Have you ever had a dream?
Oprah Winfrey, Michael Dell, Bill Gates. These people had a big dream. What about you? Imagine for a moment that your dream is about to come true. Things are all in alignment and in process. And you're a little bit nervous and scared, but excited at the same time.
Meet Ron "Burley" Burleson.
Ron Burleson is a professional golfer. And he's good. Really good. Even though it's later in his life, he has decided to go after his dream - playing on the tour.
Want to come along?
Here's the story:
The Rise to the Top
He never gave up his dream.
Ron Burleson, former winning professional golfer who had played with Phil Mickelson, Tom Lehman, Michael Allen, and big name celebrities, was through. He’d been playing golf since the age of 12. He had a natural gift. Everyone knew he’d “make it” out of his tiny rural town and get to the big city. Someday.
And he did.
His meteoric rise in the world of professional golf happened fast. Winning tournaments, gaining momentum, playing golf was his life. He was on the move to reach his dream – a dream he had since he was a little boy at the feet of his father, learning the game. “Dig it out of the dirt”, Dad would say. And Ron would listen. And learn. And grow.
Life Happens
But somewhere along the way, life got in the way. Pain got in the way. Oh sure, he played (and won) all throughout his 20s, 30s and 40s. But he quit playing professionally early on in his career and he regretted it. Putting it in the back of his mind, he built a life around family, a thriving business and lots of friends.
But he never forgot his dream of playing on the tour.
At age 51, Ron stopped playing completely. Life had thrown a dirty play his way. He was lost.
But hope is not lost...
On February 27, 2012, Ron picked up his clubs for the first time in 4 years. He had only a few clubs, not even a full set. “Go ahead and play”, said his life partner. “See how it feels.”
The first few times out were rough. He didn’t fully believe that he really had the support at home that he wanted. He would return from the driving range cautious, as if something bad were about to happen.
But it didn’t.
Slowly but surely, he started to regain his confidence. All throughout March, April, May, June and July, he tested himself. He did focus training. He changed his eating habits. He perfected his swing. His mindset. His mental state. His flexibility. His drive and stamina. All with the support of his closest family and friends.
And then... the decision
At the beginning of August, 2012, Ron made the most important decision of his life – to challenge himself to achieve his original dream – being on the Tour. He claimed his dream with trepidation and nervousness, embarrassment and joy. He hadn’t played in 4 years, yet his comeback from the past 4 months was astronomical. He was already hitting drives over 320 yards with precision and grace. He thought it would take him a year to get his game back, yet it happened in less than one third of the time.
Things happen fast..
Then he got a phone call.
The phone call was from his old friend, Michael Allen, a tour player whom Burley had helped to get started back on the tour, and had just won the Champions Tour. When Michael was down and out, it was Ron who helped him get a sponsor, funding and connections to live his dream – the same Champions Tour dream that Burley had abandoned for himself.
“Burley, I want to talk to you”, said Michael. “There is a television show called Your Life Calling with Jane Pauley on the Today show. It’s about people who go for their dreams late in life and they’re interviewing me. I invite you to share our story.”
The filming took place Wednesday, August 8, 2012. The old friends got together and Burley was nervous. What would his old friends think? They didn’t know he’d stopped playing. How would the country club people react to him coming back? After all, he’d been gone for so long. But most of all, how could he tell his old friend that he wanted help? He was afraid.
Burley walked into the country club to open arms. He was well received by his old friends. It was overwhelming. In a good way. First hurdle down. Next, he had to face his next hurdle – asking for help.
After they golfed (with 1800s wooden clubs and string-tied balls – a surprise from Michael), Ron walked Michael out to his car.
He said “I want to go on the tour, and I need help. I need everything – money, sponsors, swing coach, fitness coach and Stephanie will help me with my mind” Michael said he was really happy to hear that, and that in two weeks when he returns from the tour, he would bring a Champions application and get Ron hooked up with the right people. It was a very emotional moment and a very intimate talk.
And the cameras filmed the whole thing.
As I write this, it is August 11, 2012 and Ron has but a few months to do the qualifier to get on the tour. It’s in November. Will you come along?
This is his journey. (From his blog... http://www.TheBurleyJourney.com)
Stephanie Frank (Cheerleader and life partner)
What Is Needed, Where Your Money Goes & What You Get
Golfing is expensive. We are looking for $25,000 to use as follows:
- Training. Burley needs a swing coach, fitness coach and a mental coach.
- Entry fees for Champions Tour Tournament
- Fees for Regional Tournament
- Fees for Local Tournaments up to Qualifier
- Airfare and hotel for Regional Qualifier and Qualifier
- Qualifying School Application Fee
What you get when you help:
- Regular updates (live vicariously through this exciting time!)
- Golf tips and Online swing instruction directly from Burley (he's been an instructor for over 30 years)
- Gifts such as signed golf balls, clubs, gloves, and gift certificates
- A good feeling that you are helping someone achieve their dream
- The insider scoop on what happens in the golf world (as posted on a private page on his blog)
- Private rounds and instruction
- Weekend getaways to beautiful Scottsdale and playing at the TPC
- Lots of other one of a kind gifts
In order to be on the Tour, Burley must make the top 5 our of 78 at Qualifying School in November. However, there are other ways to get on the tour, such as a weekly qualifier that allows you to get into the game without going to Qualifying School.
If we don't reach the whole goal, or Burley does not go to or does not make the Champions Tour qualifier, he will use the funds to go to weekly Champions Tour qualifyers.
Can't give financially? Here are other Ways You Can Help
Can't give financially? That's ok! Here are some other ways you could help out:
- Send an email to your friends and family and let them know about this project. http://www.indiegogo.com/theburleyjourney
- Share on your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn page
- Visit the blog at http://www.TheBurleyJourney.com and subscribe or leave a comment
- Encourage him! Send him an email at rjbhappy56@gmail.com
- Remember, Indiegogo has their own share tools - just click a button!
Let's get him on the tour....