referenced Seve Ballesteros as his idol & role model in mastering the short game.

In 2009 Martin was paired up in a golf charity NASCAR sponsored event with Gerina Mendoza – LPGA Tour player – meeting his now life partner. They were married in 2011. Two golf professionals married (and both actively playing) spotlights thoughtful, advance planning and respect for others and integrity into life’s formula of needed skills. Martin says: Do what you love, and you’ll be a success!

Casey Martin

Born with pulmonary veins circulation problems in legs – Legendary battle with PGA Tour using American Disabilities Act to allow riding – finally prevailed – He said he did it to help others in the future – not for himself only.

Calvin Peete

Three strikes and you’re out!!!! In baseball that’s true, but in golf it’s only the beginning. Calvin Peete had 3-strikes against him when he decided to take up golf – his age, race and a deformed left arm (broken arm in 3 places never set properly). One of 19 total family kids, born into poverty, worked on farm from dawn to dusk, dropped out of school in 8^th grade. Was a struggling traveling salesman up and down the East Coast.

At age 23 he was introduced to golf by some friends, was obsessed with the sport, and knew the economic successes of many playing the sport. So, decided to give golf a chance in changing his life.  Calvin worked at driving ranges where he could practice at night and work days. A path of perseverance, following his dream – changing his life.

At 33 years old Calvin earned his PGA Tour playing privileges card at Q-school, and over the next three decades became the most successful African-American (before Tiger Woods) to have played the sport – winning 14 Tour events including The Players.

Calvin’s economic and personal contributions to countless communities, causes and missions to help others change their lives are legendary.   Calvin’s messages to others always included learning to persevere, believe in yourself, work hard, take personal responsibility, be respectful and always humble.

In baseball terms, Calvin is a grand slam, walk-off BIG winner – starting with 3 strikes – and becoming a major winner in life – with golf.

Matt Every

Loved golf, worked hard to excel, Florida (Gators) golf scholarship, 3-Time First Team All American, Ben Hogan Award (best collegiate player – 2006), low amateur 2005 US Open (Pinehurst), turned Pro 2009, won Nationwide Tour Championship, earned PGA Tour card 2010. A fast start to a career.

Matt said early in his career he did not take life or his personal responsibility very seriously. Early success and 2 prestigious PGA tour wins (both Arnold Palmer Invitational) allowed the spotlight. Matt said an auto accident changed him forever. A defining moment. While struggling with less success on the course than in the past, Matt said he learned from golf to have rock solid conviction, to take personal responsibility, be honest with yourself and with others, and have respect for others. When asked what is the one-thing you would tell younger or older aspiring golfers to do, Matt said – work hard. That’s the key.

Esteban Toledo

Born in Mexicali, Mexico. Raised sleeping on mud floors in considerable poverty. A boxer in his early years and worked at a golf course to earn money. Fell in love with golf, and set a “wild” career dream to be a great golfer. Turned Pro in 1986. 6 wins.

At 1999 US Open Esteban was asked how he was able to learn golf, play enough to become great, and earn playing privileges on the PGA Tour. Esteban discussed how he was dirt poor, worked every job he could find to earn money to help support his family and, at the same time, to be able to work very hard & long at practicing at his dream – while building deeper & wider golf and people skills.

Esteban said he learned to depend on himself, and deeply believe in himself with great internal strength and conviction.  Esteban said he worked hard at and was able to develop lots of close, trusted friends and build strong personal relationships from golf while around the sport.  He said he was very thankful for his life, wonderful wife, their kids, and appreciative of all the good he has been able to do for others.

The Esteban Toledo Foundation established an orphanage in Mexico, supports the operations, and tries to personally visit the kids there when possible.

A book (Tin Cup Dreams) about his life, career and path to golf at the highest level was written and published by Michael D’Antonio. An inspiration about opportunities from golf.

Brad Bryant

Son of a Southern Baptist pastor. Known as Doctor Dirt by fellow PGA Tour players. Brad’s personalized logo on his golf ball says “Doctor Dirt”. Brad said he worked tirelessly, was always hot, sweaty with soaked clothes, and seemingly (to other players) looked like he had been in the garden working on his hands & knees. 20 years & 475 starts before first PGA Tour win – one of the longest streaks. 40 years on tour – 6 wins.

Brad said he had to work as hard as he could each day. This required grinding out practice sessions, endless hours of repetitions, playing from crazy spots to build short game skills, and to create a powerful internal belief he could succeed. Hard work dedication – without hesitation. Never give up.

