Why does much of the golf world seem to dislike TGM? I have been involved with TGM since the late 80's. The reaction I often get when I mention I am a TGMer is usually not very positive, and sometimes quite negative, unless the person is already involved, then they usually like it very much. Why is this? I think I know.
1) To them... TGM has a cult like appearance, where there is a special language, and even a HANDSHAKE.
2) To them... Many of the TGMers seem to think they have all the answers. They seem to think that TGMers believe that non-TGM golf knowledge is inferior, even though they may have spent years learning golf teaching information and techniques from OTHER sources, many of them proven to produce champions and good players.
There probably are a few other reasons, but that is all I will list.
Why does much of the golf world seem to dislike TGM?
What can be done to change these perceptions?
People mistrust (and even fear) that which they do not understand. That mistrust and fear is exacerbated when the 'redeeming' message is delivered without empathy -- and even with arrogance -- in a language they do not understand.
The mind of a Golfer -- whether Instructor, Student or Performer -- must be won. It cannot be commanded.
How can perceptions be changed?
Adopt the approach of Homer Kelley:
Resolute in Principle...
Strong in Character...
But gentle in Spirit and respectful of his fellow man.
Why does much of the golf world seem to dislike TGM? I have been involved with TGM since the late 80's. The reaction I often get when I mention I am a TGMer is usually not very positive, and sometimes quite negative, unless the person is already involved, then they usually like it very much. Why is this? I think I know.
1) To them... TGM has a cult like appearance, where there is a special language, and even a HANDSHAKE.
2) To them... Many of the TGMers seem to think they have all the answers. They seem to think that TGMers believe that non-TGM golf knowledge is inferior, even though they may have spent years learning golf teaching information and techniques from OTHER sources, many of them proven to produce champions and good players.
There probably are a few other reasons, but that is all I will list.
IMHO..... it is because TGM is correct. Most people don't want a)to invest the time and energy into understanding what is required to make an efficient golf stroke and b) given 'a' they don't want to be told they are going in the wrong direction. The book stands as a constant, unchanging reminder that an individual is or isn't doing something correctly. What percentage of people in our society take responsibility for their failure? 100% will take credit for their success.
The book requires a certain intelligence to understand and that intelligence isn't minimal. AND... it requires a lot of time to even begin to master. Not everyone will make that commitment.
Now, as to why so many people think TGM is a cult etc.? Again, imo, that is just the way the VOCAL minority behaves. If something is hard, and requires work.... don't do it, just criticize it. I read a post on GEA where the nut poster actually equated TGM with a religion. You can't argue with people like that, you surely can't reason with them .... just ignore them . (BTW... the same nut challenged Ted to a golf match, for money, and I think he is a 6...and probably a vanity 6... and probably can't hit it 230.) We shouldn't get too sensitive when dealing with people like that.
I'm not sure TGM is misunderstood at all. Those with open minds who try it, and work at it, know it works. They know it is unchanging and that the principles upon which it is based are factually correct. Those who have a vested interest in TGM failing or who are ignorant and prefer to stay that way will criticize it. They will follow the instruction found in golf magazines....I laughed recently, I have a complimentary subscription to one (don't remember which one) and in the last issue there was a world renown instructor telling everyone to use the right hand to control the clubface..... I'm dying to see how many people get messed up on this one.
Ultimately TGM will succeed because it works. Many other well marketed, highly financed products that don't work that well will also succeed, at least financially, and at least for a time. This happens often in service industries. I think people who teach and promote TGM need to be patient and less sensitive. Everytime I see someone who doesn't think TGM isn't correct, I just think "there is another guy I can beat." Now, to be truthful, that isn't always correct, because there are some people so talented that they don't even need instruction to play at a higher level than I'll ever be able to play at.... but most of the time, it's true. Focus on those that want to learn and don't try to convince anyone. Word will spread and people will follow results. The one thing I would recommend is staying away from hostile environments. There is nothing to be gained by arguing with the Stags, Hammers, and george hibbards of the world. You can't change their opinions, they aren't there to have an exchange of intelligent opinion, they're there to fight.
TGM is not known in India AT ALL. I ventured out on my own on recommendation from Paul Smith to half way around the world to learn what this little yellow book was all about. I did my GSEB and returned with a much clearer understanding and intention as to what I MUST impart to my students. Having taught for only two years till then, I was noticed by an ametuer while I was teaching a student at the Driving range. A day later he asked me if I could help him as things were not happening with his present coach the way he expected to. Said he had reached a brick wall and had tried everything under the sun but wasnt able to move up the ametuer ranking -26 at the time.
One year later we have a No.1 in the guy and when he looks back at the year passed says" What a trip Sir!! What a trip!!
Thats the power of TGM as far as I am concerned. Many others have come in to the swamp here and all are here to stay. The word is spreading here and who knows!! A TGM summit in India????
Anythings possible.
Vik
__________________
"If you keep on thinking what you always thought, you'll keep on doing.what you always did. And if you keep on doing what you always did, you'll keep on getting what you always got."
TGM is not known in India AT ALL. I ventured out on my own on recommendation from Paul Smith to half way around the world to learn what this little yellow book was all about. I did my GSEB and returned with a much clearer understanding and intention as to what I MUST impart to my students. Having taught for only two years till then, I was noticed by an ametuer while I was teaching a student at the Driving range. A day later he asked me if I could help him as things were not happening with his present coach the way he expected to. Said he had reached a brick wall and had tried everything under the sun but wasnt able to move up the amateur ranking -26 at the time.
One year later we have a No.1 in the guy and when he looks back at the year passed says" What a trip Sir!! What a trip!!
Thats the power of TGM as far as I am concerned. Many others have come in to the swamp here and all are here to stay. The word is spreading here and who knows!! A TGM summit in India????
Anythings possible.
Vik
Thanks for sharing this inspirational experience, Vik. Great stuff!
And I like the reference to your own "swamp" in India. It brought a smile to ol' Yoda's face.
I'll be there with you Lynn - sometime. Gotta move ahead. Its been an experience on its own - The Forums. Put your brains in your hands is what I tell them (My students), Works wonders for them and me.
Vik
__________________
"If you keep on thinking what you always thought, you'll keep on doing.what you always did. And if you keep on doing what you always did, you'll keep on getting what you always got."
Here we go again. After a TGM student becomes the No.1 golf ametuer in India another one gets second place in the Malaysian Ametuer at 14 under par. Now THATS not too bad going is it. Things are happenning around here people and TGM is coming alive. "I am trying my best Mr. Kelly" Hope you can hear this!!!!
Vik
__________________
"If you keep on thinking what you always thought, you'll keep on doing.what you always did. And if you keep on doing what you always did, you'll keep on getting what you always got."
.... just ignore them . (BTW... the same nut challenged Ted to a golf match, for money, and I think he is a 6...and probably a vanity 6... and probably can't hit it 230.) We shouldn't get too sensitive when dealing with people like that. 
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