What an exciting week it has been in the golf world. I was fortunate enough to snag my dad’s Masters tickets and head down there on Thursday with one of my girls. We had a great time! The atmosphere and energy there is truly a “tradition unlike any other”. But most importantly, I believe this past week has taught all of us a lot about what being the “complete golfer” really means through Jordan Spieth. He embodies so many qualities that a young golfer can look up to. It is not just about being a great golfer, it’s about the appreciation for the opportunities you are given to play the game and the ways you can use golf to become a better person. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in your own success, your own goals and your own frustrations but you must always remember what truly is important through the whole process.

This is a letter that surfaced from Jordan to the family who helped pay his high school tuition through a scholarship fund.

I’m sure his parents had a little influence in him writing this letter, as mine did at that stage of my life, but taking this initiative at such a young age says so much about his gratitude for those who have helped him get where he is today. Many times it starts with the parents, as many of you saw when his dad told him to walk back onto the 18th green and show his appreciation to the fans. But learning to develop these qualities at a young age is something every young golfer needs to start paying attention to and putting into action. Below are just a few of my thoughts on ways to start being more “like Jordan”.

  • Write thank you letters: I always have my players write a handwritten thank you letter to the coaches after a visit. That’s a starting point for writing thank you letters. But take the time to jot down people who have helped you along the way – swing coach, high school coach, tournament/tour directors, housing, etc and write them a thank you later today. Texts and emails are too impersonal for the important people who have helped make a difference in your life and get you where you are today
  • Treat others with respect: You don’t always see the interaction between players during competition but it was brought up several times that Jordan would clap or give props to his competitor when they hit good shots. Yes they are your competitor and ultimately your goal is to beat them, but if you take care of your own business then what they are doing shouldn’t even matter to you, so there is no need to direct any negative energy towards them. Recognize and give props when they do something good, encourage them if they are down on themselves, and always be respectful to your competitors and the people around you.
  • Learn to smile: Both on and off the golf course. Enjoy what you are getting to do. Yes some days are going to be frustrating and disappointing but the best thing you can do is learn to smile and “fake the fuzzies”. Sounds silly I know, but you may not have those “warm, happy, fuzzy” feelings you get when you are playing well and happy, but you can still “fake the fuzzies” and do your best to enjoy the experience.
  • Shake off the bad breaks: See last week’s article on “Bad Breaks and Excuses.” Ironically I wrote it before Jordan even stepped foot at Augusta National last week. He admitted that he use to struggle with his emotions and was really hard on himself when he got under pressure. But you can see that he has been working on how to take the good with the bad, maybe even laugh a bit, then go do what he can with the next shot.
  • Volunteer/Give Back: Jordan always relates his success to the inspiration from his special needs little sister. He says he wants to be remembered more for his work off the course, than his success on the course. One of the best ways to appreciate the opportunity you have to play golf is to help others who may not have that chance. So find an opportunity to give back in some way. Don’t just do it for the “volunteer hours”, do it because you want to learn from it and really help others out.
  • Learn to speak well: I know for a fact that at age 21, I was nowhere near the level of maturity Jordan showed through his interviews. I still refuse to watch my TV interviews from finishing runner up at the US Womens Am because I know they sound horrible. My southern drawl didn’t exactly help my cause either, especially there in Upstate NY where we played. But start to work on your speaking skills. Enroll in a public speaking class, work on your interview skills, speak in front of class.

Brandi Jackson (Brandi Jackson Golf) is the RecruitPKB College Consultant for the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour. For questions, email her at bjackson@pkbgt.org.