As July unfolds, I've found myself reflecting on the exciting new avenues for learning and growth that have presented themselves. This month is usually a bit slower for me, primarily due to the annual exodus of clients on vacation. This pause in activity offers a unique opportunity for self-education and professional development before the winter rush. I’m thrilled to share what I’ve been up to and how it’s helping me serve my clients better.
Recently, I joined the Skilled Coaching Alliance founded by John Dunigan and Dr. Will Wu. This initiative has been nothing short of transformative. The rich modules meticulously crafted by the alliance have greatly enhanced my understanding of motor learning skills. The information is incredibly informative and immediately applicable to my coaching practice. It’s fascinating to see how these concepts can improve my clients' performance and ease their learning processes. I’ve greatly enjoyed diving into these materials, and I’m excited about the potential they hold for further enriching the experience I offer to my clients.
Alongside this, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with John Novosel, the mastermind behind TOUR Tempo Golf. John’s insights into tempo have revolutionized how we can teach golfers the importance of rhythm in their swings. With golf being as much about mental acuity as physical skill, the right tempo can make a world of difference. The ability to help golfers discover and maintain their ideal tempo excites me, as I’ve seen firsthand how it can lead to more consistent and enjoyable performances. Incorporating these teachings into my coaching will undoubtedly enhance my clients' experience on the course.
Adding to the educational whirlwind, I’m looking forward to a highly anticipated webinar by Michael Jacobs. He is a true pioneer in the world of swing analysis, specializing in both 3-D and 2-D techniques. The knowledge I’m gaining about the latest innovations in swing analysis is invaluable. I’m eager to collaborate with Michael this July, discussing the nuances and advancements in this area, which I can then translate into actionable strategies for my clients. It's always inspiring to connect with thought leaders in the field and share insights that will elevate our coaching practices.
In Philadelphia, I also had the pleasure of crossing paths with some notable figures. First up was Steve Gerben, known for his appearances on the hit Netflix show Tires. Not only is he one of my guys, but he's also a celebrated figure in the West Chester golf scene. Along with Steve, I had the pleasure of chatting with comedian and funny man Andrew Santino. We had a great time talking about golf, sharing laughs, and discussing our passion for the game. I’m looking forward to our upcoming speed training work this month with Steve, which promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
Another highlight was meeting the legendary NBA star, Sir Charles Barkley. A true golf enthusiast, it was inspiring to talk with him about his love for the game, especially his connection to Philadelphia golf. Charles embodies the essence of enjoying the sport, much like the late Arnold Palmer did. He made our conversation not just enjoyable but also memorable with his warm and gracious demeanor. It was a treat to be around someone who truly appreciates the joy of both basketball and golf.
As I move further into July, I am also planning a trip toward the end of the month to Tennessee. I’ll be meeting with Joe LaCaze, the founder of Rotex and a former Navy SEAL, to take a deeper dive into what produces the best footprint for a player’s golf swing. My goal is to truly do the most good for all my clients, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to optimize their performance.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to my social media manager, Dru. This month, for the first time, we had over 110,000 people view or engage with my page on Instagram, which is pretty cool! Dru's hard work and dedication have truly made a difference, and I am grateful for the support.
The past few months have felt like a whirlwind, primarily due to my preparation for the upcoming release of my book on October 9. Writing this book has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait to finally share it with the world. It encapsulates many of the insights, strategies, and lessons I've gathered over the years. In fact, as I’m nearing the finish line with this project, I'm already thinking about my next one. I have set a personal goal for myself to complete three books before I turn 40, which gives me ten years to hit that milestone. The idea of sharing more knowledge and experiences through writing fuels my passion for continuous growth in our sport.
As I move through July, I want to emphasize how much I genuinely enjoy what I do. My mission goes beyond just improving the skills of my clients; it’s about fostering an understanding in them. Improvement isn’t just about immediate results. It often stems from a deeper comprehension of what they are trying to achieve. Sometimes, it’s about granting them the freedom to embrace their personal style within a structured framework. Permission to express oneself in their swing is key—it’s about approaching the sport with a mindset of permission, not resistance.
As this month continues, I look forward to sharing insights from my experiences and what I’ve learned along the way. Here’s to a July filled with knowledge, growth, and the joy of coaching! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let’s keep striving to learn, practice, and improve together!
Words by NB