The Six “P’s” Of Progress
Pertinacious: Resolute, obstinate, and persistent.
Perseverance: To maintain effort.
Persistence: To continue in spite of obstacles or objection.
Perspicuous: Clearly expressed, lucid, plain, obvious.
Pertinent: To the point, relevance.
Perpetual: Continuous, lasting forever, not be forgotten.
A few years ago in Golf Digest magazine, Ken Blanchard wrote an article on “Why we play golf.” In his article he discussed the “Five Ps of Professional Power.” These “Five Ps” are principles for, what he calls, “personal power and genuine lasting fulfillment in life.” His piece was what inspired me to thank of other words, which are numerous, that start with “P” and which describe powerful adjectives for motivation. Motivation is power in getting what we want – on and off the golf course. I call them the “Six Ps of Progress.” These are what I believe to be the components of what it takes, as a student of golf, to become the golfer we’d like to be.
The first “p”, Pertinacious, refers to that stubborn streak we all need to “dig our heels” in and say, “Yes I can!” Perseverance is necessary to continue our “pertinacious-ness,” so that we don’t give up! Persistence is what it takes to continue, despite all the humiliation and difficulty of playing golf “back up in the 100s” again, and hang on. Perspicuous is what the teacher and student need to both agree on – a clearly expressed and plain practice plan that is manageable in their everyday life. Pertinent is what we need to remember when we are discussing information in relation to our swing – only focus on the “priorities” and don’t get hung up on the “details.” Perpetual is, lastly, the key to enjoyment in golf – if we can maintain a continuous effort, not to be forgotten, and lasting attitude towards always keeping our goals simple, reachable, and clear, we will never despair in our golfing experience.
The true enjoyment of golf lies in knowing that we have the “power” within ourselves to be whatever kind of golfer we can realistically be. All it takes is a good “teach” and the “Six Ps.” How can you go wrong? As Joaquin Miller put it, “Brave admiral, say but one good word: What shall we do when hope is gone? The words leapt like a leaping sword: Sail on! Salt on! Sail On! And on!” –
From Columbus.
If you think you’d like to “sail on” to better golf, contact me. I have some very interesting programs forming now. Past programs have included:
“Cart, Clinic and Coffee” playing session for beginners with previous instruction at Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club.
Swing Session for intermediate and advanced players at Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club.
“The Bogey Brunch” beginners program. Learn to practice and play at Island Golf Center.
“Singles Session and Scramble.” Swing on over and learn a new skill each week while we play. Especially for those who don’t have a partner for golf. Island Golf Center.
Starting in the spring, “Just for Juniors” ages 7-15. Have fun, play in tourneys, and win prizes while learning all the facets of the game. Island Golf Center.
Happy Golfing!
Janie C. Farina
LPGA Teaching & Club Pro
LPGA -USGA Girls Golf Club of Pinehurst
