The Sticky Egg

I love golf.

I’ve only played putt putt and a single round of par 3 in my ‘career,’ but I am a passionate and loyal spectator. When Tiger Woods is playing, there is nothing more exciting to watch on television — and yes, I am talking about golf.

No one on the PGA Tour works harder than Tiger.  This hard work has amassed a record that is on pace to surpass all the greats.  I wouldn’t think anyone would question it.

And yet today I read that Peter Thomson, Australia’s first golfer, belittled Tiger for continuing to be coached.

“It’s absurd that the world’s greatest golfer is taking lessons,” Thomson said. “A pro should puzzle it out for himself. The young players need to find another system.”

Perhaps Thomson’s attitude is the reason he was first only in Australia. Any truly talented professional — golfer, chef, writer, speaker  — who thinks they have learned everything they can about their specialty does, at that very moment, begin to lose aspects of their skill. Only consistent practice and an openness to new techniques will keep their skills sharp and their expertise relevant over time.

As great as Tiger is, he could easily close himself off and do what we knows. Kudos to him for constantly learning, adapting, and winning, time and again, in new, exciting ways.