Scene and Heard: Summit opens with words of motivation

By John Kim, PGA.com Coordinating Producer

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The 2008 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit got off to a rousing start with Dr. Rick Rigsby, a motivational speaker out of Dallas, Texas, who charged the attendees with a special responsibility -- that to be a better teacher, you have to be a better citizen.

"The game of golf is a great game," Dr. Rigsby explained, "but it is far more impactful as a bridge to the hearts, souls and minds of your community."

Sharing some insightful observations, powerful personal testimony and a heavy dose of humor, Dr. Rigsby explained to the gathering of top golf instructors that their greatest impact would not be the improvement of golf skills by their students, but the inspiration they would instill in their students -- as people trying to improve all facets of their life.

"The greatest contribution to a society is that of a master teacher," Dr. Rigsby offered. "These teachers need to realize the power they have and the responsibility that comes with it. If you can impact someone's life in a positive way, it should not be just an opportunity; it should be your duty. Being a great teacher isn't about what you do, it's about who you are."

Steve Long, the Director of Instruction at Brookstone Golf & Country Club in Acworth, Ga., felt inspired by the message.

"It connected in many ways for me, for my business and my life," he said. "It should be our role to make sure that we are not the focus of any relationship with our students, but that they know we are serving in a role for them."

SMALL SIZE, BIG STATURE: While some of the biggest names in golf gathered for the Summit, one of the most popular attractions stands a mere 17 inches high and weighs four pounds.

The Ryder Cup, won by the United States team for the first time in nine years this past September, is on display at the PGA Historical Center adjacent to the PGA Learning Center where the Summit is taking place.

"Most people are surprised at how small the statue is," explained Sharon Farnon, a member of the support staff of the PGA Historical Center, "but then they think about the effort and history of the trophy and their eyes get a lot bigger."

WHY WE'RE HERE: The Summit is a not only an opportunity to share great teaching philosophies but also learn new teaching technologies.

"Teaching is what sets the PGA Professional apart in the golf industry," said Master PGA Professional Tom Tatnall, a 44-year PGA Member and consultant to SkyGolf, one of the Summit's sponsors. "Anything that helps increase the ability of top teachers to teach is a worthy cause for our Association and for companies such as Sky Golf. The game will be played and enjoyed more hopefully because of us getting coming together here."

A HERO'S WELCOME: Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Air National Guard and a PGA Professional, was a surprise guest presenter on Friday. He gave an update on the foundation that he started, Patriot Golf Day, and how it helped raised almost $2 million this year for scholarships for children of wounded and deceased soldiers who served in overseas conflicts.

Rooney urged instructors to tailor their business practices to get involved in the program as well as encouraging them to overcome the challenges presented to them in difficult times. Rooney recently returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq.