The Conversation

A few weeks ago, I shared “The Plumbers Story”, a brief introduction to Quantum Leap Golf.  Over the past four months, I have been immersed in the Quantum Leap Golf curriculum and routinely engaged with its thoughtful founder, AP O’Neill.

Upon completion of my studies a short time ago, AP asked me to share a few thoughts on how I would explain Quantum Leap Golf to my friends over a few beers.  I was pleased and excited for the assignment as I have a fondness for my friends, a fondness for beer and a fondness for talking golf.

As my loyal subjects file into my favorite pub (Stubby’s in Lancaster, PA), we are warmly greeted by the proprietor (Claude…a.k.a. Stubby) and promptly escorted to my customary table.  Before we know it, the television closest to our table has been changed to the Golf Channel and our adult beverages land on our table at about the same time our posteriors land in our seats.  We settle in, order a few well-done Stromboli’s and I begin “The Conversation.” 

Part One (“Context”):

Fella’s, you have been along for most of the journey. As you know, on occasion I have been able to string together a few solid holes however the majority of my play is consistently inconsistent and for the most part disappointing, especially in competitive events.  I have taken a few lessons along the way, but somehow believing, for some thirty-five years, that a few more hours on the range would be the elixir, and, after thirty-five years, I am still searching for the elixir.  As I babble on, I take notice that John’s head is bobbing in his Boli, Dave is chugging his five fingers of Scotch while simultaneously raising his hand for another round and Joe, slouched over the back of his chair, his head and neck unhinged, his mouth flung open with his knuckles dragging on the floor.  

Undeterred, I carry on, concluding the context part of the evening.  As you know, within the past three years (with assistance from Francis and John) I have come to terms with my dreadful mechanics, needing to rewire decades of bad behaviors.  The first two years of my mechanical metamorphosis were incredibly challenging as I was literally paralyzed over the ball, not wanting to pull the trigger, with countless swing thoughts swimming through my head (see Half-Cocked).   Through no fault of Francis and/or John, I was a bit of a mess, all self-inflicted!  For a time, I was embarrassed with my perception of the eventual outcome!

Part Two (“Hooey”):

Early this year, out of the blue, Francis sent a text, bringing my attention to Quantum Leap Golf.  I browsed the website and found the content intriguing, as it professed the following:

• Harness the power of your mind and discover your true performance potential
• What goes on in your mind will be reproduced in your play
• The less you try to control, the more feel and control you will experience
• The key factors to outcome are your beliefs and expectations
• Learn Complete Trust! Be Outcome Focused!   Develop Total Belief!
• More fun! More pleasure!  More enjoyment and more satisfaction!

Coincidentally, earlier the same week, Bad Golf Guy had posted an article on swing thoughts (see Swing Thoughts Revisited).  I decided to reach out to the founder of Quantum Leap Golf by forwarding our post, hoping he would find some humor or take pity on my plight, as my plight was the antithesis of his doctrine.   Truth be told, I was desperately searching for a solution, wanting/needing to find a way to change my approach to “my” game.  After a few thought provoking intercontinental telephone conversations with AP, I decided I was ready for a little fun and a lot more pleasure.  I consulted with my Director of Fiscal Affairs and after a few delicate negotiations; received Board approval for this “out of budget” expenditure!  I was hopeful I wasn’t being sold a bill of goods!  I was hopeful this wasn’t a bunch of hooey!  I was hopeful Quantum Leap Golf would finally bring some peace!

Part Three (“The Concert Pianist”):

I began my coursework with some degree of trepidation as the foundation of the Programme is based on harnessing the power of your (my) mind…enough said!  As I advanced through the modules and conversed with AP, things began to make sense.  Fundamentals such as positive imagery and trust began to take root.  Rather than visualizing things that I didn’t want to have happen, like duck-hooking my Titleist Pro-V1 into the ka-ka, I began to visualize what I wanted to have happen, like roping my Titleist Pro V1 down the middle of the shoot.  Truth be told, on countless occasions, I have executed all of the shots and have proven that I am capable of playing this game however decisions needed to be made.  Am I going to wallow in self-doubt or am I going to choose to stand tall and believe in my abilities.  Am I going to be mired with mechanics (a.k.a. swing thoughts) or am I going to focus on a positive outcome, long before I approach the ball.

During a recent call with AP, he shared an analogy, suggesting I envision two concert pianists, playing to a packed house at Carnegie Hall:

Pianist #1:  Reading music, insecure about his/her technique, consumed with correctly landing each and every key stroke.

Pianist #2:  Playing without music, eyes closed, immersed in the sheer beauty of the performance.

Granted, my golf game cannot and should not be equated to that of a concert pianist however AP’s analogy struck a chord!  Do I want to be bound up with anxiety or do I want to be free to truly enjoy my experience.

Part Four (Thankfully a “Conclusion”):

So fella’s, here it is, the moment of truth.  This is what Quantum Leap Golf means to me:  “At its core, Quantum Leap Golf instills trust by eliminating uncertainty/fear and by bringing possibility/probability into play with every shot.”

I believe in the power of Quantum Leap Golf and I believe in AP O’Neill.  I am having more fun on the golf course due to my Quantum Leap experience.  I have far less stress on the golf course due to my experience with Quantum Leap Golf.  And finally, I am a better player due to my experience with Quantum Leap Golf.  Like anything worthwhile, it requires a commitment and is a work in progress however my results to date are tangible.

Someday soon there will be a murmur rolling across the land that will sound something like this…”Here comes that Bad Golf Guy dude, such a sandbagger”!*

To my friends and followers; please consider exploring Quantum Leap Golf and consider a fresh approach to golf. 

AP O’Neill

AP@quantumleapgolf.com

www.quantumleapgolf.com

(International) 00447562790272

*A reference to a golfer who plays significantly better than his/her Handicap. 

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