The London - Summer 2022

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COVER CREDIT

Anahita Golf and Spa Resort

Helloand a very warm welcome to our summer edition of The London.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the editor's page, and I feel proud as your director of golf to do so. It has been nearly 12 months since I joined London Golf Club, following an extensive six-year international career with Troon Golf, and whilst we operate a forward-thinking mindset at the golf club, I'd like to take this opportunity to look back and reflect on some of the achievements of the last year.

In my opening member email, I advised that the most significant role of my job is to lead our incredible golf team and to deliver an exceptional experience to you as our members. I have a set of core values that I profoundly follow, and my role is to instil these into the team I lead. They are positivity, discipline, reliability and honesty. I am confident that you will experience these values with the entire golf team for many years.

Over the winter, we have made considerable strides in our training programmes to enhance our service levels, and the recently integrated ‘Players’ First Survey’ responses provided invaluable feedback. We have used this feedback to share success, motivate and encourage our teams whilst improving specific areas of the golf club. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each member of our incredible golf team.

Furthermore, I'd like to thank our golf team for their continued hard work and dedication to delivering outstanding service. Our golf services team – led by Josh Smith, our golf operations supervisor – is making tremendous strides forward by improving standards, engaging in positive conversations and genuinely going the extra mile to enhance your club experience. The on-going training provided to the team is invaluable and thank you to Josh for leading this with his team.

Thank you also to Dom Driver, our golf operations manager, who has made a great transition into managing the golf shop and overall golf operation. Having played a vital role in increasing the membership to full capacity in recent years, Dom has now turned

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE CONTACT:

Tel: +44 (0)1474 875702

Fax: +44 (0)1474 879912

Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch Kent TN15 7EH

www.londongolf.co.uk

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Stephen Follett

DIRECTOR OF GOLF

Ben Stimson

MARKETING MANAGER

Rikki Stanley

HEAD OF FINANCE

Peter Greene

EDITORS

The Azalea Group

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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his skills to providing a much better stocked golf shop and leading the overall member and guest journey. Dom also oversees the member events, coordinated by Joakim Follett, and the recent enhancements with specific pin positions are just one small touchpoint the team is working on. Exciting times ahead for member events!

We are lucky to have such a dedicated head teaching professional, Paul Stuart. Not only is Paul taking the golf academy to new heights, but he is regularly guiding me through the dynamic role that a director of golf should perform from his personal experiences. Paul is a true asset to our team at London Golf Club, and we are very excited about integrating our new assistant PGA professionals into the golf academy very soon.

Finally, Becky Robinson is now our golf sales and events coordinator, having spent nine years in weddings and events, and is helping many members organise their personal and corporate golf days. Becky has exceptional organisational and communicative skills and is a tremendous asset to our club. Her energy is truly infectious, and I thank her for everything she does to help organise our member and corporate golf days.

One of our biggest success stories over the last 12 months has been the appointment of Nick Taylor from MindsetCaddy to London Golf Club. Nick is working with many of you, improving your cognitive thinking and approach to the mental side of the game. Moreover, Nick spends 90 minutes per week with a staff member of London Golf Club to maximise potential and performance. Since Nick joined us in November 2021, he has seen more than 30 staff members and helped significantly improve their mental approach to work and personal life. We cannot thank him enough for his time with our teams, supporting their mental state and well-being.

Looking forward, we are excited about the recent appointment of Freeman Rogers

and the enhancements he will make to your membership. With membership capacity nearly complete, our focus shifts to enhancing your experience at the club, and Freeman will play a crucial role in that. In addition, we will be expanding our reciprocal partnerships, both domestically and internationally, enhancing member competitions and increasing our lifestyle benefits.

Thank you to our golf partners, including Callaway, J.Lindeberg, FootJoy, and PowaKaddy. Behind the scenes, we work very closely with each partner to ensure our collaboration continues to grow. For example, Callaway provides our assistant PGA professionals with custom-fit golf clubs and supports the club with our annual range balls and hire sets; J.Lindeberg provides our academy uniform and selected event prizes; FootJoy is now the official supplier for our golf operations, golf shop and food and beverage uniform; and PowaKaddy continues to support our annual rental trollies. Our club would not function as efficiently without such partnerships, and we are very grateful for our continued relationships.

