No talent required

North Carolina St Golf Coach Richard Sykes and Memphis Golf Coach Blake Smart shared on Facebook a poster that listed 10 "Things that require zero talent."

As the first tournament for high school golf in Mississippi nears, I'm reminded of the Top 10 list's importance. Like an eagle on a mountaintop, "Being on time" perches on the list's peak, a buzzword reminder that being on time requires zero talent.

Coaches love kids who show up on time and give 100 percent Effort, which just happens to be No 3 on the list, right below Work Ethic.

That triumvirate of victory vernacular does not care about the order. These words of wisdom just want to make sure they tee off together in the minds of young golfers who aspire to compete. Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler don't have to be reminded about starting times, practice schedules and work ethic. They zip those qualities into their golf bags every day.

Mom and dad probably didn't have to tell them to "get up" for school, most likely never forced them to practice, and presumably never had to pull the plug on Call of Duty while daylight hit the links. All great athletes show up on time.

Kevin Durant and Tim Tebow live by Tim Notke's quote, "Hard work beats talent doesn't work hard."

High school golfers who want to win a state championship must show up on time, develop diligence and give heart and soul on the course and on the range, all endeavors that involve zippo talent. Many high school golfers are not blessed with Spieth's talent, but that shouldn't stop them from showing up on time, giving 100 percent effort and developing a strong work ethic.

I echo Stephen King's assessment, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

I tell my golfers all the time that if I have to make them practice, they won't reach their potential, whatever their ability might be.

Not many lazy athletes show up on the LPGA or PGA Tour, in the NFL, the MLB or WNBA. In fact, zero! What are the other seven things that require zero talent? Body language, energy, attitude, passion, being coachable, doing extra and being prepared. Take your pick. Zero talent required.

Tommy Snell, golf coach at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, writes a column for the Sun Herald.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 5:28 PM with the headline "No talent required ."