I played for the Brevard College team but wanted to transfer to The University of New Orleans and so I really had to make sure I played great golf during the Spring before I was to transfer. The recruiting coach in fact was always looking at my scores with a microscope and so it was important that I always played well. There was this one particular golf tournament I was playing in towards the end of the season. It was a terrible day as the weather was the worst with the rain and the cold. My hands were shaking and I was miserable but I had to play good. There was no time for excuses. I was able to get a good enough score at the end of the day and I eventually got recruited to my new team. For those of you who are playing golf in bad weather or have other really good excuses as to why you can’t do something in your sport or even life, I hope you are encouraged by my story. If you really want something bad enough, then don’t let weather, people or coaches stop you and your dreams. Go and get them!
My Advice
I’d tell myself to work on the fundamentals like the tempo, grip and golf club position. Instead, I made the mistake to be too impatient with these fundamentals and it slowed down my progress. In the long run I could have become a much better golfer. Instead of hitting balls at the driving range with an intent to work on the basics of golf, I would just hit as many balls at the range and not think too much of anything else. If you have a passion for golf, I encourage you to reach out to a golf pro, coach or other expert and get advice on the fundamentals and actually work on them before you try to be impatient like I was. You will get much further ahead in the long run.
Outside of golf I would advise myself to pay more attention in school and take the time to learn other skills beside golf. For example, I was a business major and I went through the motions just to get by and not trying to learn for my future. Today, I’m relearning a lot of those same skills. If you can relate to my story, I’m telling you to pay attention in school, study and learn as much as you can! Trust me. It will pay off later.
Sami thanks for sharing your story. I can imagine what that’s like being cold and wet especially since you have to be swinging clubs. I think athletes can always run into some barrier such as weather, a bad coach, imperfect playing conditions or you name it but you showed us that if you really want something to not let any bad circumstances get in the way. For those athletes out there that have a similar situation, take it from Sami that if you have the will and the desire to accomplish something, don’t let anything get in your way! Lastly, I wanted to tell you Sami and I hope others are reading this, that after getting to know you much better that you are a man of character. You do what you say you’re going to do consistently every time. I hope others will be encouraged to do the same. Thanks for being a role model in this area.
I think this was the very first story here on check your game. Thanks for sharing Sami and I admire your grit.