Inspired by My Daughter Emery’s Journey

My 16-year-old daughter Emery just wrapped up her high school golf season and I couldn’t be prouder. She qualified for CIF, and while she didn’t advance past the first round, her journey was nothing short of inspiring.

While waiting for her to come in from her final round, I found myself thinking about something unexpected:

Golf is a lot like building a strong security program.

Both require preparation, discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As someone who has spent years in the private security industry now proudly serving with GSG Protective Services the parallels were striking.

Just like golf, a successful security strategy comes in phases, and each phase demands skill, training, and focus.

Part 1: Driving: Laying the Foundation

Strategic Focus: Recruitment, Retention & Core Security Training

The drive sets the tone. In golf, a clean drive gives you the best chance to reach the green in regulation. In private security, hiring the right officers and providing essential training creates the foundation for a strong, reliable program.

At GSG Protective Services (gsgprotective.com), we don’t rush recruitment or “hire just to hire.” We focus on onboarding professional security officers who reflect our values and meet the operational needs of every client.

Our core security training programs include:

  • Professional conduct and appearance
  • Observation and reporting
  • Legal responsibilities
  • Basic safety protocols
  • GSG’s core values

Just like developing a consistent golf swing, mastering these fundamentals sets the stage for long-term success in every security assignment.

Part 2: Chipping: Executing in Real Time

Strategic Focus: Supervision, Site-Specific Execution & Adaptive Training

Chipping requires precision and adaptability. You judge distance, terrain, and slope to set up the perfect shot.

This mirrors the day-to-day work of site supervisors, operations managers, and post-level security leaders who must adjust strategies based on the unique demands of each client location.

This is where site-specific training and continuous skill development become crucial:

  • De-escalation and conflict resolution
  • Customer service and public interaction
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Post order compliance

Our team at GSG equips security personnel to make smart, real-time decisions just like a golfer adjusting their chip based on the lie. Ongoing training sharpens judgment, readiness, and situational awareness, which are essential in today’s security risk management environment.

Part 3: Putting: Precision in Performance

Strategic Focus: Client Communication, Reporting & Final-Mile Quality

Putting is where it all comes together with finesse, accuracy, and consistency.

In security operations, this is the phase where we:

  • Deliver accurate and timely incident reports
  • Communicate professionally with clients
  • Execute final mile service and accountability
  • Provide actionable insights and intelligence

This stage is supported by advanced security training, leadership development, and client-specific workshops that help our teams finish strong.

Just like sinking a clutch putt, these small details build trust and elevate the entire security program.

Final Thought

Watching Emery compete reminded me that excellence in golf and in security doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s built swing-by-swing, shift-by-shift, through preparation, adaptability, and purposeful training.

Her season made me proud, and it reinforced something true in both life and leadership:

You’re only as good as how you prepare, how you adapt, and how you finish.

And at GSG Protective Services, that’s exactly how we approach every security partnership.