Ron del Barrio, Teaching Professional
Los Angeles
ABOUT DR. GARY BROWN
During my years as a teaching golf professional here in Southern California, I've come across a number of situations in which new and advanced students have progressed to a certain point only to plateau in their ability to perform at a higher level. Typically, in addition to needing to learn more about their own potential in terms of swing mechanics, they also need to develop more as a golfer from a psychological perspective.
While I was comfortable teaching my students about swing mechanics, I was also looking for someone who could help them advance in terms of the mental skills needed to play at a higher level. Last year I was introduced to Dr. Gary Brown who sought me out to help him further develop his swing.
Immediately, we clicked as student and instructor. One of the first things that struck me about Gary as a student was how he completely opened himself up, much like a large sponge, to my instruction. His own enthusiasm to learn coupled with his ability to put his ego aside is impressive.
What I didn’t know when I was first introduced to him, was that in addition to his private practice, Gary also teaches golfers how to develop what he calls the “psychological underpinnings” of the game. Upon hearing this, I was delighted. I asked Gary about his work in this area. He gave me an initial overview about mental mechanics and I became a student of his as well.
Increasing numbers of dedicated golfers, at all levels, are consulting him, wanting to take their game to the next level. The word is getting out that his approach to the game is helping golfers to develop an easy and more positive mental approach to themselves and to the game.
An avid golfer himself, Gary’s enthusiasm for the game is utterly contagious! A loyal following of his students truly appreciate that Gary himself plays the game at least two to three times a week, so he knows from first-hand experience, just what their intimate struggles are and the joy of new accomplishments and new confidence when reaching that next level. His students include brand new golfers to the game, competing amateurs, golf instructors, and touring professionals. Unlike some who dabble in general “sports psychology” and who attempt to use a one size fits all “system”, Gary works with golfers and only golfers.
On a very personal note, Gary is not your typical “shrink” who may tend to get too “intellectual” or overly analytical about the game or who hide behind licenses, degrees, and credentials…which he has in abundance. He teaches from a basic, easy to understand, common sense approach.
His overall conversational style and sense of humor seems to help allay many of his student’s natural fears about approaching the mental side of the game. In his work, he attempts to remove what he terms the “unnecessary mystique” about this area of the game. In addition, Gary’s students quickly come to realize and feel that he is genuinely interested in their growth and development, both on and off the golf course. As a result, I eagerly refer many of my own students to Gary. If you get the opportunity to work with him, I heartily encourage you to grab it!
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Ron del Barrio, Teaching Professional Los Angeles |