I’ve shared this story with a lot of people, and even had it featured in the Zanesville Times-Recorder (headline: “Engineering student, golf pro Chow now manages Virtues”) — but every time I revisit it, I’m reminded how deeply one day on the course taught me about mindset.
The Stage in Arizona
It was during a mini-tour event in Arizona. The day felt perfect. I shot a 67 — maybe a 68. Whatever—you know that feeling when you play great and even surprise yourself? I felt like the “little shit,” so proud. I finished early, and stood at the scoring table by myself, soaking it in.
The first group came back with scores of 71, 69, and 73. Not one person beat me. I was cocky, sure I’d done enough.
Then it happened. The next group posted 61, 65, and 60. I turned pale. My heart sank. By the end, I placed T-27 — out of a 50-ish player field. Twenty-six players had shot better than my “great” round.
The Aftermath in My Mind
I replayed that round in my head for days. I thought maybe I could’ve gotten lucky and picked up a couple of strokes, but shooting 60 nothing, on a breezy Arizona course? Impossible. I couldn’t sleep.
Meeting the Mindset Game-Changer
Then I connected with the guy who shot 61 with nine birdies in a row that day. Listening to his round, I realized the difference between us: he wasn’t playing against par; he was playing for birdies. Taking any opportunity when he had favorable conditions, or even trying to force a birdie here or there. I had played not to lose, not to break, not to mess up.
The Turnaround
That conversation changed me. It planted a seed. Two years later, I shot a round with four eagles—and a 70. That’s when I finally realized: I had transitioned from a guy protecting scores to a man who actively hunted scoring opportunities. I was a scorer, not just someone surviving the round.
What This Taught Me
Strategies and skills matter, but mindset is everything. You can shoot 67 and feel unbeatable—or shoot 67 and watch thirty players pass you. The outcome doesn’t always reflect your effort, but your mindset shapes how far you can really go.
newspaper feature that covered part of the story.)