If You Want to Be a Player, Be Entertaining!
Good morning, Live Better than a Billionaire-a-Holics!
I wanted to share some other insights into what you can learn from spending time with celebrities.
Yesterday, while all the billionaires were closeted with their financial advisors, the IRS agents who are auditing them, the charities who want them to donate millions and their therapists who were dealing with their guilt feelings, I spent part of the day walking a local golf course watching one of my favorite players . . . Gary Player.
In his day, the diminutive South African dominated the golf world along with first Arnold Palmer and later Jack Nicklaus. He was wearing his signature black outfit (which must be very uncomfortable on hot days) and swinging the golf club better than he had in 10 years.
At age 70, he's a role model for anyone who wants to age gracefully. He shoots lower scores now than he did in his "prime." His waist is that of a man in his twenties. His golf swing is more perfect than anyone I watched on television at last week's U.S. Open. During the round, he only missed two fairways and four greens in regulation. He putted well and by my count ended up six under par on a reasonably difficult course set up for the Champions Tour event this weekend.
But those aren't the primary reasons to follow Gary Player. The man is an incredible entertainer, ranking up there with Chi Chi Rodriguez and Lee Trevino for keeping the gallery enthralled with is wit and wisdom. During the round, he told stories to the gallery between every shot. He shouted out one-liners. He ad-libbed funny comebacks to comments from the gallery. He told us about his whole career . . . and informed us about fascinating insights into golf. Did you know that Michael Campbell won more money for the U.S. Open last week than Ben Hogan did in his entire career? Did you know that the top golfers on the U.S. tour routinely turn down $300,000 in guaranteed appearance money to play in South African events? It's just not enough money to make them want to make the trip.
Mr. Player is also a great teacher. He worked with each golfer in the amateur foursome to improve her or his swing. In the process, he did it in a way so that the gallery got full benefit as well . . . almost like watching an instructional video.
He posed for photographs with everyone who wanted one. He invited people inside the ropes to walk with him. He signed everything in sight that could be signed . . . and he carried his own Sharpie so that no one would be disappointed if they wanted an autograph.
While he did all this, he was positive and entertaining . . . even while criticizing.
The man is simply a great ambassador representing the game of golf, the country of South Africa and himself.
After hearing funny story after funny story, I sought out Bob, his caddy, and asked Bob how often he hears a new story or joke. Bob said that the one Mr. Player had just told was new to him. He commented. "He's an entertainer all right. And he's having a great time today."
That said it all. When you are entertaining, you will be having a great time. So loosen up, make it fun for everyone . . . and enjoy yourself.
By comparison, most of the other pros on the Champions tour rarely crack a smile. So if I'd picked the "best" player to follow yesterday, I'd have had a sour time . . . probably grumbling a bit when wave after wave of squalls hit the course. Instead, I had a "sunny" day with a real player.
Be a Player!
By the way, it only cost $8 to spend almost six hours with Gary Player. Most movies cost more than that. Someone in the gallery said the foursome paid $6,500 each for the privilege. That's okay, perhaps they are billionaires . . . and it's for a good cause. But I liked my price better.
Donald W. Mitchell, Your Dream Concierge
Copyright 2005 Donald W. Mitchell
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posted by Donald Mitchell @ 5:52 AM
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