Steve Palazzolo
PGA Professional, Philadelphia Section
A small golf story. A magnificent story of imagination.
George Hall, US Air Force Colonel, was flying above North Vietnamese when his plane was shot down in 1965. This would be the beginning of seven grueling years in captivity as a POW while the U.S. was at war with Vietnam. Receiving only enough water and food to keep him alive, he spent all his time in a small, dark, gruesome box. Before the war, Hall enjoyed his beloved game of golf as a 4 handicap. For those non-golfers, this is an average score better than 90% of golfers out there. As he wanted to keep the game close to his heart and keep it alive in his mind, Hall envisioned playing a full round of golf each day for those seven years. As a full round of golf takes approximately 4 hours, his imagination encompassed the full 4 hours of golf each day stuck inside a 10' x 10' box. Opportunity was no longer left up to chance but to the far-fetched idea that he might be discovered from something someone may have seen the day he went down or the direction in which his plane had spiraled to the ground. But here, instead, was on the mind of Hall.. Beautifully bringing each blade of grass to life, relishing the steps down the fairway with intent, inviting the essence of the sounds brought by the birds and the pleasant scatter of animals in the brush, Hall was truly able to capture the atmosphere of the golf course. Hitting each shot so precisely with a splendid note for feel and impact, he developed a repeatable routine for hitting the shot he desired. Remaining completely in the moment, he felt each shot vividly, seeing each flight through space, appreciating his day giving smiles to others by his side savoring the serenity of the course, as well. But more importantly, his efforts embody the power of the human mind. And here’s how…
The single-most defining factor, separating our ability to transform imagination into a reality instead of a lingering idea for the future, is visualizing as if it were a tangible dimension existing, here and now. If this is an innate sense we carry through our days, reality will follow suit and will be manifested immensely. After seven years, Hall was released and returned home. Within a week, he signed up for the Greater New Orleans Open, still a golf tournament existing today renamed 'The Zurich Classic of New Orleans'. LOSING 100 POUNDS and NEVER touching a golf club for seven years, Hall played up to his handicap and shot 76 in his first round back. This is astounding. For any golfer, they will understand how IMPOSSIBLE this score would be to shoot.
In this lesson, Hall demonstrated his will to better mankind by piloting that plane that day. And when he was shut off from the world, he did the one thing he could do to better mankind. TO BETTER HIMSELF. To better the expanse of his mind. His way of thinking. His imagination really speaks for itself. Through the imagination of Hall, he really still did what he could to influence mankind in a positive way by thinking positively.
In this short story, we do not describe a final outcome or result, but simply continued progress along your journey towards a life based upon longevity. As Florida and all its' natural beauties hold a place in my heart, I will share a similar story of imagination. As we have delved into the science and overall effects on our well-being, the natural world has a much greater influence on our minds through more extravagant patterns and seamlessly never-ending sights displayed to you by the Earth’s natural wealth of plants, trees, bodies of water, grass, and rock in which Hall was able to capture ALL WITHIN HIS MIND. In Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ 'The Everglades: River of Grass', she describes her purpose of her account of the beauty found in Florida’s most precious and diverse habitat, the Florida Everglades. She describes her reason as, “it is hoped that this excellent account of the area and its history may provide the needed stimulus for the establishment of an intelligent conservation program for the entire Everglades” (Douglas). NEEDED STIMULI --> account of environment/studies --> account of elemental makeup and bodily functions --> the preservation of mind and the physical wealth of the environment. These go hand in hand. This is the attitude we need to have for the entire world! We will discuss more of Marjory Stoneman Douglas' work in the Everglades and environmental protection but a short mention here describes her imagination of the natural world and her influence on others that in effect, saved so much of the environment.
Thanks for reading! Here is a photo of the Colonel!