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| ARE YOU THE NEXT TIN CUP? |
I remember my first day on a golf course. Borrowed clubs, smashing wicked slice after wicked slice down the fairways, having the time of my life! I was the proud owner of an over the top golf swing. It had the comfort of loafers and the consistency of the noon whistle.
Then I decided to try getting good. I guess there were a few Runyonesque characters still left teaching the golf swing. One old-timer screamed at his students unmercifully...and loud so everyone on the range would have to take notice of his embarrassment. His was a proponent of the "get good or get out" approach. Right on down to my last pro whose chant of "over the top" after almost all of my swings finally drove me over the precipice.
TIN CUP: "Greatness courts failure, Romeo. That's why most people, in their whole lives, never ever reach for the brass ring, never know when to dig deep and try for the impossible shot..."
ROMEO: "You're right about that, boss, but sometimes... sometimes... par is good enough to win."
Remember this classic scene where Roy McAvoy talks to Romeo, his caddy, about "defining moments" in one's life. They talk about the 13 Tin Cup took on a hole to miss qualifying for the PGA Tour by one shot.
TIN CUP: "If I had it all to do over, I'd still hit that shot."
In life as in golf, it's you who makes the final decision. Mine was made out of desperation which I don't hesitate to admit. But I pulled it off. Instead of giving in-I gave up! Gave up trying to do the impossible (see the thousand-plus articles on the web offering to "cure" your over the top move). I created a golf swing that puts my ball out there almost as far as the longest guys in my group-and I still come over the top.
TIN CUP: "You know why I'd still hit that shot?"
It's the reason only a very few people experience the unparalleled joy of accomplishment in the face of the longest odds....
TIN CUP: "I'd hit it again because that shot was a defining moment. And when a defining moment comes along you define the moment or the moment defines you. I did not shrink from the challenge. I rose to it."
Even in failure, I often felt encouraged by the small aspects of lessons that had sunk in. My brain and my body only wanted to relate to certain segments. But as a functioning unit, the mechanics of the "proper" golf swing were unattainable. Had I realized it sooner, my swing could have been fluid and comfortable instead of a jig-saw puzzle that was missing a few pieces. Now I have that fluid, comfortable swing that defies all of my bad habits to "bring it on." No matter how bad you are playing right now, using just five simple set-up changes and your own swing, prepare to be shocked, surprised and, above all, extremely satisfied with how you're now hitting the ball.
ROMEO: "Well... you could go out and win The Open."
TIN CUP: "Romeo, that idea has promise."
ROMEO: "I was joking."
TIN CUP: "I ain't."
Have as much fun as you did on that first day.
Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, can't fix over the top swing, defining moment, first day on golf course, golf instruction, golf swing, golf tips, golf video, handicap, over the top golf swing, Roy McAvoy, tin cup, wicked slice
Revised 09-03-2012
