Is This a Game or an Event?

Summer Program details released today....but first a story.

A few weeks ago, I was at a Super Bowl party. 

The party had all the essentials: a ton of food, a stocked fridge, big TVs showing the game, a bunch of friends, and White Castle (I guess that's food.....or at least I think it is).

I was in the kitchen eating my 6th slider when my friend Todd asked me a question.

"Hey Bryan, is this a game or an event?"

I'm sure I threw out some smart aleck answer.  Kind of my M.O.  But then it got me thinking (I know, dangerous).

I don't really like football that much.  It's okay.  I don't set aside every Sunday to watch it.  But if it's on at a restaurant, I'll check it out.  I got kicked out of Fantasy Football the only year I played because I never paid attention and didn't make any roster moves.  I understand the appeal and I see why other people love it.  I'd just rather be doing something else.

But the Super Bowl party...I'd never miss it. 

Why?

Because I wasn't there for the game.  I was there for everything surrounding the game.

That football game is an excuse to have an event.

It's an excuse to get friends together, eat a bunch of food, make some jokes, play some games, and talk with people.  I love THAT stuff.

It's the reason card clubs are formed.  It's the reason bowling leagues meet.  It's the reason kids get into sports.

The game is the excuse for the event.

When I take my kids to Target Field, they don't go to see if the Twins win.  They go to eat popcorn and hot dogs (and whatever else their mom usually doesn't allow them to eat).  They go to sing along to the music between innings.  They go to see TC ride around the field. 

For us, Team Golf is an event.  For us, Happy Camp is an event. 

There are no other golf programs that teach the game, but make friendship the priority. 

There are no other programs that focus more on everything surrounding the golf game than the actual golf game.

There are no other programs that have putting races, Duck races, Skav-enger hunts, trivia contests, and pizza parties. 

There are no other programs that have something as cool as The Daddy Caddy.

Why do we grow every year?  Why do people rave about what we do? 

Because we focus our attention on the people playing the game.  Not the game itself.

When you come to my golf program, you're not coming to learn a game.

Sorry.  If you want to learn all about swing mechanics, proper angles, and ball flights, I have some friends that teach that way and I'll be happy to hook you up.

But, if you want to be part of an event.  If you want to have an experience.  If you want to gain self confidence and feel better about who you are and what you can do.  If you want to be around happy, smiling, helpful people... then my programs are perfect for you.

Because golf is just an excuse to be with your friends.  Golf is an excuse to have a duck race.  Golf is an excuse to have The Daddy Caddy.  Golf is an excuse to have a Skav-enger Hunt.  Golf is an excuse to have a putting race.  Golf is an excuse to smile, and laugh, and play.

Will you learn golf? 

Of course. 

But is showing you how to shoot a low score on the top of the list?

Absolutely not.

Showing you how to have more fun with your friends.  Showing you how to LOVE doing something.  Showing you how to be a part of a team.  Showing you that you are better than you think you are.  Those things are way up on the list.

Games are excuses to have events. 

I try to make every one of my programs an event.  Something that you will remember.  Something that puts a smile on your face, makes you feel a little happier, and helps you.

The 2012 programs are now online at www.bryansgolf.com.  Registration starts Tuesday, March 6th. 

If you want to be part of something worthwhile, come check it out. 

Thanks,
Bryan

P.S.  If you want to get on the priority registration list, shoot me an email at bryan@bryansgolf.com.  I can usually be bribed with cookies.  My kryptonite.


www.bryansgolf.com
www.thehappiestgolfer.com
bryan@bryansgolf.com
763-443-8090

Facebook: Bryan Skavnak Golf Academy

Charlie

What concert cost 45 cents?

50 Cent with Nickelback.  (thanks Kelsey)


When I first started teaching golf, I was 19.  And even though some of my students were only a few years younger than me, I was the role model.  I was the one that they would look to for golf advice. 

After a few years of teaching, I realized that I was more of a psychologist than a golf pro.  I didn't help kids learn golf, I helped kids learn about life.  I was able to influence these kids by simply talking with them...asking questions, listening, smiling, laughing.  It's amazing what kids will tell you when you're with them for an hour.

Do I think it's a fluke that my program has grown so well over the years?

Not at all. 

Because I work my butt off.  But mostly I take a different approach.

I talk with you. 

I really talk.

I want to get to know who you are as a person, not just how you can swing a golf club.

Anybody can teach golf.  But I want to teach life too.