Finally, I want to thank each of our members who help make London Golf Club one of the finest destinations in the UK to play golf. We know we have two great courses, presented incredibly by our exceptional greenkeeping team. We have brilliant and attentive staff who are a joy to work with daily, but you create our members' dynamic club atmosphere. The desire to compete at the club in club competitions with 90-plus entries every week, the willingness to engage in conversations with our staff members, and the support in the golf shop, spike bar and social events is unrivalled, and on behalf of the entire team at London Golf Club, we would like to say thank you.

Warmest regards,

Ben Stimson

London Golf Club The Road to Perfection

Golf Monthly’s contributing editor, Rob Smith, has been a regular visitor to London Golf Club for more than a quarter of a century.

Long before I started writing about golf, I set myself the target of playing all of the Top 50 courses in the UK & Ireland. This was way before the internet had taken over our lives, at a time when there was only one such domestic ranking. Not only that, but it lived on paper! London Golf Club was therefore a potential stumbling block for me as the Heritage Course has always been for members and their guests only. Happily, by pulling a few strings, I managed to wangle an invitation. In March 1997, Tuesday the 6th to be precise, I enjoyed my first-ever visit.

My very first memory is of the friendly welcome at the entrance gate and the milelong drive to the clubhouse with tantalising glimpses of the course on either side. This really got my adrenalin pumping; a feeling which hasn’t diminished in my 25 years of many happy returns. To be greeted at the bag drop, back then an innovation and still a treat, was also an indication that this is somewhere where the customer very much comes first.

I arrived in plenty of time to appreciate the wow-factor entrance through the Great Hall and enjoy a coffee beforehand, as well as a proper warm upvery unusual for me - on the driving range. It struck me that having such comprehensive practice facilities was again something that most of us don’t get at our more traditional and space-limited clubs. By coincidence, some years later I did some freelance work

for Volvo on their European Tour events. In 2014, I spent a full week working at the club covering the World Matchplay over the International Course. One of my roles was to interview the players, and I remember the professionalsstars such as Henrik Stenson, Shane Lowry, Paul Casey and Patrick Reed - were very complimentary about the whole set-up here.

Going back to 1997, then as a mad-keen golfer myself, it was always going to be the

course itself that would blow me away and make the greatest impression. This was years before both the Heritage and the International graduated to host European Tour events, so I had not yet seen it on TV and had only seen a few photographs in the golfing press. I was instantly thrilled by how it mixed the lovely downland setting of the Kent countryside with the drama of the water features and the most amazing conditioning. Having played both courses a number of times over the years since

HOLE 12 - INTERNATIONAL COURSE

then, I would still struggle to say which is the better or the more exciting of the two, or which I actually prefer. I think this is another very impressive feature about London Golf Club - two tip-top Nicklaus Design courses, one exclusively for members and guests, is an absolute treat. With regard to the specifics, then on the Heritage, I love the thrill generated by the green sites on the fith and seventh,

each capable of creating heartstopping moments. The 13th is a particular favourite as it seems to play though a secluded valley and is often right into the breeze, and the closing hole is a real gem skirting the waterhopefully - and up towards the clubhouse. On the International, the most memorable holes for me are the wonderful risk-reward par fives at the first and the 13th, and the world-class short holes

at the eighth and 12th. Cleverly, although both courses are more than capable of hosting serious championships, choose the right tee and they are playable and enjoyable for all. And talking of enjoyable, the routing means you can divert for a half-time refresher in the clubhouse on the Heritage or at the excellent halfway hut beside the eighth on the International… and again as you approach the 13th!

HOLE SEVEN - HERITAGE COURSE

londongolf.co.uk

Following the golf, it is back into the spacious and informal Spike Bar to select from the wide array of drinks and delicious food including daily specials. And while you relax and refuel with your playing partners, you can be rest assured that your clubs are getting their own freshen-up, ready for collection back up at the front, all in your own good time.

