I have never actually met the man I am sitting with today. We have only chatted a few times on the phone and shared in a handful of emails. But from the moment I started talking to this guy I knew we were going to become friends. He likes to travel, which is a plus. He likes to play golf, which is plus. And he is good at golf, promising to help me learn how to make some putts. That is definitely a plus. He is down to earth, understands what it means to work hard, and is just a truly passionate individual. So I asked him if I could share his story with my readers. He was happy to, and was nearly excited about the chance to appear on this blog. If you are looking for this man on the golf course, good luck. He is either in the clubhouse working, on the range working on his swing, on the putting green perfecting his stroke, or on the course making birdies. It is my pleasure to bring to you the gman-GOLF aka Gerard Scheer.
How long have you been playing golf?
I have been playing golf for about twenty years.
What is your first memory of the game?
The first birdie I ever made. It was on the first hole of a par 3 golf course with my father and I played a lot while growing up. I hit a shot that barely made it off the ground but rolled 140 yards or so to the edge of the green. There, I was able to roll in a putt of 75 feet or so. Pretty cool stuff! After that I was hooked!
What is your current handicap?
I am currently playing to zero (scratch). I have been trying to compete in as many events that my schedule allows me to but with the knee injury and the demands of teaching the game I am not quite where I need to be in order to compete full time. The short-term goal is to get to a plus 1 or 2 by the end of the fall.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I was involved with a lot sports while growing up including basketball, soccer, and baseball. Golf was something I did with my father to spend time together. It did not take long to fall in love with the game, abandon all other sports, and begin my travels on a road to professional golf.
Tell me about the “Think Tank” that you are associated with.
The “Think Tank” is my personal home teaching studio. With the help, and permission, of my wife Meredith I was able to transform our garage into a home teaching studio. Being from the northeast it is somewhat difficult to keep my game in shape during the off-season. My studio allows me to not only give lessons during the winter but to also work on my game and keep my tools sharp too!
Do you like working at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston?
I love it! The Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston gave me my first official start into the golf business and I owe a lot to many individuals who have come and gone through the years. The AVCC family is a big part of my life and I will always hold a special place in my heart for their kindness, generosity and most importantly their friendship.
You give a lot of lessons. I miss a lot of putts on the low side of the cup. Can you provide me, and the other readers out there who suffer the same things, any advice for making more putts?
We have all heard that putting is more than 50% of the game. This is a proven fact. I feel that golfers who miss putts on the low side are not hitting the ball hard enough. 100% of all putts that are short never go in. Practice your speed by looking at the hole while putting. Take the emphasis off of the line and practice by “feeling” a good solid stroke. Players who concentrate on the line too much usually leave the ball short or miss on the low side of the cup. A great drill that you can do is to place a tee in the back-side of the cup. Hit a lot of straight five footers while looking at the tee. Resist the temptation of watching the ball while you make your stroke. Putting is all about feel! Feel what it is like to make a stroke and you will be well on your way to holing more putts.
Have you ever had a hole in one?
No holes-in-one but I have had a double-eagle. (Note that a double-eagle is a two on a part five.) Some say this is more rare than hole-in-one. It was kind of cool! Foggy day, downhill 5-par…driver, 5-wood nothing but net baby!
What is the lowest round you have ever shot?
67…Don’t really remember it too much, I just remember having a lot of fun doing it! Hopefully there are a lot of low rounds left in my golfing career…maybe even one that starts with a 5?
The highest?
110…in my first big event as an amateur. Counted every stroke and posted my score. That’s the way it should be done. These guys who no-card or withdraw from an event because they are embarrassed with their score should be shot! If you tee it up you post your score! No excuses!
Thanks to you I am now reading Global Golf Post almost everyday. What is your affiliation with them?
The Global Golf Post is one of the most informative pieces of golf news that I know of…it is free and it is web-based which means no more piles of magazines cluttering up my home! Everything you need, as far as golf news is concerned, can be found by accessing your inbox. Global Golf Post will email you a link to the latest issue on a weekly basis, usually first thing Monday mornings after the completion of most major touring events. Simple, clean, quick info at the click of a mouse, how easy is that?
Speaking of affiliations, whom else are you working with right now?
Callaway, Eyeline Golf, PGA of America, US Kids Golf, Titleist Performance Institute, Sport & Orthopedic Physical Therapy to name a few.
I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. You are a Boston Red Sox fan.
Yankee fan Ricky? See you in the playoffs baby!
