Читать книгу Your Best Shot - Jorge Croda - Страница 7

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet Jorge Croda through a mutual friend. As Jorge and I got to know each other, it became clear that we had some personal and professional beliefs in common. Chief among them was the concept that golf offers wonderful opportunities and learning tools for growth in life that extend far beyond the sport. We have both felt compelled over the years to "give back" to others through the game of golf and that led us to cement a great friendship between us and the common goal of sharing the gift of golf with everyone.

My personal journey into golf began by accident when I was just eleven years old. I didn't realize it at the time, but the sport would become a catalyst for my journey into adulthood. At the time of this writing, I have now played golf for fifty years and I can honestly say that golf has shaped and shaped me both personally and professionally in a deep and meaningful way. Almost everything I am as a husband, father, teacher, coach, leader and friend has been influenced by golf and its many inherent values and learning opportunities. Golf has taken me to amazing places, helped me meet wonderful people and guided me to my current position as Executive Director of First Tee - Fort Worth. I am fortunate to be involved in the act of gifting thousands of young people in our community with this lifelong game that is associated with life skills and character development tools.

In Jorge I have found a kindred spirit. His journey through the game of life and golf has been different than mine, but has certainly been marked by the same learning, inspiration and opportunities. Jorge would be the first to tell you that he too has been indelibly changed for the better by his love of golf, and believes it can be a positive and uplifting life tool for building a successful existence. Based on the lessons learned in golf, Jorge has often overcome extreme circumstances and pressure situations to experience amazing success in his personal and professional pursuits. At the core of Jorge's belief system is the concept of servant leadership, which led him to explore and develop ways to help others succeed through key concepts in learning golf that also apply to life.

Now it is your turn to learn from Jorge and the contributors to this book about the power of golf to build a fulfilling life. I invite you to dive into this book and, hopefully, reading it will give you an idea of why golf is a metaphor for life and how it can provide you with fundamental learning opportunities, growth, physical and mental health and the power of friendship, as well as the ability to serve and lead others by playing a sport that can last a lifetime. From the opening pages, which dispel myths about golf, to the scientific and practical applications that will help you better understand the layers that make the game so engaging, Jorge will guide you down a path of curiosity and discovery.

If you're a long-time golf enthusiast, or have never picked up a golf club in your life, I think you'll be inspired to join the ranks of golfers who are continually learning through the sport.

Enjoy and hope to see you in the field!

Kevin Long

Executive Director First Tee - Fort Worth

Life Long Golfer and Learner