What strikes me very much about London Golf Club is that in almost 30 years, despite starting life pretty much already at the top, it has continued to improve in every area. Almost imperceptible tweaks to the course have been more than matched with improvement to conditioning and presentation creating the best-possible golfing experience. That ambition and drive for perfection stretches into the future with all manner of plans for improving the visitor offering and experience and even the hope to stage the Ryder Cup the next time it is back on British soil in 2031. I would love to see it here and wish the club the very best in fulfilling this dream. Even if it doesn’t quite come off, the investment that it will take just to bid for the event speaks volumes of the club’s energetic ambition. Golf club members, myself included, are well-known for finding the faults in their own backyard. More often than not, they are actually perceived rather than real, but here at London Golf Club, I think they would be very few and far between. I have now been lucky enough to play more than 1,100 courses in almost 50 countries, and the visitor experience here at London Golf Club, along with not one but two DP World Tour championship-level courses kept in fabulous condition, is still something that gets me every time.

HOLE 13 - HERITAGE COURSE

HOLE EIGHT - INTERNATIONAL COURSE

ENJOY A SLICE OF GOLFING PARADISE AT ANAHITA GOLF & SPA RESORT

Setamongst 213 hectares of tropical gardens and offering easy access to two 18-hole championship courses, it’s little wonder that Anahita Golf & Spa Resort is regarded as a golfing paradise.

Nestling on the east coast of Mauritius, the awardwinning venue is acknowledged as one of the best five-star hotels on the island and features an array of unrivalled facilities, with its world-class golf complemented by numerous luxury sports and lifestyle amenities.

London Golf Club members can enjoy their very own exclusive slice of Indian Ocean paradise in 2022 thanks to our new reciprocal agreement with the luxury resort, which offers a 20 per cent discount on the best available accommodation

rates and includes one free green fee per night per person (including buggy) on either course.

Renowned for serving up an authentic blend of Mauritian charm with its unique accommodation, diverse culinary experience and dedicated service, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort scores equally as highly when it comes to golf, and guests can enjoy access to two exceptional courses: Anahita Golf, which was designed by Ernie Els and surrounds the resort, and the globally acclaimed lle aux Cerfs layout.

Set between land and sea, the par-72 course at Anahita measures a lengthy 7,580 yards off the back tees but don’t worry, a collection of large fairways and six different sets of tees ensure that it is suitable for all standards of golfers.

Created in 2008 and built to USGA standards, it boasts a series of outstanding panoramas with the highlight coming with a six-hole stretch along the biggest lagoon in Mauritius. Challenging but rewarding for all players, it delivers a unique golfing experience never to be forgotten.

Located opposite to Anahita Golf & Spa Resort and a five-minute boat ride away sits the spectacular Ile Aux Cerfs golf course.

Designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, the par-72 layout covers 38 hectares on the southern half of the Ile aux Cerfs island, with the holes snaking up and down the length of the island and covering naturally undulating topography, volcanic rock outcrops, lakes and gullies, and a variety of tropical trees and plants.

The 7,115-yard course underwent went major changes in 2013 to ensure a greater experience in terms of playability and spectacular views and the final result will not disappoint. It has even been hailed by some in the golfing media as the number one course to play anywhere in the world during a golfer’s lifetime.

A trip to Mauritius shouldn’t be just about golf, though, and Anahita Golf & Spa Resort has plenty to recommend off the course including tennis courts, a watersports centre, an exclusive beach experience on its two beaches, boutiques, personal fitness centre, Anahita Spa by Thémaé Paris, kids and teens clubs and a choice of seven bars and restaurants serving an array of local and international cuisines.

For more information on Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, please visit: www.anahita.mu/en

GOLF EVENTS SCHEDULE 2022/3

JULY

Saturday 2nd

CHAIRMAN'S TROPHY*

Heritage Course | Stableford

Saturday 9th

SUMMER SCRAMBLE

Heritage Course | Texas Scramble

Shotgun Start

Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP*

Both Courses | Medal & Strokeplay

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 10th

PRESIDENT’S CUP*

International Course | Stableford

Friday 23rd

MEMBER GUEST DAY

Heritage Course | Better Ball Stableford

Shotgun Start

Saturday 24th

FOUNDER’S TROPHY*

Heritage Course | Stableford

*Denotes Order of Merit Board Competition

JULY

Sunday 3rd

MEMBERS' SUNDAY LUNCH

AUGUST

Sunday 7th

MEMBERS' SUNDAY LUNCH

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 4th

MEMBERS' SUNDAY LUNCH

Saturday 17th

OKTOBERFEST

Begins from September 17th, stay tuned for more details!

