As is obvious by this year’s results and by several of my recent instagram posts, my mindset hasn’t been at its best when it comes to enjoying my “Life on Tour”. Playing golf as a profession is a bit like being a professional gambler because you’re spending thousands of pounds per week (in costs) and hoping that your performance (and subsequent winnings) significantly outweighs the costs! You’re betting on yourself against the field.
Well as I mentioned, this has been one of my worst years ever on the golf course and a few weeks ago, I decided that things had to change. The quality of my ball striking is still excellent but my short game has been appalling and I know that this year because I’ve been keeping stats for the first time ever. Guess what, I’ve binned them!
I’m pretty sure that seeing the mistakes I’ve been making as facts on a computer screen has been reconfirming “how bad I am” mentally, so naturally when I go play, I’m no longer just playing the course and the field, I’m playing against my own bloody subconscious! What an idiot I am. I’ve been totally focused on my golf all year, I’ve literally had no private life, not been on a date all year, rarely even gone out for a drink with my mates! I’ve become almost reclusive. Well sod that, it’s time for a change.
Once upon a time, I led the European Putting Stats, I possessed one the best short games on Tour and I was a top 100 player in the World. My last 3 majors I finished 5th, 10th, 20th and 15th in a World Golf Championship. Gary, you’re a professional golfer and a bloody good one.
Last week, I flew to Bari in Puglia, Italy for the Senior Italian Open at San Domenico Golf (my first time there) and what a wonderful resort and golf course it was. I rented a small little airbnb room in this beautiful little port town of Savelletri and was determined to just enjoy being there. Forget all the stats, forget this year’s results, forget everything, just be present, just be there and enjoy the environment and allow myself to play golf.
I won’t bore you with a shot by shot account of the week but I did feel lighter, happier and I played with a bit more freedom. The weather was nice, the venue was excellent, the company I kept that week (dining with Van Phillips most nights) was very enjoyable and I felt that I made a definite move in the right direction.
Rounds of 69,67 and 72 gave me a -8 total which, for the first time in a long time, had me finish in the top half of the results sheet (finishing in a tie for 17th). Upwards and onwards! By the way, if you’re ever thinking about trying somewhere different, I can highly recommend San Domenico GC, what a stunning venue!
