Breakthroughs and the Power of Confidence

Transitioning from coaching college golf to high school golf has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unexpected rewards. Among all the highlights of this new chapter, one story stands out—a moment that not only defined my role as a high school coach but also captured the heart of why I love this game.

The story revolves around Ethan, a player who was only in his second season of golf, but was full of passion for golf. Despite his limited experience in organized competition, he had a spark—an eagerness to learn and an infectious energy—but like many young players, he struggled with consistency. His rounds were filled with flashes of brilliance but often overshadowed by frustration when things didn’t go as planned.

At the start of the season, I introduced small incentives to motivate the team during tournaments, hoping to keep them focused throughout each round. For Ethan, the goal was clear: to break 90 in a tournament. He had achieved the milestone in casual rounds, but tournament pressure was a different story. Breaking 90 in that setting would not only mark a personal achievement but also serve as a huge confidence booster for him.

We were four tournaments into the season, and Ethan was inching closer to his goal. His scores were improving, but that elusive sub-90 round still evaded him. At our next tournament, I decided to give him some extra attention. We spent time before his round making small adjustments to his swing and focusing on his game management. But most importantly, I talked to him about staying calm, making smart decisions, and trusting himself.

With about six holes left, Ethan was in striking distance of his goal. I walked with him for a bit, offering encouragement and reminding him of the progress he had made. Then, I stepped back and told him, “It’s up to you now. You’ve got this.”

The next few holes were a rollercoaster. Ethan made a great par on one hole, only to follow it with a nerve-wracking bogey on the next. By the 18th hole, it all came down to a single putt. He needed a bogey or better to break 90.

Ethan managed to find the green in three shots and as he stood over the par putt, I could see the determination in his eyes. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and rolled the ball perfectly into the cup. An 88! He had done it. His celebration was a mix of disbelief, pride, and pure joy. In that moment, I saw a transformation in him. He had proven to himself that he could handle the pressure and rise to the challenge.

That round was more than just a personal milestone for Ethan—it was a turning point. Breaking 90 gave him the confidence he needed to know he belonged. Since that day, he’s broken 90 in every tournament he’s played, becoming one of our most consistent players. The incentive may have been the spark, but it was his own determination and perseverance that carried him. Of course, it’s the insatiable game of golf, so we’ve moved on to breaking 80.

For me, Ethan’s breakthrough was a reminder of why I coach. Coaches are privy to these raw, personal moments where players discover their potential, maybe even for the first time. This experience reinforced the idea that coaching is about more than teaching technique or strategy. It’s about guiding young athletes through their personal journeys, helping them overcome self-doubt, and celebrating their victories—no matter how big or small. It’s about showing them that with hard work and belief in themselves, they’re capable of more than they realize.

Since that tournament, Ethan has not only grown as a golfer but as a person. He approaches each round with confidence and a newfound sense of purpose. And for me, that’s what coaching is all about—helping players find their footing, grow through the game, and carry those lessons into every aspect of their lives.

To my fellow coaches: cherish these moments. They’re the stories that stay with us, the ones that remind us why we do what we do. The wins and losses will fade, but the impact we have on the lives of our players is what truly matters. Here’s to creating more moments like Ethan’s—and celebrating the journey every step of the way.