Date: December 13, 2007
Author: Adam Lucius at The Australian
World-class Australian golfer Aaron Baddeley started with a few confessions when he arrived to take Pymble Golf Club&aposs finest juniors through their paces prior to the MFS Australian Open. He admitted as a teenager he was a poor putter. He also said it was the love of the game – not the money or prestige – that has driven his rise to 18 on the world rankings. Baddeley told the Pymble juniors: “I&aposm known as a very good putter but back when I was 15, I wasn&apost.” “I was a very bad putter to be honest. But I worked hard at it and practised, which is why I have improved today.” “You&aposre not born a great driver or a great putter. You&aposve got to practice a lot to become good.” On his approach to the game, the 26-year-old divulged: “I took up golf because I loved playing it, not because I wanted to be a professional.” “Just have fun and enjoy the game. That&aposs the best thing I can say to you today.” “I read golf magazines, I watch golf on TV, I live it and I love it.” Pymble Golf Club director Peter Vrachas doubles as the juniors&apos co-ordinator and was blown away by Baddeley&aposs professionalism and easy-going manner. He said the visit had provided great inspiration to the 70 10-17 year olds fortunate enough to spend an hour with Baddeley. “He was a class act a superb person,” Vrachas enthused. “He was very personable and relaxed and related well with the kids.” Baddeley started with a 20 minute chat on swing. He then conducted several one on ones with the kids and analysed their swings and gave valuable tips. He then went through driving, putting, the mental side of the game and gave his thoughts on the sport and his place in it. “You can&apost under-estimate the value of a session like that,” Vrachas said. “One word of encouragement from someone like Aaron does wonders for kids of that age.” “He was very inspiring. The kids all headed out to the course straight after his visit and put into practice what he&aposd taught them.” “They will never forget the time they had with him and hopefully we can have similar visits from leading players in the future.”