Brad said he deeply believed his life was a part of a greater plan and he was executing the plan. He said finishing second so many times was frustrating, but gave him full understanding he needed to work harder to get better.

Brad was recognized as one of the nicest people on tour by fellow players, media, sports announcers, and the village always surrounding Brad. Brad said honoring and respecting others around you is the key to building the trusted relationships – which are so needed and powerful to life’s success – with golf.

Vijay Singh

Born and raised in Fiji and first to play on the PGA Tour. Vijay’s history as a youth had lots of challenges, set-backs, gains, and with amazing hard work:  Success.

Recognized as one of the “hardest workers” – on the range hitting hundreds of balls in each ball striking practice session. Vijay is known by peers as a “workhorse” in total hours spent practicing – both long and short game. Since turning Pro in 1982 has won 64 tournaments (worldwide), 34 on PGA Tour, #1 in World Ranking for 32 consecutive weeks, and the Golf Hall of Fame in 2006. Vijay’s targeted idol was Tom Weiskopf – tall as Vijay – making golf successful swings more challenging as a taller person.

Vijay said in 2015 his work ethic was driven by achieving a level of “comfort” and not having to think about his swing – but just trusting it – driving his workhorse practicing. Vijay said golf is about knowledge and studying other great players – not listening to instructors – but to yourself and knowing your full game….every club, every shot, and every capability you have!  Know YOU, and TRUST in YOU!

Thongchai Jaidee

Thailand professional gofer legend started playing at age 16 and used a bamboo shaft 5-iron as first club. Thongchai credits his grandmother for her vision, wisdom, and assistance in building his courage and allowing the sport to create a special life path.

Thongchai joined the Royal Thai Army serving as a paratrooper in special forces, and learned to play golf – mostly self-taught – with hours of practice & hard work.

Thongchai said he “learn everything he could” – his basic mentality – that helped him understand the need for education – fueling his desire to support education efforts in Thailand – starting and funding (with his Foundation) 26 schools within his country.

Turned Pro at age 30, played on the Europe, Asian & PGA Tours amassing 24 worldwide victories plus representing the International President’s Cup Team (at age 46 – oldest player ever selected) in 2015.

Thongchai said having the ability to play golf – with its “life teachings” – has given him his desire to “give back” especially in schools, education and support. He said he was honored, blessed & thankful every day for his grandmother, his Village of supporters, learned & built trusted relationships, and the amazing opportunity golf has provided him.

Chi Chi Rodriguez

Dirt poor Puerto Rico kid at 7 working in sugar cane plantations – carrying water to help support family – wandered into a golf course. Found out caddies made a lot more money than he did. Thus, he started caddying. Self-taught in golf, and at age 12 shot a 67.

At 19 went into US Army with time to practice and hone his golf skills. Turned Pro in 1960. 37 total tour victories over 4 decades. Known for his big charismatic personality and showmanship on the course.  Famous for sword dance celebrating birdies & eagles, and sometimes covering up the hole with his signature straw hat.

Chi Chi said the advice he would give to young or old is to play golf, learn what the sport will teach you, enjoy playing and have fun. Be happy, show your happiness, bring other people into your happiness, and magic in life can happen. Golf changed my life forever.

Erik Compton

Known in many circles as “brave heart”, Erik Compton is the only professional golfer in the world to have two heart transplants – first at age 12 and again at 28.  Six years after the first heart transplant, Erik was the #1 AJGA Junior Golfer in America. In 1998 landed a golf scholarship to Georgia.

Turned Pro in 2001 and played the Canadian tour winning twice and then onto the PGA Tour. His first heart transplant starting failing, and his ability to perform at the highest level was seriously comprised. The heart disability made it impossible to continue to play – walking as required. He asked the PGA Tour to ride and was denied.

At age 28 Erik said he was called late one night, and told a 15 year old young man was a heart donor and all the genetics were perfect for him. He needed to come NOW to the hospital for the next transplant. Erik did, and all successful. Erik said, he & his family remain close friends and are forever grateful & thankful to the parents of the young man whose life was taken in a car accident, and Erik became the recipient of a perfect heart.

Erik continued his recovery hard work and clear dedication in rebuilding his golf skills. In 18 months Erik was back competing with sponsor exemptions and qualifying. In the spring of 2009 was awarded the Ben Hogan Award – a tribute to players who have life and career threatening disabilities who persevered and stayed active on Tour.  In 2014 finished second in the US Open. In prior events was a winner and made 62% cuts after the second transplant.  Erik has a career total 7 wins (as of 2020). A star performer under extraordinary health & life threatening circumstances.

