By John Kim, Coordinating Producer
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Dr. Gary Wiren celebrated the highlight of his career Friday night with his induction into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame. The next day, he was back to work doing what he does best -- teaching golf.
Resplendent in gray plus fours, white knee socks, white shirt, black vest, and black tam-o-shanter hat, Dr. Wiren held court with an animated and lively presentation that not only explained his teaching philosophy, but also demonstrated some of his most popular techniques in almost all areas of the game.
Dr. Wiren told the enthusiastic crowd that his single greatest priority for his career will not be centered around any aspect of the golf swing nor will it revolve around the financial side of the golf business -- it will be to promote the fun and enjoyment of the game. He expressed concern that the industry was in decline because instructors stressed mechanics and fundamentals of the swing, but did not emphasize the enjoyable nature of golf.
The man who wrote The PGA Teaching Manual peppered his speech with easy to remember maxims that the appreciative and enthusiastic crowd dutifully copied down.
"Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent!" he would tell the crowd as he spoke of the importance of guiding a student's initial forays into instruction. "Routines make us consistent," he added while having a local student go through a preparation checklist before attempting a putt. The author of 11 books and some 200 magazine articles had the audience hanging on every nugget of teaching wisdom revealed.
The presentation featured Dr. Wiren working with two golf students, one a near-scratch player and the other a beginner, and Dr. Wiren himself, hitting various golf shots using drills that Dr. Wiren uses in his teachings. The results were evident and enlightening as the crowd of instructors nodded in approval.
He then closed his presentation with a charge to the attendees to always do their best and remember to be prepared.
"Poor teachers just tell their students," he explained. "Good teachers show and work together with their students. But great teachers ... great teachers inspire."
From the cheers and applause, the audience learned from Dr. Wiren once again.
PGA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network