The Moment that Sparked the Dream

 I received a question on Twitter recently that said, “Describe a moment in your golfing past when you knew you were good and could potentially become a great golfer.”

I knew I could potentially become a great golfer when I was about 11 or 12 years old, in 1971. A trick shot artist named Paul Hahn, Jr. came to the golf club I played at when I was a child, Emporia Country Club. Paul Hahn, Jr. put on an impressive trick shot performance of golf tricks like hitting shots off of two and four foot tees. Afterward in Emporia, Kansass, I was fortunate to play in a nine hole exhibition with Paul Hahn, Jr., the Emporia Country Club professional, and the club champion at the time. The trick shot artist shot 41 and I shot 40. After the round he told my parents and I that I could pursue a career in golf.  This experience and Paul Hahn’s encouragement sparked the moment.  From that point on I felt like I was capable of having a professional career in golf.