Erik says “No matter how bad you think things are, NEVER give up”.

Erik is a shining example of his message to all people and especially those who play golf for building strong life skills.

Erik started his successful Foundation with the mission of supporting organ donations. A mission driven, personal “brave heart” driven give back for his blessings in golf.

Ben Hogan

In 1967 Ben Hogan was asked during a Charity event in NC:

Question: what advice would you give an aspiring young college golfer “wanta be” now to do to play as a professional on tour?

Answer: Eliminate one side of the fairway from your swing. Hooking is a problem…. Practice, practice, practice……….. You’ll know – inside – if you become good enough!

Bill Calfee

Bill was an All-American golfer at University of Maryland, in 1975 turned Pro and earned full-time playing privileges by qualifying at Q-School. Played in 191 official Tour events in 10 years making the cut 106 times. Became the President of the Web.Com Tour for 12 years and retired in 2017.

A priceless story as told by Bill Calfee. Bill was competing in the Texas Open and was visiting Shady Oaks and saw Ben Hogan who invited Bill to play a practice round with him.  A quick lunch with Ben, hit some practice balls at the range, rolled a few putts, and off to the first tee. They rode in separate carts as Ben requested. After 9 holes, Ben had not said a word to Bill, so Bill decided to ask “Mr. Hogan” about the fairway set-up of the 10^th hole and how to navigate it.  Ben said to Bill – you played OK on the front. This hole, and lots of others back here, turn back to the right and are fairly narrow in places. Aim (pointing) at that tree (left edge of fairway) at the right fork branch at the top and at the little branch just under the one sticking up straight. And don’t hook it – for-God’s-sake.  Extraordinary precision.

After the round, Ben excused himself saying he needed to go, and Bill asked “Mr. Hogan” a question while walking to the parking lot. Question: What advice would you give me? Answer: Learn how to cut the ball. Eliminate hooking. Read some of my books – they might help. Good luck. After brutal honesty, Ben turned away and got in his car.

Insights from Bill Calfee: In a 2010 discussion Bill was asked:

Question: what did you learn and take away from golf that you would want to tell people about so they might gain the same?

Answer: The importance of building and keeping strong personal relationships. Trust, respect of others & personal communications are the keys. These skills come from golf.

Arnold Palmer

The “King” of Golf commonly refers to Arnold Palmer. Arnie’s Army, his legacy and accomplishments in and from golf, are records and good deeds every person should know about. An inspiration to all of a boy from very modest beginnings growing up in a little Pennsylvania town and making such a huge impact on people around the world.

In 1998 on the 10^th tee box in a Tom Lehman sponsored Charity event at the Minneapolis Golf Club was Arnie was asked:

Question: What would be the one tip you would give golfers to play better?

Answer:  Make sure your left arm is 15%-20% stronger (in strength) than your right arm & hand. This is for better club control and to help avoid hooking.  Ben Hogan taught me that.

Lenny Mattiace

Naturally left-handed was taught to play golf right-handed. Lenny said playing righty allowed better club control and provided strength and more reliable swing consistency.

Wake Forest team member winning the Division 1 Collegiate Golf Championship and turn Pro in 1990. Lenny says golf taught him inner strength, fortitude, dedication, never give up, hard work is a MUST, and belief in yourself even after continuous failures.

Long-hitting was NOT one of Lenny’s strengths – ranking 153^rd in driving distance (tour career stats) – and had to rely on his short game (29^th tour career stats). Lenny played in 220 tour events before winning twice in 2002. Two tour wins (tour stats).

Career set-backs include in 1998 The Players on the 71^st hole (#17 – par 3 TPC island green at Sawgrass) – one shot back from leader – hitting 2 balls into the water, scoring 8 and finishing 5^th. Another includes losing the 2003 Masters in a playoff (making a double bogey on the 10^th hole) to Mike Weir scoring a bogey to win. Additionally, in 2003 a skiing accident seriously injured both knees.

Lenny says set-backs have made him stronger, and given greater thankfulness to pull upon when needed. Lenny says learn how to control emotions when under pressure situations, while hard to do, success oftentimes hinges upon strong emotional control.

Lessons for life AND golf.

Scott Hoch

A Wake Forest high-profile collegiate player, talented, and full of confidence. Turn Pro in 1979. 23 career tour wins and a 1986 Vardon Trophy winner (lowest scoring ave on tour). Holds the oldest player record on the Champions Tour to win at 63 years old.