You can watch the golf channel, read Golf Digest, and take lessons that focus strictly on lowering your score.  But eventually that learned skill deteriorates.  Eventually, you're just not as good as you used to be.

But you still have character.  You still have your values.

It doesn't matter if you win any golf tournaments.
It doesn't matter if your score goes down.
It doesn't matter if you beat everyone in your group.
It doesn't matter if you have a bunch of trophies.
It doesn't matter if your swing is flawless.

What matters is that you really enjoy doing something.  What matters is who you are.  What matters is your character. 

You can be the greatest golfer in the world.  But if you're a jerk, then I don't want anything to do with you. 

It's kind of like when you see a super hot girl and she's smoking a cigarette.  You're hot, but you smoke, so I want nothing to do with that.  (Oh, yeah, and I'm married too.)

When kids come back year after year, I like seeing how they have grown.  Not in size, or stature, or golf ability, but in terms of character.

Are they getting along with their sister better?
Are they doing better in school?
Are they appreciating what their parents do for them?
Are they trying their best?
Are they trying to make other people feel good?
Are they being generous?

That stuff matters.

I'm very lucky to be in a position that can influence kids and help them become more confident, happy adults. 

And I'm lucky that I have some great kids in my program.

There's a kid in one of my classes...let's call him Charlie (because that's his name).

Charlie is a great kid.  He gets along with other kids in the class.  He's smart.  He's a hard worker.  He loves trying trick shots I show him.  And yeah, he's a good golfer.

At Christmastime, I sent Charlie a t-shirt that said, "I'd rather be golfing with Bryan."

We'd always gotten along great, and I thought he'd get a kick out of it. 

A week later, I got a package in the mail. 

It was the same style envelope that I had sent him. 

I opened it up and pulled out a bright pink t-shirt. 

It said, "I'd rather be golfing with Charlie."

Charlie is a good golfer.  But he's a better kid.


Thanks,
Bryan


P.S.  Next Tuesday, Feb 21, I'll release the summer program schedule for both kids and adults.  If you want to have a happy summer, you'll want to check it out.  If you hate your kids, just disregard it. 

P.P.S.  If you need the schedule earlier because you're comparing other summer activity schedules, shoot me an email.  I may be able to help you out a little early.


www.bryansgolf.com
www.thehappiestgolfer.com
bryan@bryansgolf.com
763-443-8090

Facebook: Bryan Skavnak Golf Academy


 

The Nerds

Fenwick Mugglesweater.

That was the answer I got.

The question was, "What should I name the Scottish-looking dude in my logo?"

Most kids said, "Jimmy"  "Dylan"  "Jack"

But one kid said, "Fenwick Mugglesweater."

Ah, the nerds.

I use that term in a genuinely heartfelt way because I am a nerd and I'm proud of it.

There was this group of kids who were all friends from school/growing up. 

None of them were exceptional athletes, but they didn't care. 

Either did we. 

None of them had any plans of doing much with golf, but they didn't care. 

Either did we. 

All of them were scared of girls. 

So were we.

These guys were awesome.  And even though I haven't seen any of them for a few years, I know they're still awesome. 

They were one of our first teams in our Team Golf program and they epitomized (biggest word I'll ever use!) what a team should be...and what golf should be about.

They laughed with each other.  They strategized with each other.  They made fun of each other.  They congratulated each other. 

And they were smart.

Man, were they smart.

Any one of them could program anything on a computer...easily...and well.  They would make fun of each other for not knowing C++.  (I'm not sure what that is)

And the nerds asked the greatest question I have ever heard in one of my camps,

"Can we do the Iwo Jima?"

I knew exactly what they were talking about.  (Google Iwo Jima Flag if you don't know).

"Of course you can do the Iwo Jima...because it's awesome that you know what that is."

So they took the flag from the 9th hole and "did the Iwo Jima."

The nerds were creative and funny.  They had no problem talking Star Wars, school work, or Java Script.

They cared about the games and the competition, but not the winning.  They wanted to try their best, but when they went home, they'd do something else and forget about golf.

And that's cool.

Have fun with your friends for a while, then do something else. 

Golf is fun, but friends are better.

Go be a nerd.


Thanks,
Bryan



P.S.  In the evaluation at the end of the season, the Nerds also wanted a "real mermaid."


www.bryansgolf.com
www.thehappiestgolfer.com
bryan@bryansgolf.com
763-443-8090

Facebook: Bryan Skavnak Golf Academy