The Culture of Golf and Why It’s Important
The Culture of Golf and Why It’s Important
By John Callahan, PGA, Golf Magazine Adjunct Top 100 Teacher
Golf Program Instructor
Keiser University College of Golf
The “Culture of Golf” has many laudable facets. For example, The First Tee, a youth sports organization with the mission of growing the game by transforming the experience of each player, emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Adherence to these values is why golf is often called a “Gentleman’s Game.”
From a golf instructional aspect however, the “culture of golf” is not as up to date. Specifically, the way the old “bromides” of coaching have stood the test of time. Defined as ‘a trite and unoriginal idea or remark typically intended to soothe or placate,’ instructional reminders such as these have become so embedded in the culture of golf that you can hear them repeated at any golf course in the country on almost every hole.
- Keep your lead arm straight.
- Keep your head still.
- Keep your head down.
These three ideas account for most of the golf swing misconceptions held by amateur golfers throughout the world. My colleague, Dr. T. J. Tomasi, uses the acronym YGSWNBABTYCOWAGGSI to describe the condition. The acronym stands for “Your golf swing will never be any better than your concept of what a good golf swing is.”
At Keiser University’s College of Golf, we learn to advance all the positive aspects of the sport which make it a “Gentlemen’s Game,” while abandoning old bromides which can impede both our own golf performance and our instructional excellence.
If you’d like to study with John Callahan and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