THE PANAMERA

Explore the vision that inspired the Panamera. A sports car for four with impressive performance and comfort.

WhetherPanamera Sports Saloon or Panamera Sport Turismo – the silhouette and proportions are unmistakably Porsche. Athletic, streamlined, with clear contours and powerful curves.

The long wheelbase, shorter overhang at the front and longer overhang at the rear creates visual dynamism. The prominent sculpting of the profile provides the customary Porsche waistline and sense of lightness.

UNDERLYING POWER

The chassis of the Panamera models performs a balancing act between sport and comfort effortlessly, and more impressively than before. The chassis systems have been completely redesigned and, together with the even more

precisely adjusted steering and the new generation of tyres, now offer more of both. More performance, but above all more comfort –especially on more demanding roads.

GRIPPING SUSPENSION

In Sport mode alone, the Panamera delivers increased dynamics and more direct handling. While in Sport Plus mode, the engine becomes even more responsive. Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) are retuned for harder damping and more direct turn-in. The adaptive air suspension drops to Low Level and firms the spring rate. The rear-axle steering acts to provide even greater agility. Another function included in the package is Launch Control – for optimum acceleration from a standing start.

COMFORT

The front seats offer a high level of comfort and provide support while cornering without restricting freedom of movement. The seat height, squab and backrest angles and fore/aft position are electrically adjustable.

The power seats (14-way, electric) offer additional squab length adjustment and four-way lumbar support for driver and front passenger. The memory function stores settings for seats, steering column, both exterior mirrors and other personalised in-car settings.

The adaptive Sports seats (18-way, electric) offer even better lateral support – thanks to raised side

bolsters on the squab and backrest. Electrically adjustable, they offer comfort on long journeys and made-to-measure lateral support in corners.

ROOM FOR MOVEMENT

The luggage compartment of the Panamera models offer you a volume of up to 495 litres depending on the model (E-Hybrid models up to 403 litres) and up to 515 litres in the Panamera Sport Turismo models.

The large, automatic tailgate with individually adjustable opening height is standard in all models. It opens and closes conveniently at the push of a button.

Perfect for a smooth, effortless exit after 18 holes.

For more information, please visit www.porschesouthlondon.co.uk

SUNDAY LUNCH

Mother’s Mother’s Day Day

Wewere delighted to host our Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday lunches again for the first time since 2019.

On Mother’s Day, mums were treated to an afternoon of bubbles and botanicals with a menu inspired by the beautiful blooms of spring. Each mum received a special treat, a miniature bottle of bubbly to accompany their meal. Our chefs delighted the palate with edible flowers and fresh scents and flavours of the season. Members and their families enjoyed an afternoon of live entertainment with acoustic music by Phil Short, and biscuit decorating and colouring for the children.

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY 19TH MARCH 2023

EASTER SUNDAY Lunch

For Easter Sunday, members and their families enjoyed a carvery-lunch in the restaurant with all the trimmings. We had a special visit from the Easter bunny, who entertained the children all afternoon with activities including an egg hunt. After dinner, the Easter bunny also stopped by the tables to bring each child their own egg to take home.

Save the date for 2023, as bookings for these very popular social events fill up quickly each year.

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY 9TH APRIL 2023

For more information on our members' social events calendar, please contact the Wedding and Events department on 01474 875720 or email weddingandevents@londongolf.co.uk.

STARTER Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Blini with Horseradish and Chive Flowers. Spring Vegetable Salad with an Orange Blossom Vinaigrette.

MAIN Lemon and Coriander Risotto served with Sea Bass and Confit Cherry Tomatoes.

DESSERT Easter Egg Cheesecake

ALL IN A

DAY'S WORK...

06:00

Alarm goes off, a warm then cold shower, catch up quicky on social media and the news and then head straight into work.

During my car journey I like to listen to a book or podcast. I like to use this 'dead' driving time to be as productive as possible and learn something new about leadership or modern world affairs.

08:30

Emails and tee-sheet - I would not say I like to spend too much time at my desk as my role is very handson and people orientated, but there are many email requests and tee-sheet management duties that are my responsibility.

11:30

Lunchtime - the first meal of the day is provided in our staff canteen. It's a good time to refresh for 30 minutes, have positive conversations with the team away from work and take a breather from a busy morning.