But then again, you also use Apple products.
Best technology on the planet in my opinion! iMac, Macbook, iPhone…come on dude! How can you go wrong!
What’s in your golf bag?
- Callaway 10.5 Degree FT-iZ I-Mix Driver
- Callaway Diablo 4-Wood
- Callaway Diablo 3-Hybrid
- Callaway Diablo Forged Irons 4-PW
- Callaway Jaws Wedge System 52,56,60 Degree
- Taylor-Made Monza Spider Putter
What is your passion when it comes to your fashion? What sort of statement are you trying to make?
I love color, plain and simple! People, from time to time, comment on the outfits that I wear. I sometimes hear “boy I wish I could pull that outfit off” or “Wow, are you trying to blind someone with those colors?” Why should I dress like everyone else? I am who I am and there is no changing that…I know what I like and I will never let anyone else determine what I do, say, or wear!
You have an insane playing schedule this year. How do you find time to play that much, practice to stay on the top of your game, and still work?
Playing and practicing has been a struggle thus far. I have been concentrating on getting healthy since March and I still have a long way to go. The tournament schedule that I put together in the beginning of the 2010 season was a best-case scenario. Unfortunately, my game has slipped a little due to my injuries and a somewhat over-loaded work schedule. I have been in the process of putting together a winter playing schedule. This should give me ample time to prepare for some events in the West Palm Beach area of Florida during the winter months.
What is the one golf course that you have always wanted to play but never had the chance to get on?
St. Andrew’s; the home of golf. Need I say more? But someday my friend, someday!
You play a lot on the east coast. Ever make it to the west coast to play?
Not yet, although I am planning on making a trip out there really soon. Maybe with my wife, maybe with the fellas. I am not quite sure when and where but I know that I will get there soon!
Do you prefer to walk or ride when playing casually?
I love to walk when I play whether it be in a tournament or during a casual round. Unfortunately, due to the two surgical procedures that I had done to my left knee over the past few years , it has been difficult to do so. I am trying to get back into shape and build some strength back into my legs. Hopefully with the help of my friend and physical therapist, Paddy Jarit, I will be able to walk the links on a full time basis really soon.
You put a lot of focus on goal setting in your teaching. What are some current goals of your own?
Becoming the best person and player I can possibly be, plain and simple.
What is the Branded Academy?
In November of 2009 I partnered with Interactive Frontiers, makers of the #1 rated Digital Coaching Software in the country. Together, we developed a branded golf academy tailored specifically for my students and gman-golf.com. I feel that video feedback is imperative in the development of any player and the GMan-Golf Branded Academy provides an online storage “locker” for my students to access their own video lessons from any computer or smart phone in the world.
Tell me about your experience at Methodist University.
What a place! What an experience! Methodist University allowed me to grow as a person as well as a golfer. Best five years, yes five, of my life! When not in class I played golf four-five days per week, mostly in the neighboring hills of Pinehurst, North Carolina. Tough life huh? The Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Methodist was, and still is, on of the best training grounds for young people who are interested in pursuing a membership into the PGA of America.
So on a typical Sunday afternoon where can I find you?
You can find me teaching at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Connecticut.
What do you drink out on the course to stay hydrated?
Lots of water mixed with Amino Vital. This product really helps me to stay focused and energized during a round of golf. I have been using this product for about two years and I have definitely seen a difference in my play, especially coming down the stretch of the back nine.
How important is a golfer’s fitness in today’s game?
Well, since golf is one of the worst sports for your body I would have to say that fitness is extremely important for any caliber of golfer. From touring professional to the weekend player, it is a proven fact that having a sound golf-specific regimen will allow you to play longer in life with less potential for injury. A fit golfer will have a better chance to shoot lower scores…what are you waiting for? Seek out a local fitness professional, preferably TPI Certified, and have them develop a program that is in line with your golfing goals.
Explain your typical workout routine.
Cardiovascular, abdominal work, golf-specific stretching followed by weight training. Stretching is the key, stretch as much as possible to keep your muscles loose and limber.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Playing the best golf of my life. I will let you figure out the details.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
As a person who put his best foot forward in order to accomplish his goals.
I always let the bands that I interview get the last word. Why not you? Go.
Protect your dreams!
[…] Catching Up with the gman-GOLF aka Gerard J Scheer | rickyleepotts … ← Used Golf Clubs – What You Need to Know Before You Buy Quality Putter Set | […]
Great interview, Ricky!