Yesterday was extraordinary for me at the San Diego Yacht Club. I visited a couple of my students who have become really close friends. Chris Doolittle and Ben Mitchell just happen to also be world class sail boat racers. Each invited me to join them on the final prep day for the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta (80 hours approx.) race.
I had never been close up at a world class (non golf) sporting event. I was allowed onto both boats: the Peligroso and the Pyewacket. High tech, but with almost no creature comforts. I toured as they talked about the boat’s features, and told entertaining stories one after another.
I will probably be coming back to you with more on my experience and how it will be influencing my coaching for the rest of my life, but for now let me mention a couple of things that were painfully obvious.
These guys were prepared and organized. I want you to ask yourself two questions in regard to your golf, “How prepared am I really?” and “How organized am I?”
Open ocean sailing means no down time. At this level teams pretend that the finish line is a mile away at all times. They are pushing for speed the whole time. Obviously, it is extremely dangerous as well.
By contrast, golf is tame and safe. You are probably not going to die if something goes wrong and you certainly are not going to end up in a life raft out there in the cold, and wet, and wind, and dark.
These outdoorsmen have more at stake than we do. It’s admirable.
Here is what I want to know. How would you prepare for golf and how would you organize if your life was a bit stake.
For one thing, Chris and Ben bring in professionals to help.
If you are taking lessons at Sycuan, you can check that box.
And we thank you.
