This wet weather is a bit of a shock to the system! For many of us, it’s been dry for such a long time, we’ve now got to rethink our golf game and our wardrobe! When the clocks go back this weekend, that’s when we really know winter is on the way.
So, here we are again, what are you going to focus on this winter? I mentioned my bunker woes the other week and I’ve got a lesson booked next month, so I’ll let you know how it goes! I also often chat about the gap between my ears, which I know is invariably my downfall, especially if I’ve got a card in my hands.
That's why I was so interested to read this piece by single-figure golfer Jess Ratcliffe. She’s not saying you should ditch working on your swing this winter, but she really stresses that working on your mental game skills is just as important if you want to see big results next season.
One piece of advice that I’d never heard of before is to have a focus word to help keep your concentration. Jess describes it as building your focus bandwidth. Your concentration might drift after a bad shot or hole, or perhaps after having a conversation with a playing partner.
For me, it’s usually on the 14th hole when I start thinking about what I want to eat and drink after the round! It doesn’t really matter what the focus word is, you just need to say it to yourself and maybe pair it with a deep breath to bring yourself back into the moment. I’m going to give this a go, although I won’t choose the word ‘food’!
One of the other tips that struck a chord with me is to make sure you put yourself in pressure situations, like challenging friends to matches or setting small goals, so when the season starts again you’re ready for competition golf.
My Saturday group usually play fourball matches or the sixes game if there are three of us, but I must admit, we give far too many short putts during the winter, and I can’t deny this makes me a bit twitchy when I’ve suddenly got to putt out again!
Plus, it’s too easy for groups to come off at the 16th hole, which is near the clubhouse, and this makes playing the difficult 17th and 18th holes feel like a whole new experience when spring comes around again. Confirmation that I’m never competition ready!
For now, let’s get prepared for wet weather golf and worse! Invest in a decent set of waterproofs, hat and umbrella. and remember to pack an extra glove and towel. That’s the best advice I can offer, as I’ve been caught out before and there’s nothing worse when you can’t grip the club!
Happy golfing
By Alison Root, Women's Editor Golf Monthly.
