| Nearly twenty years ago, I wrote several books. One was a compilation of my favorite quotes. Quotes I closely identified with: - Mario Andretti's "If you enjoy your work, you need no hobbies."
- Dan Rather's "I am not the smartest person. But few can outwork me."
- Unknown: "No one goes through life undefeated"
These statements reflect my inner soul. Golf has shaped my life, forging my personality, creating the discipline, organization and work ethic I maintain. As a senior in high school, my Dad gave me a choice: he would buy me a 4 wood or fund me going to the Senior Prom. I chose the Wilson 4 wood. It was an action that led to many opportunities that have resulted in a vital career and rewarding life. I never feel more totally connected and at peace than when I am pounding balls on the driving range or playing late in the afternoon on a famed course by myself or with friends. My back goes or the sun sets long before my spirit diminishes. |
My character was formed as well by my experiences as an Eagle Scout and being selected as a J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholar. C. J. Burnett, a trustee of the program and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania taught me a valuable lesson about generosity. Having graduated from TCU I had applied and was accepted at the University of Michigan and the Northwestern MBA programs. Though I received partial scholarships, to go to either, I needed further financial assistance. I wrote C.J. Burnett a letter asking if I could apply for a $1,000 scholarship to attend graduate school. Ten days later the funds arrived. Upon graduating, I called him and learned that the Caddie Scholar program didn't grant scholarships for graduate school. It was a personal loan. I was touched by his kindness. His belief that excellence was rooted in a continuing education was a lesson I still practice to this day by contributing to educational charities and read a non fiction book weekly. I am incredibly lucky. My avocation is my passion. I have played all of the top 100 courses the Public can play, as ranked by Golf Magazine, 69 of the top 100 International golf courses and 48 of the top 100 in the United States. In 2004, I played 125 different courses in six (6) countries. One last round, where would it be? The River Course at Blackwolf Run followed by a massage at Kohler's Waters, dinner in the Immigrant's room and a restful night at their marvelous hotel. If they were booked or it was a "guy's getaway," Bandon Dunes. Bandon in the morning, Pacific Dunes in the evening, dinner in the clubhouse and a book with the firelight in the Lily Pond Cottages. Golf's allure is that while perfection seems often attainable, it is not sustainable. It is this same challenge that I find appealing about being involved in the development of solutions for golf courses. Life is a series of hurdles, some higher than others. I awake every morning at 5:30 a.m. read for 30 minutes while thinking of my email. I consider my dream to improve and advance the golf industry as a series of events leading to eventual personal and professional fulfillment. Staying open to the myriad of ways opportunities align with talent and passion is the fundamental core of Golf Convergence. Our team really consists of individuals all self motivated, all driven to excellence, all consumed by the passion for constant learning and unafraid to take action to enhance and increase the success of our clients. The race is swift and the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack. At Golf Convergence, we run quickly. Our philosophy is simple. If every day we strive to improve ourselves, ultimately we will surpass the competition. Appreciating the benefits of the past and the inherent possibilities of the present empower us to forge a strong and exciting future serving those who respect and love the game, as we do.
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