How Champions Think Ch 15

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Questions and Answers

What did Mr. Penick advise Hal's father regarding Hal's golf swing?

To change Hal's swing to improve his game.

To focus on practicing short game skills.

To have Hal take lessons from multiple instructors.

To preserve Hal's natural swing and not let anyone alter it. (correct)

Which of the following best describes Hal Sutton's experience with golf instructors throughout his career?

He learned consistently from a single instructor.

He never felt the need to change his swing.

He ignored all advice given to him by instructors.

He had mostly ineffective and egotistical instructors. (correct)

What common trait did Hal Sutton share with Jack Nicklaus that led to media comparisons?

Both were famous for their short games.

Both had strikingly similar physical appearances and powerful swings. (correct)

Both were known for being left-handed golfers.

Both started their careers at a young age.

What emotional tone did Hal exhibit when reflecting on his past decisions regarding golf instruction?

He felt regret for not taking advice more seriously. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Hal's father took him to see Mr. Penick?

To improve Hal's swing under professional guidance. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jack Grout's belief regarding a golfer's understanding of their swing?

A golfer ought to know his swing and fundamentals well enough to fix his own mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jack Nicklaus maintain his success in tournaments?

By surrounding himself with supportive people. Signup and view all the answers

What common mistake do players often make regarding their teachers?

They frequently switch teachers due to conflicting advice. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ben Hogan’s wife, Valerie, play in his career?

She acted as his sports psychologist and motivator. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical lesson for those striving to be exceptional, according to the content?

Building a supportive network is essential for success. Signup and view all the answers

How did the author view the coach who cut him from the basketball team?

He appreciated the coach's judgment in hindsight. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does belief from others have on an athlete's performance?

It can bolster their self-confidence and success. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the author's observation during spring training?

To assess the impact of coaching on Ken Griffey Jr. Signup and view all the answers

What should a golfer prioritize when selecting a spouse?

Their ability to tolerate long hours Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the hitting coach take with Ken Griffey Jr. during batting practice?

He gave Griffey specific targets to hit with each pitch. Signup and view all the answers

How did the protesting coach feel about the hitting coach's methods?

He believed the hitting technique needed significant improvements. Signup and view all the answers

How should a golfer ideally handle their doubts and fears?

Vent to a sports psychologist Signup and view all the answers

What did Jim Lefebvre imply by questioning the protesting coach's batting average?

That the coach's opinions were irrelevant due to his low performance. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for a golfer's coach to have?

Ability to motivate and instill confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception some coaches have about developing young athletes?

Criticism is essential for improvement and development. Signup and view all the answers

What can negatively affect a golfer's performance according to the advice given?

Having a bad coach Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about athletes' attitudes towards criticism?

Successful players focus on positive self-talk rather than self-criticism. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a supportive spouse play in a golfer's life?

They should encourage and believe in the golfer’s abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common perception of a spouse's role in relation to a touring pro?

They are seen as subordinate due to the golfer's demands. Signup and view all the answers

What attitude should a player maintain towards their coach according to the author?

They should maintain loyalty and enthusiasm for the coaching. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue is highlighted regarding athletes and their families?

Athletes may expect special treatment from their families. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main qualities that distinguishes effective coaching?

Providing constructive feedback after criticism Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply is essential for developing a successful athlete?

Having a loyal and constructive coaching relationship. Signup and view all the answers

How do exceptional individuals typically respond to unhelpful authority figures?

They ignore their criticism and prove them wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with a touring pro sharing their golf problems with their spouse?

It can strain the relationship with negativity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

Importance of choosing mentors wisely: Hal Sutton learned from Harvey Penick, a renowned golf instructor, but his family failed to heed Penick's advice to let Hal's natural swing develop without interference. This highlights the importance of listening to a trusted mentor and avoiding suggestions from others that may hinder development.
Jack Nicklaus' example: Nicklaus' success was linked to his self-reliance and limiting his coaching to a single, trusted instructor (Jack Grout). He sought refresher lessons but largely trusted his own instincts.
Role of mentors in golf: Numerous well-meaning coaches may give contradictory advice, overwhelming the golfer and potentially hindering their progress. The key is to select a coach and stick with them.
Hogan's example: Ben Hogan, despite being largely self-taught, still benefited from support. His wife, Valerie, played a crucial role as a sports psychologist, supporting his drive and helping him avoid quitting.
Importance of self-confidence: Success in sports and beyond often hinges on self-confidence. Early support from coaches (high school/college) can be vital for building that confidence. Lack of such support can prevent athletes from reaching their potential.
Dealing with negative feedback: Hal's experience with a coach who dismissed him highlights how exceptional people recognize a flawed mentor's judgment. It's important to ignore those who don't believe in you. A critique's purpose is to improve, not to tear down.
Choosing supportive relationships: Exceptional people cultivate relationships with supportive people. This encompasses spouses, coaches, and peers. The choice of a spouse for a touring pro can significantly impact their career; a supportive partner is essential. Spouses should also avoid becoming a receptacle for negative thoughts or doubts.
Importance of spousal support: The life of a touring athlete demands substantial time commitment, which necessitates a supportive and understanding partner (spouse). The spouse should be a source of strength and positivity, rather than a burden to share doubts.
Coach selection: The criteria for choosing a coach are similar to those for a spouse: belief in the athlete's potential and support for their development. While a coach should offer constructive criticism, it must be paired with support. A coach should be aware of athletes' reactions and avoid making personal attacks.
Dealing with bad coaches: A coach who doesn't believe in an athlete, and who only criticizes, can undermine their confidence. Such coaches may have insecurities or jealousy. Successful athletes require coaches who encourage and support, but also provide constructive feedback.
Peer pressure: Negative peer pressure can sabotage a person's aspirations. Exceptional people resist the temptation to abandon their goals for the perceived comfort of fitting in. Loyalty to their goals, rather than those of the social circle, is crucial.
Cultivating positive environments: Successful people surround themselves with like-minded individuals who share optimistic and confident outlooks, avoid negative influences, and choose friends based on shared values to foster a positive and productive environment. This principle extends to mentorships for success in different fields, from law to graduate school.
Importance of maintaining perspective: Winning, money or fame don't devalue someone. Exceptional athletes don't allow societal perception to affect their relationships or self-confidence. The same concept applies to relationships with mentors and others.
The importance of being good listeners: It's crucial to listen to feedback, filter distractions, and appreciate the variety of techniques offered by different mentors in order to tailor a suitable approach to achieving your goals.
Coaching approach: It's crucial to prioritize teaching, mentorship and support and not just criticize. Success requires a supportive and understanding relationship with a coach, characterized by mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for improvement.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of selecting the right mentors in golf, highlighting examples from Hal Sutton, Jack Nicklaus, and Ben Hogan. It emphasizes the value of consistency in coaching and the potential pitfalls of conflicting advice from multiple instructors. Understanding how to cultivate effective mentor relationships is essential for a golfer's development.