You can’t be a cynic (Cameron has a troll)

Let’s do some straight talking.

You may or may not be a fan of me, www.GolfGooRoo.com or my Automatic Golf theories. And if you’re not a fan or not interested that is fine with me. I promise I won’t hold a grudge.

But, if you’re struggling with your game. If you’re frustrated, confused, fed up with your golf you can’t be a cynic. You can’t ignore everyone. You’ve gotta take a leap of faith with someone. Actually. I suppose you don’t. You can keep doing what you’ve always done, but don’t expect improvement to come your way.

If you really want to play better and you’ve gone down the traditional path (new clubs, new swing theories, tips and tricks etc) and failed, you’ve gotta buy in with someone. And it better be someone offering something different.

I haven’t been blogging much of late because I’ve been focused on expanding my theories to a much wider audience. And like golf learning, there has been some ups and downs. I doubt myself. I get a surge of confidence. Then something bad happens…

… like over the last few weeks I’ve had a troll (if you can be bothered, see image below). Old-mate has it in for me. At first it bothered me because this is all very new to me. But then I realised that negative comments are part of this game.

So I’ve embraced the negativity as a sign I’m doing something positive. I’m helping golfers in a different way to the norm and there will always be Shitweazels who won’t like that. And a percentage of those critics will spam, troll or just be a right pain in the arse. Whatever!

The point here is you’ve gotta be prepared for anything. Whether it be your golf game, your business or personal life. You can’t be overly sensitive and you certainly have to be open to learn.

So, I’m asking you not to be a critic. I think we can learn from everyone. I’m reminded of a time that I invested in a fairly strange US golf scientist. He turned out to be a little bit on the wacky side, but I learned a lot from him. Most notably, to look at things differently and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. The fact is, if you aren’t getting what you want, then you need to do/try something differently.

And this is the hard part. It’s easy to criticise. It’s easy to stay still and do nothing. But it takes courage to open your mind and ask, “what can I learn today?”. And if someone has spent a huge part of their life committed to a cause, they can’t be ALL full of shit. They’ll have something worth taking on board.

Onward

Steady get’s it. He is my longest serving client and this week he made the effort to come visit me.

Now Steady knows a lot about Automatic Golf – he has read all the books and he mentors a few golfers on the principles. But like us all, he’s still learning and on the 3rd tee I saw something I didn’t like.

Me: Steady, do you mind if I coach you a bit mate?

Steady: Go for it. I’m keen to learn.

Me: What the bloody hell are you doing? Why are you rushing and why did you tee your ball up there?

I threw the book at him. And I can do this because I know him well and he understands me. I also needed to shake him up a little because he had slipped into some bad habits.

He wasn’t following the process
He was getting lazy
He was rushing and mistaking this for playing quickly (a common issue)
He wasn’t playing his game

And this is what separates Steady from the critics. He didn’t get upset or mad. He thanked me and applied what he learned. And I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that he’ll be able to take yesterday’s coaching and go deep with it.

He’ll certainly improve.
He’ll reignite his passion for the game.
He’ll play with more certainty and confidence.
And there’s no doubt he can keep learning and shooting lower scores.

It would have been easy for Steady to stay at home and avoid the 3 hour drive. He could have stayed on the couch and pretended that he didn’t need any coaching. But he took a leap and was open to learn. I certainly put him in a headlock but it was well worth it.

Wanna know what I coached him? I did nothing else but covered the topics that I talk about at length over here. The video is about 60 minutes but it will certainly allow you to make a huge mental shift. Don’t be a cynic. Take some time out of your day to watch.

I have a Troll!

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12 Comments

  • Steady

    Reply Reply October 4, 2018

    Hi Cam
    Great catch up mate. Loved your insights. It often takes a kick in the ass to get you back on track.
    I’m lucky in a lot ways due to my background in sport that you have to have the fortitude and mindset to accept criticism and move on.
    We live in a society, where the blowtorch is applied to peoples egos and people go looking for a safe place. Soft as butter.
    As we discussed I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that we have elite golfers in this country who have no mongrel in them. They get the best of everything and still underperform. No guts and wilt the minute the pressure comes. The greatest golfer in the world in my opinion and proberly his too was Gary Player. He didn’t give a rats arse about other players, the galleries or commentators. This guy won 7 majors, 165 international tournament victories and flew all over the world and put other golfers to shame.
    Look at the average PGA tour player. Will not play outside continental US unless there’s a major, huge prize money or appearance money.Golfers of old era loved coming to Australia to play our open as the “5th major”.

    We focus so much on the swing but ultimately forget how to play golf.
    As for your mate Cam. Maybe it’s time this guy put up $5000 cash and play you. Give him 2 shots either side and watch him flounder.
    Cheers Steady.

    • Cameron

      Reply Reply October 6, 2018

      Great stuff Steady. As you know, most of the “sledging” is in jest and just a way to break through and help with the learning. I reckon your game will go to even higher levels and you’ll be able to do this with way less practise, less time & effort and way more fun.

      Your background and experience working with troublesome (in want of a better word) kids gives you huge perspective and resilience. Looking forward to our next catch up mate. Keep up the great work.

