I spent three months in South Africa in 1990 playing The Sunshine Tour.  It was my first year playing professionally, and it started me on a journey to playing the game properly, or as the South Africans pronounced it,”propaly”.

There were several notable and seasoned South African players who really showed me how to control spin and play in the wind.  My ball flight at the time was high and spinning.  My wedge play and short iron game was noticeably deficient by comparison to these players.  I was a young, arrogant rookie.  I had won four times in college and was a two-time All-American.  I thought I knew how to play the game and I was not even close.

In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, I played with Gavin Levinson, a journeyman of sorts but a very impressive player.  After the round in the locker room, I asked for some advice and critique of my game.  He said “You don’t play the game “propaly”, your trajectory sucks and you put way too much spin on the ball.  You fire at flags that make no sense and you’re always putting pressure on the golf ball and your game.”  I asked if he would work with me on it and he said, “Go get me a couple of Castle beers, and I will meet you on the chipping green.”

I doubt Gavin evens remembers me, but what he showed me that day opened my mind and senses to a different way to play.  He showed me low shots with a sand wedge that didn’t spin and get eaten up by the grainy greens.  He also encouraged me to play to “sides” of targets and be ok with simple pars.  He encouraged me to consider other options and not just the perfect shot every time.     

My game steadily improved over the next couple of years, and unfortunately, a wrist injury forced me out of playing for a living as I was just getting really comfortable with my game.  Since that time I have been teaching and coaching the game.  Trying to pass on what was such a benefit to me is my passion.  Propa Golf is a dream of mine to help all golfers, but especially younger generations who struggle with what I went through.

Propa Golf is a life’s journey, full of simple, wholesome information that works under pressure.  Let me help you get started with your journey.    

Bill McDonald