Talk To Your Self

Bill Wallen: Positive Self Talk

Bill Wallen: Positive Self Talk
Ever have one of those rounds where you just want to be somewhere else? Or better yet, someone else? We all go through it, but Bill Wallen doesn’t let it get to him. “When things are not going well during a round I try to remind myself that I love myself,” says Wallen, an eight-year PGA teaching professional out of Aspen, Colorado. “I tell myself that I’m a good person. The thought of being a worthless or weak person tries to infiltrate my mind, but I just counter it with self talk that’s positive,” adds Wallen.

Not surprisingly, Wallen’s upbeat attitude and self-confident approach to the game of golf is a hit with students. In addition, Wallen keeps it simple and helps students put the game in perspective. Wallen does this by sharing one swing thought at a time to encourage focus and trust while building the student’s swing. “My students walk away with a good understanding of what they need to do prior to each shot,” says Wallen. “Once they have one swing thought memorized and practiced, I’ll give them a new swing thought, thus building their swing while always keeping them focused on the task and target.”

So it was with one of Wallen’s favorite students, a junior golfer who took a wide stance and a power baseball swing to the ball every time. “He couldn’t believe he could hit it farther with less effort and a few changes,” recalls Wallen. “I got him to trust me, to change and now he’s on the golf team at his school shooting in the 70’s,” smiles Wallen. Staying positive and earning his students’ faith keep Wallen in the game and having fun. He enjoys teaching because he likes working with people and helping them achieve their goals. “I like having fun, too,” adds Wallen, “and when students improve, I have fun.”

Wallen first picked up a club at age four, and it was almost like the game chose him. He played in high school at New Trier West and participated in Country Club events as a young adult. A graduate of Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, Wallen worked at a golf course while looking for a “real job,” but soon discovered he was already doing what he loved. Now a PGA member and frequent competitor in Colorado PGA Section events, Wallen’s commitment to the game has brought him success via his own play and the accomplishments of his students.

Out on the course, Wallen loves to play the intermediate wedge shot from 50 yards in. Just the other day, he made one for eagle and a few bills. His best practice opportunities come when he’s playing, but Wallen will also hit a few extra balls while alone to gain insight. “I tend to ‘play myself into shape’ on the course,” says Wallen, who adds that the best part of his game is his emotional competitiveness. The hardest shots Wallen remembers facing were during his Player’s Ability Test – all requiring him to save par, and he felt incredible tension. He recalls, too, playing for big cash on the final hole of a Sunset Ridge Country Club event before a huge crowd and holing out for the win. “It was the most rewarding shot I ever made,” says Wallen.

Wallen enjoys playing the Olympic’s Club Lake Course above all others, and he particularly likes it early in the morning with a friend as the fog burns off. He’d hop a plane to Pebble Beach, too, given a chance. Not terribly superstitious, Wallen likes to wear light colors so the sun won’t feel too hot. He often uses black tees. In keeping with his eternal optimism, Wallen is motivated by success stories like Paul Azinger’s, and he is inspired to appreciate what he has when he sees others with far less who are positive, warm and giving.

A 16-year resident of Aspen, Wallen is married to Snow Simms. Though he doesn’t have a lot of extra time, he enjoys skiing, tennis and sailing when the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, you’ll likely find him on the lesson tee helping another golfer see progress. “I recommend players take lessons from the same person over a period of time – someone who is a great instructor and keeps it simple,” says Wallen. Why not take Wallen up on his suggestion? E-mail him at spud@sopris.net. Thanks for sharing, Bill!

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