USMC Ret. Colonel Andrew 'Drew' Smith - Routines, Discipline and Preparedness and why they are so important for golf and life.

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Andrew 'Drew' Smith is a Ret. USMC (United States Marine Corps) Colonel. Some of you may be thinking what does a retired Marine Corps Colonel have to do with the game of golf and it's funny because Colonel Smith (Ret.) asked me the same thing. If I can back up a bit, we met through a mutual friend, Andy Hinson who is the Director of Golf at The Legends at Paris Island. Andy thought Colonel Smith would be a great guest on the show and I agreed 100%. Colonel Smith initially agreed to be on the show but and then had some hesitation. It was only hesitation because he wanted to ensure he was providing value in whatever it is he's doing. He told me 'I'm not sure I understand how a Marine and golf podcast tie in together? I'm really not sure I'm the best person to do this.' I asked him to join me for lunch and during the course of the conversation I asked if he was a golfer and he said 'Yes'. I asked him a second question, "When playing do you have the discipline to stick to your routine?' he replied, "I have one but I'm not disciplined as much as I should be in sticking to it.” I had one last question which was, 'What organization around the world is known for their discipline and their ability to maintain routines?' He got a big smile on his face and he said, "You're right, I'm in."

For those that may be unfamiliar with somethings in the military, the Marine Corps is known to be one of the most disciplined branches of the military and sticking to their routine without fail. For anyone that plays golf you know that is one of the most important things you are supposed to do. 

Not only do we discuss discipline, routines, and preparedness and why they're so important but we also go back to the genesis of each, and how to develop them. We get into leadership and trust and how to develop those whether you're in an organization, a golf facility/club, a player and caddie or an instructor and player. We also talk about his development in golf, his military career and advancement in the Marine Corps and so much more. 

He's a great guy, an amazing leader and whether you're a golfer or not I'm sure you're going to enjoy listening to him and all he has to say.

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​Golf 360 came about from a theory I wrote a decade ago called The Golf Paradigm. This theory was in the process of becoming a master’s thesis and book until life got in the way and time didn't allow it. It is something I came up with after spending over 30 years in golf. During that time, I was fortunate enough to have met, become friends with or worked with some exceptional people. Some of them were within the industry while others were outside of it but they all had phenomenal information that helped me improve as a player, a coach and a person. Whether it was a world-renowned coach, genius club fitter or engineer, ground breaking health professional or therapist, fantastic mental coach or psychologist or someone that understood how to utilize all of these to the benefit of the whole, they are some amazing people. There were also many others, all highly accomplished and from various fields; the business world, other professional athletes, and many more that were kind enough to pass along the knowledge they had acquired over a lifetime of work. Not only did their input help me as a touring professional, it also helped me in life and with my current teaching position with the The Golf Paradigm Academy. I wanted to take my good fortune of having access to so many people and bring that to you so you could apply it to your own game and life. With such a wide array of people I thought why not call it 'Golf 360'

The common denominator with all of the guests is they have two things in common 1) they were very highly accomplished and exceptional in their field and 2) they were more than willing to share their knowledge, experiences and pearls of wisdom with me and many others who were more than willing to learn and improve themselves in their games, business or life. 

I hope you enjoy listening to each of the guests and can utilize the information they pass along; whether its a story, an experience or fascinating information so you can continue to improve your game and life.

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This podcast is brought to you in part by Old South Golf Links. A short ride across the bridge from Hilton Head Island is one of the areas finest golf courses, and a hidden treasure. Set up on towering pines and ancient oaks with sweeping marsh vistas truly makes Old South Golf Links a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. The Clyde Johnston design was named one of the Top 10 New Public Courses when it opened, it also takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the Low Country. Old South is also a fun and unique challenge for golfers of every level and a favorite of both locals and visitors. The finishing stretch has some of the most scenic and toughest holes in the area. The par four 16th is classic target golf with fairway placement off the tee crucial to success. Tidal marshland’s the length of #17 and prevailing winds determine club selection and scoring. Whether its your first time here or you’re a regular you will be treated and feel like family. From the bag drop to check-in at the fully stocked pro shop with both men’s and women’s apparel to breakfast or lunch before or after your round the staff is ready to help you. Experience for yourself why Old South is one of the premiere golf courses in the Hilton Head area and why it will quickly become a favorite of yours too. Visit them in person or online at www.oldsouthgolf.com  or call the pro shop at 843-785-5353.

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Any questions, feedback or insight from this episode? What did you learn most and what did you like best? What should be added for future episodes? Please post your answer in the 'Comments' below:

​During our discussion you'll learn more about...

​Connect with Andrew Smith on LinkedIn 

Why the USMC as a career?
Growing up in a Marine family
His career path and a sense of adventure
Growing up in Hawaii to the University of Oklahoma then onto Quantico and OCS (Officer Candidate School)
Following a process or focusing on a goal?
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Goals - Infantry Officer, Rifle Company Commander, Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer
Routines, Discipline, Preparedness and the making of Marines (Honor, Courage, and Commitment)
Recruiting and the process of selection
Admiral McCraven and his speech on 'Make Your Bed' - read the transcript OR watch the video
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