#29: Sportscaster/Coach/Dad Mark Immelman on Golf, God, Fitness

Golf is back! PGA broadcaster Mark Immelman takes a break from his duties at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head SC, alongside the greatest golfers in the world, to join us on the Run The Race podcast to discuss his golf journey that started in South Africa, changes for the game because of COVID-19, his faith in God, and being a dad - with Father's Day coming up. The former pro golfer-now coach and Columbus State University Director of Golf (6:24) first talks about the "new normal" for golf and the PGA, post-pandemic. (10:01) Then, we get to know him with our "Fast Four" questions. (14:05) I talk to Mark Immelman about how he got started in the game of golf, how every day in golf is different, and why he became a coach. (17:09) He's coached 2 Masters Champions, and discusses what it was like to be there with his younger brother Trevor who earned the green jacket in 2008. Does the South African accent help both of them in broadcasting? We also dive into (20:21) how his Christian faith and "Jesus First" attitude has changed his coaching and life, while he tries to show God's love on his "mission field." Mark also points out a few life and faith lessons from the game of golf, like facing adversity and renewing your mind. Many of us lead busy lives. (24:24) He explains how he balances all his jobs with being a good husband and father. (26:05) And Mark shares one of his treasured golf moments, which involves one of his daughters and Tiger Woods. (28:34) How are people staying fit, including golfers, especially during the coronavirus pandemic? He talks a little on the change in mindset about weight training for PGA stars. Oh...also those 6am bear crawls for his college teams, teaching a mindset of overcoming. (34:33) Mark Immelman calls being a successful American broadcaster a Godsend, alongside amazing golfers and elite sportscasters like Jim Nantz. This week's guest also has his own podcast called "On The Mark" with more than 400 episodes! (38:30) We finish our conversation with Mark's perspective on current race relations and protests over police brutality, as he gives perspective with apartheid he saw in South Africa. (43:00) There's a golf twist to the final segments "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift," then ending in prayer. Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.