Horace Mitchell: Life Lessons Learned on the Golf Course

The Wall Street Times Staff

Horrace Mitchell found his calling in an unexpected place – the lush greens of Palmer Park Golf Course. Since 1974, Mitchell has been transforming the golf course into a classroom, teaching lessons that extend far beyond perfecting a swing or sinking a putt.

Don’t let the title fool you. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill golf manual. Instead, Mitchell’s guide is a roadmap for life, using golf as a metaphor for the challenges we all face. At its heart are three key principles: attitude, aptitude, and execution. These aren’t just golf techniques but strategies for success in any endeavor.

What sets Mitchell’s approach apart is his laser focus on the mental game. While many instructors fixate on physical technique, Mitchell believes the true battleground is in the mind. “The mental is what keeps and holds everything together,” he often says, a mantra that applies as much to life’s hurdles as it does to navigating a tricky fairway.

Mitchell’s path hasn’t always been smooth. Growing up in Detroit, he faced the challenges many urban youth encounter. But golf opened new doors, exposing him to a world beyond his neighborhood. He vividly recalls watching pros from the Chitterlings Tour, a circuit for Black golfers aspiring to join the PGA. Pursuing their dreams in the face of adversity, these dedicated athletes left an indelible mark on Mitchell’s psyche.

Inspired by these experiences, Mitchell has made it his mission to pay it forward. Through his work with the Hollywood Golf junior program, he’s guided seven students to the PGM Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where they’ve graduated with PGA cards. For Mitchell, this isn’t just about creating good golfers but shaping good people.

Mitchell’s teachings extend beyond the technicalities of golf. He emphasizes the importance of routine and tempo, not just in swinging a club but in approaching life’s challenges. “The routine gives the mind the proper things to focus on,” he explains, “while the tempo allows you to get out of the way of what has been created.”

These aren’t just empty words for Mitchell. He’s applied these principles throughout his life, in business and personal endeavors. From the age of 18, when his father told him that life itself is a business, Mitchell has approached every challenge with the same mental rigor he brings to golf.

One of Mitchell’s core beliefs is encapsulated in his oft-repeated phrase: “If it is not winning, it is not working.” But winning, in Mitchell’s book, isn’t just about outscoring your opponent. It’s about continuous improvement, facing challenges head-on, and striving to be the best version of yourself.

Mitchell’s impact reaches far beyond the golf course. His teachings have resonated with people from all walks of life, from young athletes to business professionals. He believes that the mental strategies learned through golf can be applied to any field, helping individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Despite his success, Mitchell remains humble, attributing his insights to life experience and divine guidance. He often reminds his students that “the energy comes from God,” encouraging them to trust in a higher power while doing their part through mental and physical preparation.

As Mitchell continues to share his wisdom through his book, website, and podcast, he hopes to reach an even wider audience. His message is clear: success starts in the mind, whether in golf or in life. By mastering our thoughts and approaches, we can overcome any challenge.

Mitchell’s journey from a young golfer in Detroit to a respected mentor and author is a testament to the transformative power of sport. His story reminds us that with the right mindset, we can turn any passion into a vehicle for personal growth and community impact.

As Mitchell would say, your life is your business. How you approach it determines your success. So why not give your mental game the attention it deserves? You might be surprised at how it transforms not just your golf score but your entire life perspective.