Slow Golfers & American Heroes 7-28-25 - Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast

Summary

Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Summary
Episode: Slow Golfers & American Heroes
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Slow Golfers & American Heroes," Scott Becker explores the dynamics of golf outings, particularly focusing on the frustrations of playing with slow golfers and celebrating the commendable individuals who exemplify exceptional patience and sportsmanship on the green.

The Frustration of Slow Golfers

Scott opens the discussion by sharing his personal struggles with golf, humorously downplaying his own skills while highlighting the challenges posed by slow golfers. He remarks:

“When I am in these foursomes with slow golfers, I literally, and I don't mean any offense… I want to shoot myself.”
— Scott Becker [02:15]

He emphasizes that the slow pace can turn a potentially enjoyable game into a tedious experience, especially during demanding tournaments, such as the recent 45-hole, five-nine rounds at his golf club. Scott candidly expresses his frustration, noting how the slow pace disrupts the flow and enjoyment of the game.

The Humorous Side of Golfing Challenges

Adding a light-hearted touch, Scott jokes about receiving a text from a highly skilled colleague boasting a 4.7 handicap, sparking his envy and hope to financially benefit from his friend’s prowess:

“…my goodness, I sure hope I take money from him in the near future.”
— Scott Becker [00:50]

This anecdote not only adds humor but also sets the stage for discussing the varying skill levels and paces at which golfers operate, further complicating group play dynamics.

Recognizing the American Hero: Michael Lieber

Transitioning from frustrations, Scott introduces the concept of "American Heroes" in the golfing community—individuals who remain patient and supportive despite the challenges posed by slower-paced players. He dedicates special recognition to Michael Lieber, describing him as a paragon of generosity and empathy on the course:

“The American Hero Award… goes to Michael Lieber.”
— Scott Becker [07:35]

Scott elaborates on Michael's demeanor, portraying him as someone who not only accepts but also uplifts those around him, making him an invaluable member of their golfing circles. Michael's ability to maintain a positive attitude and support his peers, even when paired with slow golfers, earns him the "Most Talented Person Award, Greatest Human Being Award, Sainthood Award," as Scott affectionately titles it.

Personal Reflections and Social Dynamics

Delving deeper, Scott reflects on his own social interactions within the golfing community. He shares insights about his casual approach to social status and his enduring friendships:

“…I always brag about the fact that… I spend so much time golfing with one of my buddies that by no means would ever win an award for a social status golfer.”
— Scott Becker [09:10]

This candid admission underscores the value he places on genuine relationships over superficial social standing, aligning with the episode's theme of appreciating true character over fleeting conveniences.

Balancing Humor and Seriousness

Throughout the episode, Scott skillfully balances humor with earnestness. While he jokes about his desire to "shoot himself" when faced with slow golfers, he also conveys sincere appreciation for those who handle such situations with grace. This balance ensures that the discussion remains engaging and relatable, resonating with listeners who have faced similar experiences on the golf course.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Scott reiterates his admiration for Michael Lieber and the importance of recognizing individuals who contribute positively to their communities, both on and off the golf course. He emphasizes that celebrating such American heroes fosters a supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

“But Michael Lieber takes the cake as the American hero.”
— Scott Becker [10:25]

Scott closes by thanking the listeners, leaving them with a sense of appreciation for the unsung heroes in their own lives and encouraging them to acknowledge and celebrate such individuals around them.

This episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast offers a thoughtful and humorous exploration of the social dynamics in golf, highlighting the value of patience, empathy, and genuine friendship. Whether you're an avid golfer or someone who enjoys insightful conversations about business and personal interactions, Scott Becker's reflections provide both entertainment and meaningful takeaways.

Transcript

Scott Becker (0:00)

This is Scott Becker with the Becker Business Podcast and the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Today's discussion is Slow Golfers and American Heroes. So here's the gist. I'm going to juxtapose two different thoughts from golf and from thinking and so forth. First, as always, my golf game is subpar, so we're not going to talk about my golf game. I did get a text from a colleague of mine recently saying his handicaps down to 4.7 and, and isn't he the greatest golfer of all time? He'll remain nameless, but my goodness, I sure hope I take money from him in the near future. That's not the discussion today. The discussion today is. And I know this is so first world and so embarrassing and so privileged, but at our golf club, there was a tournament this weekend and you had to play 45 holes, five nines. Let me tell you, there are two things that are horrendous if it's going poorly. One is if you end up in a, in a foursome appearing periodically with someone who is a slow golfer, they might not even be that slow. It might just be that I am so caffeinated and wound up. But, but literally when I am in these foursomes with slow golfers, I literally, and I don't mean any offense to the mental health crowd because we all have mental health issues. Me, top of the list, I want to shoot myself. And I say that joke and I don't really want to shoot myself, but I hate being paired with slow golfers. And sometimes these slow golfers have catchphrases that use constantly. I'm like, oh my God, I might have to shoot myself. But it is what is. That's what first concept is slow golfers. The second thing that I give people tremendous credit for, there are people that I love, but they're also difficult people. And I absolutely love this guy. So I use this as a joke, not in reality. But there are people that hear with people like that. So there are people you see in pairings where all you do is have empathy for the person peered with that person. You have sympathy for them. You think, oh my God, this person, this person is golfing with that guy must be a saint, an American hero. And in this week's shout out goes to, you know, this is someone who's so generous in his comments that he doesn't even think he's an American hero for being paired with this other guy. And the other guy. I say this in Jess because I actually love the other guy. But this week's American Hero Award. This week's Most Talented Person Award, Greatest Human Being Award, Sainthood Award goes to Michael Lieber. That's the gist for today. Slow golf and American Heroes. I saw a lot of slow golf. I'm a huge fan of American Hero Mike Lieber. He is sort of like me. I always brag about the fact that, and this is embarrassing, that I don't have any concerns about my social status and who I play with, who I've dinner with, who I hang with. You know, as often repeated, one of my friends says to me, oh, you dress so poorly. You're like one of my best friends. You don't care how you look. Well, that's not exactly true. But, but similarly, and we say this often, I spend so much time golfing with one of my buddies that by no means would ever win an award for a social status golfer. But again, I'm not an American hero for doing so. But Michael Lieber takes the cake as the American hero. That's all we have today on the Becker Business Podcast, the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Thank you for listening to the podcast.