Say “No” to Stupid
Day 6 from “My Greatest Shot” by Ron Cherney & Michael Arkush
The Golf Book Club: Every day, we share a mental game lesson inspired by great golf books—stories and strategies to help you think better so you can play better.
We all know what it’s like to be our own worst enemy on the golf course. When you say “No” to bad decisions, you say “Yes” to lower scores. ble.
But as Roger Maltbie can tell you, that takes self-discipline.
Before becoming one of the game’s best commentators, Roger played on the PGA Tour. But his most defining shot came in his last year as an amateur—and his inability to say “No” almost ended his pro career before it even got started.
“I was choking my guts out.”
In 1974, Roger attended Qualifying School. In those days, Q-School was your one chance each year to make it to the big leagues.
He says, “On Sunday, I was choking my guts out like everyone else. I found myself on 18 needing a birdie to qualify.”
The 18th hole was a par 5, dogleg left. A palm tree stood at the elbow. And wouldn’t you know it? Roger’s drive came to rest a few feet from the tree.
He had a good lie and no wind. But the green was guarded by water. Plus, the trunk of the tree would block the follow-through of his swing. The smart move was obvious.
But as he walked to the ball, he convinced himself he could make that shot. He’d swing a 3-wood and send the ball on its way before the club cracked into the tree.
Roger’s caddie was a fellow golfer and lifelong friend named Frank. When Roger shared his confident plan, Frank covered the clubs with a towel and said, “No.”
Roger insisted. “I can do it. Give me the 3-wood.”
Frank said, “Roger, I will kick your butt before I let you try that shot. Chip it down the fairway, knock it on the green, make the putt and qualify. Even if you make 5 you might still qualify.”
Finally, Roger agreed and the 3-wood stayed in the bag. The result? He says, “I birdied the hole, qualified for the tour, and enjoyed a life that could only be described as every golfer’s dream.”
And it all happened because he was forced to say “No” to stupid and yes “Yes” to smart.
The author Richie Norton said, “Say no to everything, so you can say yes to the one thing.”
How could Roger almost make such an obviously bad decision? He laughs about it now and says, “I really thought I was bulletproof.”
There’s the heart of the problem. We can rationalize any shot. Entertain a dumb decision too long and it starts to look smart.
Instead, say “No” quickly and use that “No” as a trigger to move on. Unlike Roger, most of us won’t have our best friend on the bag. We need to do that good work for ourselves. When we do, our scores, and just about everything else in life, will get a little bit better.
That’s all for now. Tomorrow, a father and daughter teach us the circle of success. Until then, keep imagining what’s possible.
Today’s Photo
Silloth on Solway, England
