[비즈한국] I received a text message from a close junior colleague. He had received a framed autograph of Bryson DeChambeau from the organizers of LIV Golf Korea and said he wanted to give it to me, thinking I might appreciate it more. Bryson DeChambeau is a player I have always liked. To be more honest, he is a player who went from someone I disliked to someone I find likable. The first reason I like DeChambeau is that he is a "different kind of player" compared to others.
Printed on the beautiful photo of Bryson DeChambeau at the top of his backswing were his own words. DeChambeau said:
“Most people are afraid of failure. I love failure. Because failure tells me where to go next.”
It is a truly wonderful quote, and it was a sentence that showed who he is as a human being before being just a professional golfer.
Golfers have left behind more famous quotes than any other sports athletes. This is likely because golf is, to that extent, a "thinking sport" and a "sport of self-cultivation." No other sport is compared to life as much as golf. Various emotions felt about golf, depending on one's age and circumstances, have survived to this day under the name of "golf quotes."
Ben Hogan, known as the father of the modern golf swing, left as many famous quotes as his 64 career victories, the fourth most of all time. The man who created the modern swing was also a generator of golf quotes.
“If I don't practice for one day, I know it. If I don't practice for two days, the gallery knows it. If I don't practice for three days, the whole world knows it.”
“There is no age in golf. No matter what age you start, your skills will improve.”
“Golf scores are decided within 70 yards.”
“To beat someone, don't try to win with just the game. Win with practice and effort.”
Harry Vardon, the record holder for the most Open Championship wins, said, "The wind is the best teacher. I have learned a lot through the wind." Sam Snead, who shares the record for most career wins at 82 along with Tiger Woods, left a quote that is truly on the level of a golf sage: "Take the power out and swing slowly. The ball will never run away." Byron Nelson left a technical piece of wisdom: "You should never start your downswing until your backswing is finished."
Some of these quotes are passed down like old proverbs.
“Gentlemen play golf. Even if you aren't a gentleman when you start, you become one once you play this rigorous game.”
“A single round, just 3 hours, is enough to know what kind of person someone is.”
There is even a Scottish proverb that says:
“Golf is a game that starts with 3 friends and returns with 3 enemies.”
President Lyndon B. Johnson reportedly had "Do not wake me for anything except golf or sex!" inscribed on his sleeping mask, showing just how much he loved the game. Legendary comedian Bob Hope was also a famous golf fanatic, and his catchphrase was, "I stand on stage to earn my golf green fees."
Harvey Penick, the legend who serves as a role model for the most instructors, said this:
“A pro overcomes a crisis by throwing away a stroke, but an amateur invites a crisis by trying to save a stroke.”
If you ruminate on these words, you can tell whether you are a pro or an amateur.
Jack Nicklaus emphasized the importance of the mental game, stating, "Golf is 50% mental. 40% is address, and the remaining 10% is the swing." Arnold Palmer said, "Winning in golf is not about physical strength. It is about a strong spirit and character."
Tiger Woods, who once said, "I love competition. When I win, I see what I have accomplished," delivered a stinger shot to the modern mindset of settling for "at least I tried my best" with the remark, "Second place is the first loser."
There is also a poetic quote that says, "Happiness is walking a long distance with a putter in your hand." These are the words of Tom Watson, who was always composed and wore a beautiful smile created by deep wrinkles. He also said:
“When you lose, you shouldn't lose your dignity, and when you win, you shouldn't lose your elegance.”
Indeed. Golf is about not losing. Not losing your score, your ball, your money, your dignity, your elegance, your composure, and the coolness created by all of these things.
Who is the author, Kang Chan-wook?
An advertiser and writer. He started as a copywriter at Cheil Worldwide and is currently the CEO of the video production company 'Sidae-ui Siseon' (The Gaze of the Times). A golf enthusiast, he obtained a USGTF teaching professional certification, and out of a love for writing, he has published books on golf such as 'The Joy of Golf,' 'Bad Golf,' 'Sincere Golf,' and 'Golf Thoughts, Thinking Golf.' He runs the YouTube channel 'Bad Golf,' sharing various stories and thoughts about golf with readers and viewers.