From Soccer to Golf: A Journey of Character Building

How a Change in Sport Taught My Son Life's Most Valuable Lessons

When my son was a child, he loved playing soccer. It was his passion until one day, he decided he didn't want to play anymore. As a parent who believes in the power of sports to build character, I told him that if he was going to quit soccer, he needed to choose a different sport. To my delight, he chose golf—a game that holds a special place in my heart, as it was the sport I played in high school, taught by my grandfather during summers in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Golf, for me, was never just about the game. It was about the lessons learned on the course—lessons I was eager to pass down to my son. My number one rule for him was simple: he could not get upset or angry at a bad shot. If he grounded his club, threw it, or kicked his bag in frustration, I would make him leave the course. The first three months were challenging, with several instances where I had to enforce this rule. However, over time, he began to understand the importance of maintaining composure and self-control.

As he started playing in tournaments, he realized the benefits of keeping his temper in check. Fast forward to today, my son is in college, and he recently shared with me that he had to write a paper on a character trait he possesses. He chose to write about the self-control he developed through golf, delving deep into how this trait has positively impacted other areas of his life.

Our conversations over the years have often revolved around how golf mirrors life. It teaches you to control your temper, focus, and practice. It's not just you against the course; it's you against yourself. How you respond to each shot—whether you react impulsively or respond thoughtfully—can make all the difference. Golf, with its myriad lessons, has been a powerful teacher for my son, shaping him into the person he is today.

Check out the podcast as the hosts do a deep dive into this topic.