After I decided to embark on my quest to play on the PGA Tour, I wrote a letter to Arnold Palmer.
As a member of the golf team at Wake Forest University, one of the great honors is the opportunity to meet Arnold, who is the unofficial dean of the collegiate program. During my years as a Demon Deacon golfer, I lived in the Arnold Palmer Dormitory. The King regularly returns to Winston-Salem for the annual Wake Forest Pro-Am which assembles an amazing alumni of PGA Tour players. And during Masters Week, he hosts a special party for the school at a private home in Augusta.
A few weeks after I sent my letter, I received a note in the mail. Written on his personal stationary, Arnold wrote:
Dear Phil,
I admire the courage and dedication you are showing by pursuing your dream of playing on the PGA Tour. My best advice to you is to never become discouraged. Keep working at it as hard as you can and, regardless of the outcome, you can be proud of what you accomplished.
Your friend,
Arnold
The note is now framed and sits on a bookshelf in my home office.
Since launching my effort on January 1, I have been overwhelmed by many other wonderful messages of encouragement. A number of old friends have reached out to re-connect. Through my blog and through social networks like Twitter and Facebook, I have hundreds of new friends who have sent kind words electronically.
Like the personal note from Arnold Palmer, I have saved every one of these messages which have touched, inspired, and motivated me. While golf is a singular game, I feel a real sense of support and community that will sustain me as my journey continues.
Take a moment, and share a comment. Have you ever sent or received a note of encouragement? If received, who wrote to you, and why did the message touch you? If you were the author, who did you write, and what was your message?
Until next time, enjoy golf, America!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
No doubt, that has been the role of my mum!!! All the time, no matter how hard…. “Sure you can Ovi, you have gone through more difficult challenges…. Keep pushing, and believe in your self.” Those were and still are the words that my mum tells me every time that I talk about the hard days that sometimes we have to go through.
I also remember a story from a teacher in high school: Two frogs accidentally fell into a cube with milk. One frog tried to get out but realized it was almost impossible, so quit and died. The other frog told himself to never give up. After continuing to swim for a long time, the milk suddenly became butter, and the frog was able to jump and got out of the cube.
In my estimation, that note alone almost makes your whole undertaking worthwhile. It’s something you will always treasure, and so will your son. Congratulations! Alan
Hi Phil,
That’s a great line to have by your side: “Keep working at it as hard as you can and, regardless of the outcome, you can be proud of what you accomplished.” I’m going to make sure I remember that.
Good luck with your quest!
Cheers, Andy
That should help get some extra motivation… Keep it on the short grass.
Hi Phil,
Great letter. A nice affirmation that should help you through difficult or discouraging times if they should arise. Also, another example of what a great man and ambassador Mr. Palmer is. Keep at it!
Derek Highley
Over my adult life, I’ve sent many notes of encouragement. I think they’ve increased as I’ve gotten older and wiser — because I know how much they mean to people. A great many have been sent to my sons (my treasures… ). I’ve had wonderful mentors and friends in my life, and gotten words of encouragement and support from them on a regular basis. In fact, it’s kind of a normal part of our relationship.
You’re doing the right thing — the more you reach out to positive people, the more good energy comes your way. And in any quest, that energy makes all the difference!
I once ran right into Arnold in a doorway at Augusta National the first time my ex-husband played the Masters. Quite a surprise for both of us! Check out my website for a pic of me and Jack Nicklaus in the ’80′s. Guys like Jack and Arnold are so generous.
Phil – Nice post! Although I’m fairly new to golf and and slowly but consistently grasping the game, I can see how inspirational and exciting it can be to receive a reply from such a great golfer as Arnold Palmer. Continued success and forward progress toward you goal to play on the PGA Tour. AJ
Phil,
A kind and encouraging word, especially handwritten, can change someone’s day… and sometimes their life.
To your quest,
Walt
For a sec, I thought the inscription on the photo read:
“To Phil
Burt Reynolds
Arnold”
It DOES look like “Burt Reynolds”! LOL.