Thu, Nov 26 2009
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Hill tops long list of golfers Marshall Smith has helped “Of those, I probably had seven or eight who wanted my help but wouldn’t listen,” he said. “They had their own ideas. I don’t remember any of them arguing with me, but I did have a few daddies try to get involved even though I had their kids winning tournaments. Eventually, those players and I parted company. You can’t have more than one teacher.”
Smith believes that the simplicity of his teaching philosophy has kept him in demand with amateurs and pros alike. “I try to keep everything simple,” he said. “Some teachers can get too technical and complicated. They talk about where the clubhead has to be at all times during the swing and things like that, and they wind up confusing those they’re trying to help.” Marshall’s energy and enthusiasm seem boundless. He loves to share his knowledge of the swing, the core of which was imparted to him by his close friend and early mentor, Ky Laffoon. Laffoon was considered one of the PGA Tour’s top players and teachers during the 1930s and 1940s and worked frequently with Ben Hogan. As he nears his 82nd birthday this week, Smith shows no sign of slowing down. “I gave four lessons today,” he said with a chuckle. “I think I’m a better teacher today than I was last year or the year before. And it’s amazing to me how many players want lessons. I had a guy from Palo Alto, Calif., come in for a lesson. It was raining hard that day. So we went to Golf USA in Joplin to use the indoor driving area there for about an hour. He left happy.” Actually, it is difficult not to be happy around Smith with his upbeat personality. His positive outlook is a key to his longevity and success. He always will be young at heart. And by the way, happy birthday. Former champions Six former champions have entered the 40th annual Briarbrook Invitational, scheduled next weekend at Briarbrook Golf and Country Club. The former winners are Bob Turner (1978), Terry Key (1980, 1982,1983), Dan Tourtelot (1985), Chuck Land (1998), Lou Rapalino (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007) and Jim Lucas (2002, 2005). The field also is filling. “We’ve had a great response,” said Randy Brownlow, tournament chairman. “We have a guy coming in from Virginia and groups from Wellington, Kan., and Olathe, Kan.” Among the highlights will be the appearance of American Idol contestant Asia’h Epperson of Joplin at the Saturday night party. Address correspondence to Clair Goodwin at sports@joplinglobe.com. 
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