A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to attend the
opening of the Harbor Shores Golf Club in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Designer
Jack Nicklaus was joined by Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller for a
clinic and a round of golf. The clinic began with Tom Watson explaining his
beginnings in golf. He described how his first lesson came from his Dad. Mr. Watson
showed young Tom how to hold the club, how to make the ball curve left and how to curve the ball curve to the right. He taught him how to hook and slice it on the very first day
and then how to use that knowledge. Not one way to stand, or the proper
positions during the swing, but how to control the clubface and make the ball
curve.
As a former employee of Arnold Palmer I was well aware of
the story of Mr. Palmer’s first lesson from his father that was in essence the
same story. What I didn’t realize was that the first lessons for
Johnny Miller and Jack Nicklaus were the same as well. They were taught to hit
shots, not how to swing a club. Experiment, not with the thought of good or
bad, but with the intention of gaining information by experience. All of these
Hall of Famers started the game with the concept that to play successful golf
requires a variety of shots.
#7 The Fort Golf Course and Resort |
Over the course of the offseason we will continue this
conversation of strategic play and how it will benefit your scores as you
challenge the Trail next season.
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