  • Adam

    Reply Reply October 4, 2018

    Really, (and I think you know this), this is a sign you’re doing what you set out to do. Go with your own way of doing things and don’t allow others to bother you or change you. And normally people don’t like change, they’re afraid of it because it goes against their strong-held beliefs.

    I know this personally because I normally form my own opinions, and though now I mostly keep them to myself, when I do say something about anything I know, people give me strange looks and get pissed. Its just the price of being different and thinking for yourself. Everyone wants everyone else to think the same and not bitch or complain, but that’s not productive not effective when it comes to our evolution as a people and as a culture.

    I personally believe me and you have a lot in common, because since I was 12 I’ve gone against everything I knew, from my religion to my mindset, and I began to think for myself. At first I couldn’t cope with the criticism, and wanted to revert. But somehow I knew that my way was better, that I could live a life that SATISFIED, rather than a life of ignorance and being naive.

    I believe that in all walks of life there’s change. And even golf will change, but it takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

    The criticism is proving to you you’re doing what you set out to do. Make change.

  • Adam

    Reply Reply October 4, 2018

    One thing I’ll add is that this is why I believe in you.

    First off, it’s basically the science of learning you’re coaching, not some made up stuff. I know you know what you’re talking about because I’ve learned multiple skills (around 15 in a 10 year span) all to well groomed levels and some, like writing, to a seriously high level. You obviously know the science of learning. That’s all golf is, a skill.

    Second, you have an aura of confidence, and an enthusiasm. I feel I have this same energy, and I admire someone who has confidence. Your confidence is not unfounded, though. It is founded on sound science, and common sense. And as you’ll know, this kind of confidence in yourself isn’t innate, or natural. Its developed over time based on courage and willingness to go your own path. It takes immense time and effort, and only those with supreme courage can make it. I respect someone with the courage to walk their own path, as long as it has reason. And, honestly, I really respect what you do.

    Mostly, you’ve proven your theories, at least to me. Its science, not some crap you’re just making up. I’ve read your blog for 6 years, contributed to it for around 4, and used your personal coaching for 1. My game has gone from 20 handicap to 6, and now I think I have the ability to get to scratch or even plus handicap due to what we’ve discussed. I have no doubt you know what you’re talking about.

    You’re solid. Keep up the good work.

    • Cameron

      Reply Reply October 6, 2018

      Thanks Adam, I really appreciate your comments. To be honest with you, I nearly ended our coaching arrangement a few times (in fact, I think I did). But we both stuck in there and we’ve (you have done the hard work) got some great results. You should be really proud of your achievements so far this year. I’m thrilled to have been able to help you and I put your win a few weeks back as one of my best golfing moments. Well done mate!!

  • Brett

    Reply Reply October 4, 2018

    Cam,

    I am a long term fan and user of your methods … ever since I met you in Victoria at Metropolitan when you invited me to come and play a round and my golf game has been the better for it ever since.

    I now play every three weeks and can hold to a 12 handicap without any practice in between games. I started at a 27 handicap when I first met you and quickly moved to an 18 after your instruction.

    So now, as a primary school teacher, I get to teach kids every year and watch them hitting balls automatically (after all, they know how to ride a bike!) … it is wonderful … and you were my catalyst. Thank you.

    • Cameron

      Reply Reply October 6, 2018

      Hey Brett. I still remember playing at Metro with you. I’m really glad you’re playing great and you’ve given Automatic Golf the best compliment …

      … you are playing very good golf and you don’t require constant lessons and coaching. Plus, you are now helping the kids learn the same way. It’s just brilliant! Thanks for sharing your comments.

      Cheers,

      Cameron

  • Scott Barrow

    Reply Reply October 5, 2018

    Great piece Cam. And some great commenters as well. Love it.

    Get busy learning or get busy dying.

    • Cameron

      Reply Reply October 6, 2018

      Scotland, as you know, a lot of this would not have been possible without your guidance and constant support. I really do appreciate it. Scott is a good coach LOL.

  • Lukey

    Reply Reply October 5, 2018

    Firstly Cam great post but I want to congratulate Steady on an absolutely brilliant comment. It is obvious that he has done his research and written a great piece. Now as for Stephen Killingbeck you would do all of us (Cams believers)a favour if you would take your thoughts and jam them up your jacksy (arse). Outside of that all the positive people you have a great day and happy automatic golf.
    Cheers
    Lukey

    • Cameron

      Reply Reply October 6, 2018

      Lucas! Thanks for your comments and look out when Steady gets hold of you. He’s a new beast now and he’ll get you playing better than ever. Cheers,

      Cameron

  • Mike Divot

    Reply Reply January 2, 2019

    I’m 3 months late to the game here, but Cam, what you are doing is right on the money. Your approach is spot on and although I don’t get as much time to practice golf as I’d like, I always get more enjoyment from my rounds than before I ever heard of you or your web site. Because I’ve changed my mindset and that’s due to you. (I also hit it better and my putting is much improved, without any practice!)

    Trolls are sorry individuals exploiting the convenience of the internet to spread their negative waves. But what you do Cam, is positive and will affect more people, more positively, and with more longevity, than any sad troll, who is basically slowly & prematurely killing themselves with a bad attitude.

    Good on you Cam! More power to you.

    cheers
    Mike

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