The Dan Plan - 10,000 Hours to Become a Pro Golfer (Dan McLaughlin)

[Crim]

Probably in part because this is our hobby - my long-term plan is simply to keep enjoying the sport, play as many great courses as possible and get my friends more involved! Yes, I want to be a single-digit handicap, but having only really been playing properly with a year, I'm happy to trust that will happen if I keep putting in the hours and practising the right things. In the short term, I'm very happy to be specific about what I want to do, but longer term, definitely not - it'd just be a stick to beat myself with!

I like this, it resonates w/ me. I golf & practice merely because being a better golfer is more fun. However, if I honestly never make it to single digit, it's not a big deal...I'll have fun whether I'm shooting 100 or 80.

[RFKFREAK]

I like this, it resonates w/ me. I golf & practice merely because being a better golfer is more fun. However, if I honestly never make it to single digit, it's not a big deal...I'll have fun whether I'm shooting 100 or 80.

At this point, I want to get better and give myself goals throughout the season.

Like you, I'm not sure I'll ever be a single digit HC but we'll see!

[iacas]

FWIW, Dan's not reached out to me after a weekend where he had planned to call me. He never texted that weekend (three weekends ago?) and I haven't heard from him since.

I made the offer, and he seemed eager, but I'm not going to go out of my way to give away several hundred dollars worth of services per week for an entire summer.

The offer still stands, though, and I still think it would be the best thing Dan could do at this point. He'd learn how to practice, he'd learn how to improve, he'd know what to improve, and he'd get a chance to devote a good amount of time to golf and golf instruction done properly.

[b101]

FWIW, Dan's not reached out to me after a weekend where he had planned to call me. He never texted that weekend (three weekends ago?) and I haven't heard from him since.

I made the offer, and he seemed eager, but I'm not going to go out of my way to give away several hundred dollars worth of services per week for an entire summer.

The offer still stands, though, and I still think it would be the best thing Dan could do at this point. He'd learn how to practice, he'd learn how to improve, he'd know what to improve, and he'd get a chance to devote a good amount of time to golf and golf instruction done properly.

Shame, as you say it'd make a lot of sense for him.

[Shorty]

Shame, as you say it'd make a lot of sense for him.

It doesn't make any sense for him. Anything which takes away potential excuses for him is a negative.

He will still claim to have got to a handicap of scratch or one, and people will think that he's the same as a pro anyway, because his target for "motivational encounters" will not be keen golfers.

It's all about branding himself. It's not about golf. He'll say it's about exploring human potential and nothing more. All of his interviews are predictable, boring and dishonest.

If it was about golf he'd have the decency and common courtesy to at least communicate with iacas.

[Nosevi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by b101

Shame, as you say it'd make a lot of sense for him.

It doesn't make any sense for him. Anything which takes away potential excuses for him is a negative.

He will still claim to have got to a handicap of scratch or one, and people will think that he's the same as a pro anyway, because his target for "motivational encounters" will not be keen golfers.

It's all about branding himself. It's not about golf. He'll say it's about exploring human potential and nothing more. All of his interviews are predictable, boring and dishonest.

If it was about golf he'd have the decency and common courtesy to at least communicate with iacas.

I agree with the bit about common courtesy (not sure about the dishonesty bit - dishonest in what way?) and it's a really nice offer from Erik's point of view - he's offering services for free - but it doesn't make sense for Dan as I simply refuse to accept he can't get all of that within a few miles of where he's sitting if he wanted to.

I can't accept that no one in Oregon can teach golf to a high level, no one there knows how to practice or there are no really good players for him to practice and play with. I live in rural Lincolnshire in the UK and get all of what Erik is offering (and more to an extent) and get much of it for free. Networking with magazines and media types is, to an extent, a waste of time. Networking with the golfing community local to you isn't. I guess on that point I agree with what you're saying about "branding", Shorty. I just think he's getting his priorities wrong.

But if Dan wanted what Erik is offering he could go out an get it tomorrow.

[iacas]

I agree with the bit about common courtesy (not sure about the dishonesty bit - dishonest in what way?) and it's a really nice offer from Erik's point of view - he's offering services for free - but it doesn't make sense for Dan as I simply refuse to accept he can't get all of that within a few miles of where he's sitting if he wanted to.

He can't. You're simultaneously over-stating how good other instructors are and understating how good I am. I'm in the unique position of working at a place this summer that's 45 minutes away from where I live, so there will be odd half-hour to hour-long gaps between lessons, during junior clinics I have to start and keep an eye on but not oversee directly, etc. that I have time to squeeze Dan in, even an hour or so at the end of the day when I can stay a bit longer before I drive home, or a half hour to start the day which just means leaving a bit earlier. This post isn't to brag, at all, but no, it's not the kind of offer Dan can find within a few miles (or possibly a few states, and once we're talking about that, it almost doesn't matter where it is) of where he's at.

[nevets88]

Forget golf. How hard is it to send an email? Or a simple text? I understand if you're bed bound by injury or have family commitments but he's been tweeting, so no problems w/using a computer/mobile device. If someone at work offers me a big favor and asks to check back in a week, I d@mn will sure make sure I get back to him in a week.

[Nosevi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nosevi

I agree with the bit about common courtesy (not sure about the dishonesty bit - dishonest in what way?) and it's a really nice offer from Erik's point of view - he's offering services for free - but it doesn't make sense for Dan as I simply refuse to accept he can't get all of that within a few miles of where he's sitting if he wanted to.

