An Ode to Mr. Homer Kelley

[KnighT]

I flipped on the Honda Classic and noticed that it is sponsered by Boeing. That just made me think about Mr. Homer Kelley and all the great things he has given to golf, as well as creating (or discovering) G.O.L.F.

[Yoda]

If this website has had any influence on your golf please send a shout-out (because this website might not exist without Homer Kelley).

No "might" about it, KnighT. Had Homer Kelley and his Golfing Machine not entered my life, this website absolutely would not exist. His life's work is our birthright.

I strive everyday to present The Golfing Machine as Homer wrote it and as he taught me. I do so without compromise or apology. There are those in some quarters whose egos can't quite handle that. Nevertheless, despite their protestations and misrepresentations, I am here.

And I am proud to stand alone, if necessary, to preserve the integrity of his work.

[Uppndownn]

O Green One,

No need to stand alone.

I think there are over 3,700 of us here with you along for the ride.

UPP in still too cold to play Ohio

[6bmike]

There are those in some quarters whose egos can't quite handle that. Nevertheless, despite their protestations and misrepresentations, I am here.

And I am proud to stand alone, if necessary, to preserve the integrity of his work.

Lynn- Never alone while I'm here.

[Yoda]

O Green One,

No need to stand alone.

I think there are over 3,700 of us here with you along for the ride.

Lynn- Never alone while I'm here.

Thanks, guys.

When I said "alone," I was referring to our group. Or, as we have been labeled by a derisive, self-avowed competitor, our "sect," the "book literalists."

Our group includes not only myself, but also all who support Lynn Blake Golf and its mission. That includes the many LBG supporters, students, Academy Instructors, Professional Contributors and friends in this country and around the world.

As for the labeling:

Sect n. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice.

Literalist n. One who adheres to the explicit sense of a given text or doctrine.

Works for me!

[Bagger Lance]

I think Homer would be proud and delighted that there are so many AI's who put their own unique talents and gifts into teaching his fundamental work.

I also think he would be ashamed of the few sr. AI's who spend a great deal of time attempting to discredit and outright misrepresent Lynn and other prominent instructors as they shadow box on their own sites.

I'm thankful there isn't any "new" definitions or interpretations of Homers work here. No muddy water, no opinions about what is or isn't orthodox, just clear communication passed down on Homers 40 years of research.

Politics in this business is a complete waste of time as has been proven for nearly 25 years. Politics aside, there is a fertile field to plow and this place has the expertise to deliver world class instruction...worldwide.

[Amen Corner]

I also think he would be ashamed of the few sr. AI's who spend a great deal of time attempting to discredit and outright misrepresent Lynn and other prominent instructors as they shadow box on their own sites.

For what it is worth, here are my reflections/observations/thoughts.

Is it a coincidence that the named few has the same mentor?

Does the hostility, if there is one, lie on a deeper level?

There is one argument that "the other side" always seem to bring forward:

"The Canton video" and that it tells "the truth"!

What did happend here?

[Yoda]

Is it a coincidence that the named few has the same mentor?

Does the hostility, if there is one, lie on a deeper level?

There is one argument that "the other side" always seem to bring forward:

"The Canton video" and that it tells "the truth"!

What did happend here?

1. The mentor is Ben Doyle. He has trained many thousands of students and is not responsible for the regrettable behavior of a few.

2. Oh yes, there is hostility. An outright, abrasive hostility that is clearly evident in the recent finger-pointing, "you've just been beaten over the head" video of the major protagonist. It is the most hostile and divisive golf video ever filmed. In fact, it is without precedent in the game. And, oh yes, that hostility is born of frustration on a much deeper level...a level that has absolutely nothing to do with golf instruction, The Golfing Machine or even me. IMHO, of course.

3. The Canton video (of a first-and-last joint school) is a proprietary work. The school itself went well, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the video was delayed. Unfortunately, by the time the producer was able to complete his work, the "other side" had declared me their "enemy," and as you have correctly noted, was vowing to use the video to reveal "the truth," i.e., to see "who out-taught who at Canton." They would 'prove,' once and for all, who in fact was "the best." [As if anybody, other than themselves, actually cared.]

In other words, this video of a wonderful school was destined to become mere cannon fodder in the kangaroo courts they call "discussion and debate." The pre-game titter in the grandstands of their forums provided ample evidence of the coming mockery. There was no way I could let the school and its students be prostituted for that purpose.

I had hoped that time would provide a resolution to this problem. Instead, the blatant attacks and misrepresentations have continued and grown even worse. So, at least for now, the producer and I have absorbed the cost, shelved the video and that is that.