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Brian Arlinghaus: Play for the Right Reasons
As a first year teaching professional, Brian Arlinghaus is often asked by first-time students, "How long have you been playing golf?" Though he’s just 24, Arlinghaus has been playing the game since he was five and decided to make a career of it because it’s what he does best. "I love it," says Arlinghaus, who played golf in high school and is now participating in the GPTP program of the PGA. Arlinghaus graduated from the University of Dayton in 1999.

"People say they like the simplicity of my lessons," says Arlinghaus. "I like to teach golf, and I think the game should be fun. If it’s not fun, you are playing for the wrong reasons." Arlinghaus enjoys watching people improve on their golf games, and he’s pleased to be a factor in that improvement. Students can expect a relaxed atmosphere with Arlinghaus as he helps them get out of it whatever they put into it. When a student is willing to put forth time and effort, Arlinghaus believes that with minimal help, they can dramatically improve their game.

"The greatest feeling in the world is helping someone defeat a problem he or she is facing," says Arlinghaus. "This not only applies to golf, it applies to life. Helping people have fun while they are playing the game of golf is the most important thing for people to realize." In addition to passing along the simple enjoyment of the game, Arlinghaus has specific advice for players of different abilities. Beginners should learn the rules of golf and also take time to watch great players like Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan.

Intermediate level players should take a few lessons, practice more often and try to play more. Just being around the game more can often help mid-level players improve. Advanced golfers should practice the right things. "Have a local PGA professional watch you hit balls and help point out things that aren’t as obvious to you," says Arlinghaus. "He or she can give you little tips to finely tune your game." Arlinghaus works on his own game by hitting a lot of golf balls to keep his timing in order. Although much of his time is spent in the pro shop (like many club pros), it is important for him to focus on timing when he does get a chance to practice in order to stay consistent.

"I liked to watch Payne Stewart swing the golf club," says Arlinghaus. "He was very relaxed throughout the entire golf swing. Fred Couples is the same way. Watching the two of them makes me want to play golf more than anything in the world." Arlinghaus finds his challenging shots in golf to be controlling the distance of his irons. When things get difficult during a round, it’s usually because he over swings. Arlinghaus then focuses on slowing his swing down and getting it under control. He adds that sometimes the three- and four-footers for birdie can be hard because they’re "supposed to go in." Ultimately, Arlinghaus’ favorite shot is any shot that goes in. Surely the 2-iron he aced on #4 at Hickory Woods with three of his best friends in tow made the game extra fun that day.

"Most of us will never be on the PGA Tour," notes Arlinghaus. "We’ll never face that five foot downhill slider worth $325,000. The game should be fun for us. If it isn’t, then we need to focus our attention on something else." Arlinghaus loves to play Muirfield Village and when he travels, his favorite golf spot is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You might find him there dressed in blue making sure he has the right change in his pocket and his lucky boxers on. "I am very superstitious," says Arlinghaus.

Arlinghaus lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his dog, Boogie. When he’s not on the course, you’ll find him playing softball, basketball or flag football. Without a doubt, he’s just playing for fun. For more about Arlinghaus, e-mail him at bfarlinghaus@yahoo.com. Thanks, Brian!