T-Time Podcast // Ep. 70: How This All Started… // Interview with the Average Sucks Podcast
Earlier this summer I did an interview with Michael Bernoff, host of the Average Sucks podcast. We went into depth on how and why this business was started and what our goals are for the future. If you ever wondered what we are up to at Compete Confidence Golf and how this all started… this is the episode that answers all the questions! Here’s a summary of the interview.
From Casual Golfer to Professional
Tori, while previously a tennis and softball player, transitioned to golf in her mid-twenties out of a desire to spend more time with her husband. To her surprise, she developed a deep fondness for the sport and found herself outperforming her husband in terms of skill and frequency of play.
The Turning Point: From Player to Entrepreneur
An unexpected loss in a local club tournament was a critical turning point for Tori. Despite being better on paper, she was defeated in a second-round match play, a loss she attributes to handling the perceived high stakes poorly compared to her more unaffected opponent.
The loss drove Tori to seek help from her coach to improve her practice regime. Her coach provided her with two detailed practice plans, marking her first step toward targeted improvement. The significant strides made following this new strategy led her to the realization that there was a lack of equivalent, standardized practice programs in the golf community. This sparked the idea for her future entrepreneurial venture.
Tori decided on an online practice program for women golfers that functioned like a workout program. Each day would have varying practices to avoid boredom while providing a sense of accomplishment after completion. Modeling it after an online course but giving it the added convenience of an app with videos was her vision, along with a companion physical workbook.
To bring her idea to life, Tori hired a business coach, who guided her right from the strategic planning stage, through the video production process, and up to the business launch, which took place within six months. This marked the beginning of Tori's journey from a passionate golf player to a successful entrepreneur in the golf practice realm.
Early Struggles and Sobriety: Tori's Early Days
As a teenager, Tori grappled with substance abuse. She became sober at 19, a decision prompted by her sister's intervention. This experience laid a foundation for her approach to life as she moved forward- listening to guidance and doing what was necessary. Among her post-rehabilitation initiatives was participating in a sober softball league, where she learned that she could enjoy life and her favorite activities without relying on substances.
Years later, she took the driving seat in creating another sober softball league after moving to Phoenix. This initiative started over 18 years ago, and continues to thrive today- a testament to Tori's mission-driven entrepreneurial spirit. She explains that her motivation is not just about enjoying the sports she loves, but also helping others garner the confidence, skill, and sense of achievement she finds in these spaces.
Improving Golf Skills Beyond Practice
Here are a few recommendations from Tori to help you improve your game that go beyond simply practicing more.
Fitting Clubs
Firstly, club fit matters significantly. For those who have never adjusted their club's fit or haven't done this in a while, this could be an essential improvement point. Changes in factors like flexibility, strength, or swing speed can change over time, so your clubs have to keep up with these changes. Therefore, every three to five years, it would be beneficial to visit a club fitter. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, getting a fitted club can offer a significant advantage.
Focus on Course Management
The second step is to focus on course management. This involves the creation of a strategy for each hole, which can help avoid penalty strokes, three-putting or more, and chipping twice. By anticipating the type of hole, you can plan your stroke strategically from the beginning, reducing potential errors.
Building Strength
The third recommendation involves physical health - getting stronger. There's a correlation between the distance you can hit and your overall caliber as a golfer, with distance often signifying potential. Therefore, for golf specifically, strength training is advisable and potentially can be channeled through a certified golf trainer.
Embrace Discomfort
Lastly, seeking out discomfort by changing up your golfing routine can spur growth. This might involve playing at new courses, joining local golfing leagues, or even participating in a tournament. Often, when golfers step out of their comfort zone in these ways, they can come back to their usual golfing terrain with renewed confidence and competence.
Maximizing Performance Through Effective Preparation
Tori stressed the importance of self-evaluation and reflection after each event, stating that immediately after the scores are published, she evaluates her performance and often concludes that she could have done better. She believes it is critical to maximize the time available for practice, even if it is only a brief stint on the range. Holding a full-time job, raising three children, and managing a business, she stated that prioritizing practice is essential, especially in the build-up to a significant event like the upcoming Arizona MidAm tournament.
Finding a Personalized Routine and Listening to Your Needs
Tori revealed her unique approach to event-day preparation, which deviates from typical advice. She found that arriving early at the venue does not work well for her, preferring instead to show up about half an hour early, take a short stroll, set up everything she would need in the cart, and perform some putting practice for about 10 to 15 minutes before heading to the first tee. According to her, this method reduces overthinking and keeps her focused on the task at hand.
This strategy could be seen as contrasting with the common instructions provided by many coaches, who undoubtedly recommend a more extended warm-up period. However, self-awareness plays a critical role here. Tori can trust in her own experience and understanding of what works best for her, surpassing the generic advice, and ultimately putting on an impressive performance.
Balancing Passion, Priorities, and Personal Lives
Golfing as a hobby or profession can sometimes conflict with other life commitments such as being a parent, spouse, or managing a business. This balance can be challenging to strike, but it's not impossible. Stepping back occasionally might even prove beneficial. Tori suggested that taking brief breaks from the sport or relevant social media, for instance, could rejuvenate the golfer and spark more engagement from fans.
Framing Golf as a Social Activity
Joining leagues or communities of other golfers is a beneficial step for someone wanting to improve their game. Not only does this present opportunities to learn from others, it also introduces a social aspect to the sport, fostering friendship and camaraderie. Even though there might be some competitive individuals, these interactions can lead to constructive feedback and shared knowledge that propels your golfing skills to new heights.
A Conversation on Personal and Professional Growth
Tori delves into areas of their lives witnessing transformation and the future plans they have, divided into three distinct sections— personal, professional, and impact.
Professional Vision
Tori articulates a clear vision for the future while discussing her professional growth. By 2024, she plans to concentrate on the three primary pillars of her business dealings—podcasting, a YouTube series called 'The Golf Closet', and events or tournaments. Her overarching business philosophy revolves around a concept known as BDA, signifying 'before, during, and after'. This principle treats every occurrence as an event, with the belief that treating it so enhances its potential for significance.
The Personal Cornerstone
Next, Tori focuses on her personal life. The motivation driving her decision to refine her business focus stems from her yearning for more quality time with her family. This became particularly crucial after a year of intense dedication to her business, which she admits came at the cost of family time. Although she considers this period as a 'season' necessary for her business's growth, she doesn't wish for a repeat and aims for a more balanced existence.
Cultivating Impact in Society
The third area where Tori hopes to make an impact is within the women's golf community. She aspires to grow and promote the sport among women, presenting the journey and subsequent steps in the process. By showing women the vast community of golfers they can engage with, Tori hopes to facilitate connections and friendships among them. The end goal is to expand her reach by 2024, offering more women the joy, competitiveness, and camaraderie that golf can provide in their lives.
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