Notable moments: 1989 Masters – 72^nd hole, 1 shot lead, missed a 14” par putt to win. Allowed playoff with Nick Faldo. First playoff hole (10^th) lost. Bogey vs Faldo par.

Another career notable, the Dallas Herald in 1989 conducted a PGA Tour “Most Liked and Most Unliked” players’ poll from all PGA Tour players. Scott Hoch was the most unliked player on tour as voted by peers. He said “that really hurt”. The message hit me and changed my thinking & behavior. Scott became reportedly as one of the nicest, finest, caring for others people – by his many friends and trusted relationships.

Truth will set you free. Golf builds truth and honesty (including about yourself also).

Doug Sanders

Doug recorded one of golf’s life-changing notable opportunities in The Open history. In 1970 at St. Andrews Doug Sanders missed a short 14” putt opportunity to win on the 72^nd hole – allowing a playoff the next day won by Jack Nicklaus.

Doug grew up in Cedartown, GA, poor family, and lived next to a golf course. A self-taught golfer. 23 tour wins and “0” majors (the 1970 Open was “the could have been”).

Asked two questions at the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach:

Question: What do you still think about the 72^nd hole 1970 missed putt at St. Andrews?

Answer: Golf is a game. Life is the SPORT. Maybe winning there would have put me into the Hall of Fame – don’t know! But, I am in blessed in Life’s Hall of Fame – thanks to golf, my family, all my wonderful friends, and the trusted relationships and the amazing people from my golfing times and continuing now.  We remain blessed!!!

Question: You are known as the “Peacock of the Fairways” because of your sharp and highly colorful coordinated, bright colors of your golf attire. Why did you dress that way (and still do)?

Answer: Life should be fun, exciting. Good and bright colored things to look at raise the spirits. I want my wardrobe to be bright, up-beat, colorful and reflect fun and happiness.  I dress this way to be “ME” – not to be a show-off!

Rod Pampling

Raised in Queensland Australia and worked diligently with a burning career goal and passion to play golf like his boyhood idols Greg Norman and Adam Scott. Rod turned Pro in 1994 and won The International in 2004. Rod has 7 worldwide wins and hold the record as the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event (2016 Shriners).

At the 2005 Booz Allen Classic Rod said he always LOVED golf as the game because it built his character, strength, self-belief, dedication, thankfulness and appreciation for life’s opportunities. He said he watched growing up the successes – in life AND in golf – of Greg Norman and Adam Scott. Rod said he knew inside and deeply believed he also could achieve life success through golf.

Rod said his wonderful wife was a big part of his career success, and he could never have made it without her.  Success in life with a trusted partner.

Gary Hallberg

Raised in a very modest, non-privileged family. Had sports talent, and LOVED golf. Worked very hard and long hours at become really good. In high school had a clear vision, unbreakable dedication and burning passion to become a star golf professional.

Result: Scholarship Wake Forest golf team becoming the first 4-time winner, first team All American intercollegiate golf Champion. Turned Pro 1980. Played in several 1980 tour tournaments with sponsor exemptions and Monday morning qualifying. Won enough money in 1980 to qualify for full-time status Tour playing privileges, and earned Rookie of the Year in 1980. Playing career spanned 4-decades winning 12 times, and the 4^th player to win on all PGA Tour sponsored tours (PGA Tour, Nationwide, and Champions).

Giving Back: Gary used a significant amount of his retirement plan money to fund a new golf venture called “Weekend Pro-Am Challenge” – holding events in the same locations as the PGA tour. Idea was to help professional golfers who did not make the 36 hole cut (missing cut means no paycheck that week) with an opportunity to make prize money by playing in a Pro-Am on Saturday & Sunday funded by Pro-Am entry fees & sponsors.

Sam Snead

Sam, what would you tell a young, aspiring “wanta be” a future golf professional to do:

Answer – “Hit balls until you know what to do.  Hit balls to know where the ball will land. Learn to scramble and recover when you hit a bad shot. Swing smooth as silk. And, most important – believe in YOURSELF!”

Sam’s record: 82 tour victories, 330 top 10s, played in 585 events, HoF, career spanned 5 decades….

Lee Trevino

Known as the Merry Mex. Born into poverty, father abandoned family, worked at 5 years old in cotton fields to help support family. Started caddying for more money. Could not go to school because he needed to work. At 14 was a full-time caddy, at 17 joined the Marines and played golf, and became a Club Pro at 21 years old. In 1966 qualified for the US Open, made cut, and finished 54^th, and in 1966 US Open finished 5^th.

