Golf began for me through sheer sibling competitiveness. I won’t lie, I wanted to beat my brother who had just taken up the game at the age of nine. I was 11 and we were fiercely competitive in tennis, hockey, Lego creations, you name it. My mum suggested she and I learned to play golf together. My dad had played as a child and there it started. Family time went from hitting hockey balls round the garden to playing nine holes at Wellow Golf Club back in 1991. We hung out on the course as a four-ball. It was great and also a true test of character to play alongside each other without arguing. I remember throwing a tennis racket at my brother during a ‘friendly rally’ in the garden once when things weren’t going my way – but at least I never threatened him with a putter.
So what does that say about golf? It taught me so many lessons as a child and especially as a teenager, including letting things go. I practised my short game in the garden most evenings during the summer months, chipping balls into the wheelbarrow usually against my brother. Golf served as a great discipline in perseverance. As a child I can’t think of another game that delivers so much in the way of self-control, acceptance and patience. I was often the only girl playing, which gave me so much confidence and a big incentive to beat the boys. I was rewarded with friendships and coping mechanisms when bullied at secondary school. As a teenager, golf was my escape; I was ‘me’ and everything was fair (the things I could control anyway) and everybody was kind. Slowly I grew more confident and developed the art of making conversation during a round. I didn’t let school worries bother me so much and as a result friendships and respect grew. It gave me life skills that made me the person I am today.
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Golf Monthly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Golf Monthly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Is it Time for the Presidents Cup to Be Scrapped? - The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue?
The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue? Why would anyone even suggest such a drastic course of action? It may sound harsh, but since the inaugural event in 1994, the International team has managed just one victory and one tie while the American team has won 12 times, including nine straight from 2005. It is 26 years since the International team's solitary success in 1998 at Royal Melbourne under the captaincy of the late Peter Thomson.
Surprise packages
Jeremy Ellwood looks back on some of the more unusual golfing countries he has visited during his 20+ years writing for Golf Monthly
TAKE YOUR IRON GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
The key to good iron play is finding the right low point in your swing. Here's how to do it...
How to organise the perfect golf day
Golf Monthly's guide to arranging and running a memorable and successful event
A LEGEND
Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena in Spain to visit Seve's family home and talk about his life and legacy with his children
"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"
Alison Root sits down for a chat with Anna Nordqvist, the three-time Major Champion and first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
The Solheim Cup seems to grow in significance and excitement with every staging, and this year's encounter in Virginia promises to be no exception...
STOKE PARK
I never expected to write about Stoke Park again after its closure in 2021, but it seems reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.
PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS
Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming an all-time great. Michael Weston analyses his accomplishments and explores his life to date...
TaylorMade P7CB and P770 irons from £179 per club
Adding to an extremely strong 2024 product line-up, TaylorMade has launched its latest irons in the successful P-Series - the P7CB and the P770.