Our first tournament of the spring 2022 season took us to an old stomping ground of mine, Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Innisbrook is where I first "cut my teeth" in the golf business. Florida is one of those places you hear people move to when they retire. It can also be a draw to those of us that enjoy outdoor sports, like golf, and want to pursue our career in what we love. That was what drew me to Innisbrook, one of the premier resorts at that time and destinations for the rich and famous. I worked in the golf shop where it wasn't unusual to bump into some famous people, like the time I sold swimming trunks to Jack Klugman, more recognized as the character Oscar in the infamous show The Odd Couple. Or the time I sold a pair of golf shoes to Tom Landry, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He left his playbook in the shop, I had to promptly call his room to let him know to come claim it before I sold it to the Steelers! I had to spend most of my time checking in golfers, folding shirts, taking inventory and learning the steps of stocking and ordering merchandise. I quickly learned that I would much rather be out on the lesson tee running clinics for all the guests. So, when I had the opportunity to head back to Penn State, my alma mater, and be an assistant coach, it was a change I enthusiastically welcomed.
Prior to leaving for the Big Ten Match Play that would take place at the Innisbrook Island Course, we always review what we know about the layout or any details important to share about our "opponent", the golf course. Unfortunately, I played most of my rounds while I was working there on the Sandpiper or the Copperhead, two of the three courses Innisbrook offered. Most of what I remembered about the Island Course were the ubiquitous fruit trees where we would steal the oranges and grapefruits. When we arrived for our practice round there were some familiar sites, like the condominiums built in the 70's which now seemed rather "dated" and the beautiful grounds and sites of the famous PGA tour stop course the Copperhead, however the Island Course appeared very different. Where fruit trees once lined the fairways there were now private homes. A sign of how time changes things, it is inevitable.
We as a team were experiencing our own "changes". For three and a half years we were used to traveling with one of our top players, Sarah Willis. Sarah recently injured herself during a practice session over the semester break. She had to stay back, and hopefully with some rest and consistent rehab she will be joining us once again very soon. No one would want to wish this on any athlete or team but sometimes change forces us to step up and take on new responsibilities. We now had three freshmen in our lineup. An opportunity for some players to experience life on the road and the excitement of collegiate competition. Freshmen are experiencing their own world of changes, from being away from home, old friends, making new friends, facing everyday challenges on their own and having to juggle college courses and the demands of being part of a Varsity team. Change can challenge us, yet it also helps us grow. Change can often be progress we just don't see while it's happening.
I often hear people complain about the changes to downtown State College, upset about the new construction and the closing of some of their favorite "stops". I certainly understand that, I still have days I feel melancholy that Spats is no longer open. However, in order for towns to thrive they must move with the times. They must adapt to the ever-changing demands and create newness. Newness can be uncomfortable, like when telling a player in order to improve, you must change the way you are working toward your goals. It is a constant dance to open them up to new ways to get the results they are seeking. When we fully embrace change it will shape us and help us adapt. I have always looked forward to "changing" the calendar to a new year, it brings me to that quiet place of reflection. The space that opens us up to improving and becoming more than we ever have been.
Yes, there are no more fruit trees on the Island Course, however perhaps by selling the land for people to build their homes, it has allowed the course to have a bright and sustainable future. It was our first Big Ten Match play event. The players enjoyed the different format from the usual stroke play tournaments we play in. They all felt it gave them an opportunity to get some great practice in at a time when we are mostly indoors at home. It was a "change" in our schedule. A change I would like to keep!