Lee’s amazing career and story of his life’s struggles and successes is an inspiration to all. His golf record includes 29 tournament wins, 6 majors and the Golf’s Hall of Fame.

A famous quote seen often said by Lee shows his humor and part of his life story: “You can make a lot of money out here playing golf.  Just ask my two ex-wives…. Their husbands now never have to work again!”

In a locker room conversation with Lee at the 1995 US Senior Open, Lee was asked to give young people aspiring to be great golfers a tip. He said: “The harder I work at the game, the luckier I get.”

A clear message about dedication, hard work, persistence, and building self-confidence gained from golf.

Damon Green

Damon won more than 70 mini-tour events and created his own victory celebration – a strut called The Chicken Walk. His nickname became “Chicken Man”.

In 1994 Damon failed to make the PGA Tour by 1 shot when he missed a 30” putt.  Damon did some soul searching and decided he would severely struggle, and maybe fail economically, if he continuing to try to play golf for a living. In 1998 he started caddying for his buddy, Jimmy Green (no relation), who just made the PGA Tour and finished T7 earning $35,000 in his first event. Damon made $7,000 and said he felt like the richest guy in the world.  That’s how becoming a world-class famous caddie started.

Damon caddied for Scott Hoch while in his career prime – winning 2 PGA Tour titles, posting 26 top-10s – and earned over $7 million the Scott Hoch’s success run. Damon said he learned a lot from Scott – especially strategy and risk management – and will always be thankful to Scott for the caddying experience and what he learned from Scott.

In 2003 during the offseason Damon ran into Zach Johnson in Orlando at a golf repair shop preparing for his first year on the PGA Tour. Damon told Zach a good caddie was an important thing. Zach hired Damon. The two worked as a close team for 15 years while Zach won 11 times, including two majors. Zach is just the sixth player win majors at the Augusta National and St. Andrews – the five are all now Hall of Famers.

Damon and Zach worked together to plan strategy, calculate risks, chose options and to execute where the results would be most likely successful outcomes. Laying up on all the Par 5s at the 2007 Masters, working to Zach’s greatest strength – the short-game, has is a shining example of planned strategy resulting in big success.

Damon said in a 2015 on-site discussion at the AT&T National he is so thankful for learning to believe in himself and listening to his inner soul – skills he derived from golf. Damon said he was a blessed man with the life learnings the game has provided.

From a nickname of Chicken Man to a world-famous caddy incredibly skilled helping others succeed in life by caddying – not being a competing Tour player.

(See the Damon Green story published in The Caddie Network by Craig Dolch – Jan 9, 2019 – for more details on Damon’s amazing career, and recognition as an information source for some of the content in this writing).

David Leadbetter

First career dream ended in frustration and ultimate failure turned into amazing successes – helping others learn and succeed in life – with golf. This is David Leadbetter’s story. Failed at pro golf tour player dream and switched into amazing golf & life skills teaching career. Intellectual honesty to himself.

David – schooled in biomechanics – and highly knowledgeable of experiential learning (EXL) utilized these powerful underpinnings to become a world-class golf instructor for tour pros and kids – with high successes on all fronts. Learning by doing and reflection on results achieved – with clear assessments of how to improve going forward (EXL). Life skills learned, values built and lives changed – with golf.

David said his second dream became the ability to bring world-class instruction and lasting learning with sustainable results to all possible.  Dream come true.  Global learning impact achieved by being honest with yourself, pivoting life’s course, and using knowledge and instruction to help change lives forever.

“Success is never final” – Bill Marriott quote.

Dave Pelz    

Weakness transformed into a life time gift to give back to others while achieving personal high-level success in life. Dave Pelz is a living example of weakness turned to strength.

Short game was Dave’s most significant golf skills weakness and reason never making the PGA Tour. Dave was a fine athlete early in life, loved golf, went to Indiana on 4-year golf scholarship with strong record. Dave faced Jack Nicklaus (Ohio) in 22 collegiate matches and lost 22 times. Dave’s putting & short game weakness was at the core.

Golf dream dashed – Dave turned to his Indiana college major (physics) and started worked for NASA in the space program including the Explorer mission. Physics and making things come together against competing forces was a skill strength. Dave believed he was one of the best in this area of technical & physics skills. After 15 years with NASA, Dave followed his vision of helping others succeed in the critical golf skills of the short game, starting Pelz Golf, Inc., and developed 17 patents on short-game equipment. Dave became world famous in helping others – in all walks of life – succeed in the short game. Turning weakness into strength by knowing yourself and believing in yourself.  Dave said his greatest passion & highest reward is helping others succeed.