Junior Golf Rankings

Does Golf Build Character? (March 31, 2025)

...Or Merely Expose It?

Bio

ONE Way® founder, Michael Riggs, holds a master's degree in applied sports psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. University of Virginia is recognized worldwide for its emphasis on research and innovation in the field of performance psychology. As an educator, Michael has opened the minds of students at all levels, encouraging them to "dream big." As a multi-sport athlete and longtime coach, he's worked with athletes from skilled amateurs to professionals. And as a business professional, he's fostered innovation.

Using the ONE Way platform, each client is personally guided by a ONE Way certified Coach to realize his unlimited potential. ONE Way Coaches serve as objective guides who empower their client to become their own catalyst for change. Since 1996, Performance Consulting Ltd.has offered one-on-one personal coaching, group workshops, and custom presentations for athletes, business executives, and organizations seeking to think better perform better live better.

A most confusing thing happened to me the other day. One of the very talented young golfers I work with came to me in a severe state of despair. He had lost all confidence in his ability to put together a good round and was considering giving up the game. That’s right, actually quitting golf, altogether.

Let me give a little background on Jake, the player. He had been very successful at myriad of sports since his early childhood. Whether it was swimming, tennis, baseball, basketball, or hockey, Jake had always played at a high level. Success came easy to him. While others were struggling to be average, Jake merely had to try and he was one of the best. Golf was no different.

Jake recognized in Junior High School that golf was the sport he was going to commit to because of the challenge, joy, and satisfaction that the game brought him. He practiced very diligently. His summer days were spent, nearly dawn to dusk, on the range and course. He committed to becoming one of the best… ever. He loved playing. Each shot provided a new opportunity to do something special. Each course he played was a new playground to display his tremendous ability. Each tournament was an invitation to acquire another trophy for his already crowded display case. Jake worked very hard and was very successful.

But as is the case in all great stories, both real and fictitious, tragedy is always lurking around the corner. Jake lost his game. In his effort to shave a couple more strokes, he had his swing analyzed, broken down, and reconstructed. Unfortunately, through this long and arduous swing improvement process he had lost his feel for his swing and had become very mechanical in his approach to a formerly artistic endeavor. His confidence was lost. His grace and fluidity, in mind and body, had become segmented and hesitant. Formerly the best player in his peer group, he had become an average player. He seriously considered quitting playing golf. Jake couldn’t stand being average. His golf career may be over.

I know of no, none, zero, zilch golfers that have reached their potential without serious setback. Whether having been cut from the high school team only to battle on to play in the U.S. Amateur Championship; or having golf clubs stolen and resurrecting a game on a set of used, garage sale clubs; or having suffered significant physical injury and struggling back to play on the LPGA Tour; all great players have had to weather serious storms in order to sail on to great accomplishments.

Jake’s challenge is staring him squarely in the face… if he chooses to see and face it. The truth is that the enemy is not the game of golf. Golf is merely the vehicle that may take him to great places by helping him to build his character by persevering through disappointment. Or, if he chooses, it could be the vehicle left parked in the driveway left to rust.

I hope he chooses properly.

Michael Riggs, ONE Way® Golf CEO & Founder, can be reached at www.WeDevelopYou.com/Riggs by email at Michael@WeDevelopYou.com or by phone at 970.674.2818.