07:00

Arrive at work and get a black coffee (no sugar) to start the day. No need for breakfast as I intermittent fast until 11:30, it is great for cognitive thinking and reducing insulin levels.

Eyes and ears - I'll spend the first hour walking around the golf club, talking with staff members, and asking them about their plans for the day and what is happening at the club. I use this time to check that everything from a five-star standard perspective is where it should be, and that our team has everything they need to have a productive day.

10:00

We host a daily '10 @ 10' with all club managers advising one another on what is happening within their departments. This helps for total transparency within the club and ensures communication is flowing.

12:00

Eyes and ears - I'll spend an hour after lunch working with my team to understand how their day is going and how I can help them achieve their goals. I am very fortunate that my team is incredibly proactive, so this time is mainly spent building relationships with them and encouraging them to achieve their objectives.

13:00

Business strategy - this includes membership programmes, corporate event management, job descriptions, business planning, training, budget and forecasting, staff career development and partnership agreements, to name a few.

BenStimson is the director of golf at London Golf Club. He has extensive club experience and a passion for staff development and relationship building. Ben previously worked with us in 2018 during the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship. However, more recently he has been the director of golf at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in Saudi Arabia.

17:00

Home time - music on the way home before getting back home to my wife and three beautiful daughters. Our girls are very active and enjoy playing tennis, football, running and hide and seek. It is the best two hours of the day by a mile!

20:30

Dinner and time with my wife - all we ever talk about are the girls, but we enjoy this and have deep and meaningful conversations about parenthood and how annoying young kids are!

15:00

Eyes and ears - I'll spend the last few hours with my team on the ground. I like to be hands-on (without getting in their way) and help them as much as possible.

19:00

Running - I am training for a sub-three-hour marathon, so I will run from anywhere between 10km - 21km every night. I enjoy this time to get away from the world and reflect on the day's activities.

22:00

Lights out - time to get eight hours of sleep and go again in the morning!

Destinations

VINTAGE PORTUGAL

Boasting a plethora of outstanding golf courses, it’s easy to see why Portugal has been something of a golfing Mecca for players from the UK over the years.

Withthe promise of world-class golf, a renowned healthy lifestyle, numerous sandy beaches and an idyllic climate, there’s so much to like and enjoy about playing in this particular part of Europe.

Indeed, with so many options available to suit every taste and budget – just on its own, the Algarve has 43 nine or 18-hole layouts that can

be played all-year round – the only difficulty is choosing where to play first.

But one thing is for sure, wherever you decide to tee it up, you are guaranteed a welcome and experience that will be ingrained into the memory long after you have packed your bags and headed home.

13TH GREEN - PRAIA D'EL REY

The southernmost region of mainland Portugal, more than half of The Algarve’s courses adorn its 150-mile coastline and the destination is ideal for players of all ages and abilities. Established names including Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago –celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 – and Vale de Lobo all sit just a short taxi ride from Faro airport and offer an array of golf and lifestyle facilities.

Monte Rei, one of the undoubted stars of Portuguese golf, should also not be missed, while venture further afield and you’ll discover the likes of Penina, Palmares and the 36-hole Amendoeira Golf Resort which also make plenty of appeal.

The one downside of golf in The Algarve is that the courses can sometimes be very busy in peak season, so if you prefer the fairways a little quieter then

head north to discover the many delights of playing in and around Lisbon.

Around an hour’s drive north of the Portuguese capital on the Silver Coast sits Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort. Regarded among Europe’s elite golf resorts, the venue features two championship courses including West Cliffs Golf Links, already rated in the country’s top-three courses after opening three years ago. Royal Obidos and Bom Sucesso are also not far away and worth a visit.

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to Lisbon, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel features a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole course complemented by an array of leisure facilities that have recently been the subject of a €5m upgrade, while a region that is often overlooked and offers some of the best-value golf

in the country is the Costa Azul. Accessed by Lisbon’s two road bridges across the River Tagus, the peninsula is a world away from the bustling metropolis. With several good hotels, wellpriced restaurants, a number of bars and a breathtaking stretch of beach to explore, the coastal towns of Caparica and Sesimbra are ideal locations to use as a base, with the impressive 36hole Aroeira Golf Resort just a short drive away.