He can't. You're simultaneously over-stating how good other instructors are and understating how good I am. I'm in the unique position of working at a place this summer that's 45 minutes away from where I live, so there will be odd half-hour to hour-long gaps between lessons, during junior clinics I have to start and keep an eye on but not oversee directly, etc. that I have time to squeeze Dan in, even an hour or so at the end of the day when I can stay a bit longer before I drive home, or a half hour to start the day which just means leaving a bit earlier. This post isn't to brag, at all, but no, it's not the kind of offer Dan can find within a few miles (or possibly a few states, and once we're talking about that, it almost doesn't matter where it is) of where he's at.

Regarding the bit in bold, I'm not really sure how you come that conclusion? I didn't say Dan can get better instruction at home, I said I'm sure he can get top level instruction where he is. You can only say I'm "over-stating how good other instructors are and understating how good you are" if you are categorically saying you are better than any instructor anywhere near Dan.

I'm sure you're very good but I get very high level instruction here in a rural county in the UK. I'm going to stick my neck out and say I'll bet it's not a lower level of instruction someone could get coming to you. That's a compliment and not meant as a 'put down' - I think very highly of my coach.

Learning to practice is also important and there are people out there I'm sure could help Dan if he just went out and found them. I was practising with one tour pro on Friday and got a text while out on a Texas Scramble (interesting experience as not done one before.....) literally a couple of hours ago asking if I'd like to join them and another tour pro for a training session on Monday afternoon. I will be doing. This is costing me nothing and much of my coaching has been free. I can't see why Dan can't do the same.

[nevets88]

He got pro bono instruction from a well regarded local instructor when he first started. It didn't work out. I'm guessing there are no other takers,  he had to have tried. Not too many pros are going to offer their services for free.

[iacas]

I said I'm sure he can get top level instruction where he is.

I disagree, particularly "4-8 hours per week completely free."

You can only say I'm "over-stating how good other instructors are and understating how good you are" if you are categorically saying you are better than any instructor anywhere near Dan.

I'd bet that I am.

This is OT, though, so I may send a PM or not, I don't know. But let's get back to the topic. Thank you.

[MrFlipper]

So I'm stuck on a Southwest flight a couple days ago, pull out the magazine to roll it up for a pillow, and there's Dan on the cover. So I read it. It's not what you think, you folks should read the article if you haven't already. Some comments (as best I remember)

His parents said all his life he starts stuff and never finishes anything. They are surprised he has stuck this out this far. They live in Myrtle Beach.

He owns a house in Portland, rents it out and lives in a rental. He has to manage his rental, do repairs, etc. He is really doing this on the cheap. He started with $100k in savings, don't know how much is left.

He's asked if not making it to the tour but working at it for years and then writing a book about it would be a "success", he says yes but doesn't think others would think so.

He had free privileges at a club in Portland for two years but they didn't renew it for him, he's paying $500 a month at his current club (wow).

Other interesting stuff too but I forgot it, it was a boring flight.

It's really not a glowing article about him, regardless of how it looks on the cover. If there is a link to the mag article in this thread somewhere I sure suggest reading it.

[Nosevi]

So I'm stuck on a Southwest flight a couple days ago, pull out the magazine to roll it up for a pillow, and there's Dan on the cover. So I read it. It's not what you think, you folks should read the article if you haven't already. Some comments (as best I remember)

His parents said all his life he starts stuff and never finishes anything. They are surprised he has stuck this out this far. They live in Myrtle Beach.

He owns a house in Portland, rents it out and lives in a rental. He has to manage his rental, do repairs, etc. He is really doing this on the cheap. He started with $100k in savings, don't know how much is left.

He's asked if not making it to the tour but working at it for years and then writing a book about it would be a "success", he says yes but doesn't think others would think so.

He had free privileges at a club in Portland for two years but they didn't renew it for him, he's paying $500 a month at his current club (wow).

Other interesting stuff too but I forgot it, it was a boring flight.

It's really not a glowing article about him, regardless of how it looks on the cover. If there is a link to the mag article in this thread somewhere I sure suggest reading it.

I read it. I think it's probably a pretty honest outlook on where he is right now. I must confess I don't 'get' spending $500 a month on a posh club and not finding the money for instruction - it's just the wrong priorities in my eyes.

[JazzFatCat]

Here's the magazine issue online. The article starts on page 68 I think:   http://paceco.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vpco15/i4/p1

[iacas]

Here's the magazine issue online. Article starts on page 68:  http://paceco.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vpco15/i4/p1

It's posted earlier in this thread, too, but if you have Flash installed that method is probably better. Thanks @JazzFatCat .

[Lancer78]

I read it. I think it's probably a pretty honest outlook on where he is right now. I must confess I don't 'get' spending $500 a month on a posh club and not finding the money for instruction - it's just the wrong priorities in my eyes.

I agree, for that money I can get a full inclusive membership at my local club including unlimited range balls.  I could also get 6 lessons a month from the resident pro as well.

[flopster]

I agree, for that money I can get a full inclusive membership at my local club including unlimited range balls.  I could also get 6 lessons a month from the resident pro as well.

He could probably get a membership at a public course for half that and use the other half for lessons.

[b101]

There's certainly some money for evolvr!