Tales Of The Tour #10 Stock Shot Secrets

Welcome to another episode of "Tales of the Tour," your go-to podcast that peeks behind the curtain of life on a professional golf tour. In this episode, hosts Kyle and Lesley Morris share insights and anecdotes from Kyle's turbulent yet rewarding journey as a professional golfer, exploring both high-pressure moments and the lighter side of life on the tour. Here’s a detailed overview of the episode’s contents:
### The Emotional Rollercoaster of Professional Golf
Kyle begins by recounting a particularly challenging moment during a qualifier for the Sony Open in Hawaii. Missing the qualification by just one shot after dealing with a mud ball, Kyle opens up about the emotional toll such moments take on professional golfers. He contrasts this with mention of current top players like Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, noting that while they are experiencing winning streaks, many professionals often endure more losses than wins. This part of the discussion highlights the inherent challenges and pressures of professional golf, where highs are celebrated but lows can be devastating.
### The Impact of Location and Circumstances
Adding a personal touch, Lesley mentions the dynamics of their relationship when it comes to traveling for tournaments—highlighting how certain decisions, like traveling alone to Hawaii, impact their personal lives. The conversation naturally flows into the mental and emotional makeup required to handle such separations and the impact they have not just on the player, but also on their families.
### Finding Consolation in Golf’s Intricacies
Despite the hardships, Kyle shares his continued love for the game, emphasizing how he cherishes the practice and process over the competitive aspect, especially now that he no longer plays professionally. This transition from professional to leisure golfer unfolds through a candid discussion about enjoying golf without the pressures of professional play, including having a drink on the course, which Kyle humorously notes was a no-go during his professional days.
### Coaching and Guidance
The conversation takes a deeper dive into coaching as Kyle reminisces about working with renowned coach Mike Bender. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his playing style and approach, crediting Bender with providing clear, understandable advice that profoundly influenced his performance. Kyle's appreciation for the 'why' behind the advice is a key takeaway, underlining the importance of understanding the rationale to fully integrate technical adjustments into one’s game.
### Life Beyond the Game
As former competitors in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCA), Kyle and Lesley discuss the enriching experiences offered by the association, from community service opportunities to the supportive environment at tournaments. This segment illustrates how golf served as a medium for personal growth and community engagement, rather than just a competitive sport.
### Recollections of Specific Tournaments
Kyle shares thrilling memories of specific tournaments where he performed extraordinarily well, achieving scores like 23 under in 36 holes. These recollections serve as a testament to his skill and the effectiveness of the coaching he received, as well as the mental and physical preparation that goes into such achievements.
### Expectations vs. Reality
Lesley and Kyle discuss the realities of life on tour, including financial stability, the logistics of travel, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life. They touch upon past experiences with accommodations and travel arrangements humorously reflecting on their naiveté regarding things like credit card points and benefits, which they find invaluable now.
### Closing Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Kyle and Lesley encourage listeners to explore and appreciate golf not just as a sport,...