Last month I took the plunge and finally sought professional help with my golf game. For decades I’ve lived with a ball flight that on good days I called a fade but on most days sliced liked the devil. So with a new found determination I hooked up with PGA Professional Pat Sullivan at The Links at Union Vale and I have begun what I hope is a journey to better golf. I have chronicled my lessons here and here and when I showed up on the range for that first lesson I told Pat, (my new best friend) that I had three goals: get rid of the slice, more consistent ball striking and to be able to beat my brother. He chuckled and said they were realistic if I could put in the work. So far it’s a work in progress.
But, I like many hackers was reluctant to make the decision to get professional help and that was a mistake. Heck if you’re sick you go to a doctor so why not seek some assistance from a skilled professional for my game. My game was ill and hopefully Pat is my cure.
After spending time with Pat it’s easy to see that he’s a man who enjoys his job and he makes those around him comfortable and that’s not easy when your putting your game on display and he’s trying to get hackers to play like a player. From the time I have spent with Pat I can see he’s a patient and skilled teacher with a easy going demeanor that has yet to utter a negative comment about anything. And believe me I have given him ample reasons to criticize but he’s more a positive reinforcement kind of guy. And that’s not easy in this game.
He answered a few questions for me and given his responses it’s plain to see that it’s more than the game that he enjoys. It’s the history, the lifestyle, the friendships and the camaraderie…things many of us cherish, that lights his fire for this game.
How did you get started playing golf?
My father played and I would hit balls around the yard with him now and then. When I was about 11 he got a new set of clubs and gave me his old ones. I’m left handed by nature but he played righty so I play righty. Left handed equipment was not as available then as it is now. I actually think playing right handed has helped me in that my more dominant hand, my left, is in more control of the golf club. Interestingly, Ben Hogan was left handed and played right handed. So maybe I’m in good company.
Can you tell me your path to The Links at Union Vale? Where else have you worked?
During college summer vacations I worked at a few local places. I rangered at the old Carvel Golf Course, worked maintenance at Beekman and worked the driving range at James Baird. In 2000 after college I started working at the Links at the bag drop. The pro here at the time was going through the GPTP or Golf Professional Training Program. I was interested, got involved and went through the program myself. In 2003 I took the 1st Assistant/Teaching Professional job at Mount Kisco Country Club and worked there for 9 years. I was offered and accepted the Head Pro position at the Links in 2012 and have been here since.
If you could only give one tip to your students, what would it be?
Swing the club. Don’t steer it or aim it, swing with speed. I always preach fundamentals but I want players to feel like they can swing the club naturally and not get to caught up in mechanics. Especially for newer players.
What’s the best part of a pro’s day?
For me, I have a couple parts I really enjoy. I love getting the course in morning. I’m not sure of exactly what it is, but you smell the cut grass, feel the sun and everyone is excited to play. It is a motivating feeling. The other part of my day I enjoy is working with players on the lesson tee. It always feels good anytime I can help someone with their game.
The founding members of the Links at Union Vale were Irish Golf Clubs from Yonkers, so I have read. Are those founding members still active at the club?
Yes, very active. We have Member tournaments every Saturday and Sunday. We also have a standing block of times we hold for Members mid morning on Wednesdays. Additionally, those Irish Clubs you mentioned have regular tournaments here as well. They are passionate golfers and are always welcoming of new members and newcomers to The Links.
Besides the Links of course…do you have a favorite course?
After the Links I have a lot of courses that I like to play but not one that stands out as my absolute favorite. I thought for a few minutes when I read that question and the courses that continue to come to mind were two nine hole courses I played growing. Dutcher golf course in Pawling, which is the oldest 9 hole course in America. And the Quaker Hill Country Club, which is also in Pawling and was our home course for high school matches. Those two courses are where I learned and fell in love with the game and I get that old familiar feeling every time I play one of them.
How about a few courses you would like to play but haven’t yet?
Of course I would love to play Augusta National. I’ve at least been there once so I’ve seen it. Other courses I think would be fun are St. Andrews Old Course, the Bandon Dunes courses and I’d like to play the Streamsong courses some day.
And what would be your dream Fivesome, you and four others for a round?
Any dream group would start with my Dad. He got me started in the game and taught me what I needed to know to play golf. If I had to add three more players I would add my buddy John, a pro I worked for a while back named Nick Manolios and Arnold Palmer.
Pat (center) with his team and The Links Junior Golf Academy
Click here for The Links at Union Vale Instruction page.
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