When I first started writing about golf, life was simple. I had lots to write about and would put my thoughts down and hit “publish”. Easy. I wrote what I wanted and wasn’t trying to please anyone, only myself.
My website starting getting traffic and appearing in the search engines. This was exciting, especially engaging with golfers from all over. Pretty sure I’ve had a conversation with a golfer from every golfing nation in the world. Even some of those you wouldn’t expect, like Iceland! Sort of, without really knowing, I created the perfect little website and an income stream.
With a little bit of success came a desire to step it up. I read some books and attended some courses on making my website better. Internet Marketing world is a lot like the golf world – there are a lot of experts and lots of different concepts/theories/stories. It’s hard to know who to believe and to separate the wheat from the chaff.
I have an obsessive personality. Once I start something I dive in headfirst and absorb as much as I can – I go pretty hard. I also tend to trust those in authority (whether it’s perceived or real) and stop listening to my gut. Yep, it’s a bad habit and one that I’m working on.
As a result I’ve done some stuff that doesn’t sit too well with me and I’ve burned through a tonne of cash. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you the figure so lets move on. The end result is Golfgooroo hasn’t quite gone to plan. After all this work (and money) it’s a little disappointing to say I’m not happy with it. I feel like a loser because of it and plan to right the ship. I’ve learned (finally, after all this time) that most off the so called “guru’s” are nothing more than crooks and will say anything to get your cash.
The other thing is this. Automatic Golf is my passion and only I can bring the brains and desire to make it a success. Relying on outsiders (with questionable motives) was a serious lack of judgement on my part.
I haven’t done anything really stupid like invest in a Nigerian bank but I feel dumb all the same. In a stupid way, the mistakes I’ve made resemble my early days in golf. A quick recap:
– started playing and had no idea (shot 156 first time out)
– kept playing my way (had virtually no lessons, only some stuff I read about in books)
– got better bit by bit
– shot a par round within a year
– took advice from experts and lost the plot
– took years to work it all out
Arrrgh! It frustrating to keep making these mistakes. Why is it hard for so many of us to trust ourselves and go with our gut? Why do we listen to so called experts who don’t (can’t) help us? I really can be a loser.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Things are going to be changing around here. Here’s the plan,[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
I’m going to be writing more openly and passionately about the golf learning process. It’s going to come from the heart and there’s going to be no holding back. I’ll be talking about some stuff that I’ve been too scared to mention – some things that might upset the establishment and traditional thinking golfer. But I don’t care. I’m going to do things my way around here and if you want to join me then great. If my style isn’t up your alley then that’s fine too.
Here are some of the other changes you’ll see.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]No more emails from me:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
A big change will be no more emails from me. To be honest, the sending of emails never really sat that well with me. It’s a little annoying and not overly personal so I’m not going to do it. More on this below.
Update: This may change as people have told me they like getting emails. Have also learned that sending relevant and anticipated emails is also welcomed.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]One website:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
A big annoyance for many has been multiple website addresses. So all that’s going to stop. From now on everything will be housed under the Golfgooroo domain (the blog has all the new stuff). I’m sorry for all the confusion this has caused over the years but I really have been led down the garden path. But no more. Things will be way more simpler.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Books:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
I’m publishing another book and plan on doing more. The next one will be called The Learning Secrets of a Frustrated Golf Nerd (this name may change). It should be ready to roll in a few months.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Digital magazine:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
Nothing like throwing yourself in the deep end but I’ve created a digital magazine called Automatic Golf. I really went out a limb with the name – the first edition has been done and it will appear on the Apple platform. I am waiting on my Latvian developer to get back from Summer holidays and we should be good to go soon. The magazine is free (this may change in the future) and is a way to introduce more golfers to AG and the blog. I’m hoping to stimulate more conversation here and up the excitement level a bit.
You’ll need an Ipad or Iphone to view but from what I see that is almost half the population. If all goes to plan I may release AG Magazine on other platforms.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Training aids:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
Last year I licensed the rights to several of my golf learning aids to an investment company here in Melbourne. Things have been pretty slow, but we’re getting there. Part of the deal was DVD production and turning my original BioSwing manual into a book.
The exciting stuff are the training aids. They all came about when I was part of the biomchanical study in 2004 and make learning a better golf swing as easy as it can be. Basically, these devices force you to learn better technique without complication. I’ll be writing more about these soon and how they tie in wonderfully with Automatic Golf. It looks like these tools will be ready in a month or so – I wouldn’t hold your breath, the original launch date was March this year, so I can’t promise an exact time-frame.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Other digital content:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
My goal has always been to make this website a top notch learning environment. I know I’ve gotten a little sidetracked in recent times but I’m here to make amends. Over the next few months I’ll be releasing some “premium” content onto the blog. This will come in the form of video and will hopefully highlight my concepts in new detail.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Private golf lessons:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
I walked away from “one on one” coaching a few years ago. It probably wasn’t the smartest decision I’ve made but it’s something I want to start up. Again, I’m not sure what form or how I’m going to do it, but I’m working on it. Keep your eyes peeled for more. If you’d be interested in some private one-on-one coaching let me know.
[headline_tahoma_small_left color=”#000000″]Current products:[/headline_tahoma_small_left]
The only products that I’m currently selling are, my book, GSB, Remarkable Golf audio and Almost Golf Balls.
If you’re not sure where to start get my book and some Almost Golf Balls. If you’re budget allows get Golf Success Blueprint (also comes with some bonus stuff). From now on all new products will come in the form of books and training aids. If I find anything I think is worthy, I may add that to the collection.
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If all this sounds interesting and exciting to you then it would be great to have you on board. All correspondence from now on will be through the blog. I won’t be sending any more emails to notify you of news, lessons or products. The best way to keep up to date is through RSS. Basically, Google will send you an email anytime I write something new here. It’s free and Google are very reliable. You can also unsubscribe from your end at anytime.
To subscribe, via Google, to Golfgooroo please click here.
If RSS sounds too complicated you can check back here regularly for new entries.
If you have any questions about anything that’s coming up then please let me know. I’d particularly be interested in any ideas or lessons you’d like covered.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to a new chapter of Golfgooroo and helping many more golfers learn about Automatic Golf. It feels good to be back in control and doing what I really want. Hope you can join me.
Good golfing,
Cameron
P.S. Some exciting news. There is going to be a Little Golfgooroo let loose on the world in January next year. This is our first bub and we’re both really excited (Clare is my way better half by the way)