Smarter Golf Chi Chi’s Way
Day 3 from “The Golf Hall of Shame” by Bruce Nash and Allan Zullo
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.
Chi-Chi Rodríguez grew up in Puerto Rico. When he was seven years old, he worked on a sugar plantation, carrying water to the cane cutters in the field.
He made a buck a day. Later, he got a job as a caddie. Golf was a blessing he never took for granted.
He brought that joy to the PGA Tour. When other pros complained, he said, “Don't look for excuses to lose. Look for excuses to win.”
Chi-Chi loved to teach amateurs to think like champions. His motto was: Never take any shot or situation for granted.
“Let’s bet the whole pot.”
One day, he played with a golfer named Ross. They put a two-dollar Nassau on each hole. Ross carried a 3 handicap.
But after 17 holes, Chi-Chi’s back pocket was stuffed with dollar bills.
On the par-three 18th, he said, “Let’s bet the whole pot. I’ll give you two strokes if you give me one throw.”
This was a no-brainer, so Ross took the bet. They both landed their tee shots on the green: Ross 15 feet from the hole, Chi-Chi 20.
Ross smiled confidently and said, “Okay, take your throw.”
Chi-Chi picked up Ross’s ball, threw it in the ocean, and said, “You’re now hitting three from the sand.”
Ross lost the bet but he had to laugh. It was the best mental game lesson he ever received: Never take any shot or situation for granted.
“Let’s see you catch up to that.”
Another time, Chi-Chi gave a clinic in Miami. One of his students, a big golfer named Jerry, challenged Chi-Chi to a long-driving contest.
Chi-Chi stood five-seven and weighed 135 pounds. But he said, “Jerry, you hit a driver and a wedge. And I bet you still won’t catch up to my drive.”
That was a no-brainer, so Jerry took the bet. He crushed his drive 320 yards. He hadn’t even used his wedge shot yet. He smiled confidently and said, “You’re up.”
Chi-Chi teed up, then turned around and drove the ball in the opposite direction. He grinned and said, “Let’s see you catch up to that.”
Jerry pulled out his wallet and happily paid for what he considered the best mental game lesson of his life.
The actor Alan Alda said, “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off once in a while or the light won't come in.”
When we make assumptions, we overlook details: the true lie of the ball, the direction of the rough, the condition of the greens that change during a round.
So add this mantra to your list: Never take any shot or situation for granted.
When we only pay surface attention to golf and life, we miss those important details that save a lot of trouble, improve our performance, and help us win a few bets along the way.
That’s all for now. Tomorrow, we’ll learn about two types of laughter. Until then, keep imagining what’s possible.
Today’s Photo
Denarau Golf & Racquet Club in Fiji