Ribagolfe, which is also managed by Orizonte - Lisbon Golf and features two championship courses, also comes highly recommended while head south to the coast and you’ll find Troia Resort, many people’s favourite in a country with an embarrassment of golfing riches.

SECOND HOLE AMENDOEIRA

PALMARES

18TH GREEN AROEIRA CHALLENGE

QUINTA DO LAGO

10TH GREEN WEST CLIFFS

AROEIRA LISBON HOTEL

Destinations

DISCOVER COSTA NAVARINO EUROPE’S NEWEST GOLF DESTINATION

Offering an outstanding combination of world-class golf, five-star accommodation and numerous leisure and lifestyle facilities, Costa Navarino has quickly risen to be regarded as one of the world’s elite luxury golfing venues.

And the Mediterranean’s prime sustainable destination has taken its status to new heights this spring with the eagerly anticipated opening of Costa Navarino’s new 36-hole Navarino Hills golf development, as well as announcing the opening of two new five-star hotels in the next 12 months.

Furthering Greece’s association with The Olympics, the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and the neighbouring Hills Course were officially unveiled to the golfing world

in February alongside the new Hills Clubhouse –marking a new era for the venue and the arrival of Europe’s newest golf destination.

Designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, the two layouts provide the ideal complement to Costa Navarino’s two existing signature golf courses – The Dunes Course (designed by Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design) and The Bay Course (created by Robert Trent Jones Jr.) Costa

NAVARINO HILLS

Navarino’s guests can now enjoy the challenge of four signature golf courses within a 13km maximum distance.

Situated in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese and a short and scenic drive from Kalamata airport, Costa Navarino opened in 2010 – fulfilling a lifelong ambition of its founder, shipping magnate and keen environmentalist Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, to create a sustainable tourism development in his home region of Messinia.

Launched in partnership with the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the new International Olympic Academy Course benefits from having over half its holes along the ridge of the hill overlooking the Bay of Navarino.

Measuring 6,366m, the par-72 layout features two distinctly different nines. While the front nine wanders through old olive groves in typical Greek landscape, the back nine plays along the edge of the cliff and provides spectacular sea views.

In contrast, The Hills Course is perhaps best described as a scenic golf journey through nature. The undulating course fits seamlessly into the land and, along the way, passes old olive trees, ancient rock walls and stunning ravines that carve deep into the Kinigou Hills. The 18 holes offer a good balance and variety. Additionally, myriad strategic options await you and provide a good test for creativity and course management.

In addition, the new Navarino Hills golf facilities also feature a 60-

bay driving range and a 15,000m² short game area, with the new clubhouse at Navarino Hills also opening at the same time.

As you would expect, there’s plenty to do away from the fairways with the quality of golf matched by the high standard of Costa Navarino’s leisure and lifestyle facilities, and further exciting developments are on the way with the opening of two more luxury resorts by spring 2023.

With an abundance of leisure, sports and wellness, as well as dining and authentic local experiences, Costa Navarino is now more than ever – a truly allencompassing golf destination, paying homage to its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

www.costanavarino.com

THE BAY CLUBHOUSE THE BAY NAVARINO HILLS 27

THE DUNES

PURPOSEFUL BEHAVIOURS

So much of golf is about routines and habits. Everyone is different and what works for one person, won't necessarily work for another. It's about creating purposeful processes and repeatable behaviours specific and appropriate to you.

Ifyou think of yourself golfing, a bit like a video-game character with an energy bar - there are things which use up energy such as swinging the club, getting angry, concentrating, and walking. There are things which top-up your energy bar, such as making birdies and sand-saves. So, it’s important to preserve energy and not waste it on anything which doesn’t have purpose.

What is your pre-shot routine?

Does it remain the same for each shot?

Does it have purpose?

Have a think about your behaviours before you tee off. What adds to your energy bar and what takes away? If you load up on a big breakfast, does it make you feel buoyant and full of energy, or does it make you lethargic and slow? Do you eat during your round? Do you hydrate constantly to fuel your brain and your body?

Question all of your behaviours and processes. Question the worth of them. A simple way to think about this is the ‘Keep, Ditch, Tweak’ method (KDT):

KEEP

What are you going to keep doing?

Processes and habits before and during your round that should remain because they enhance your performance

DITCH

What are you going to get rid of completely?

Habits you need to completely cut out which are detrimental to your game

TWEAK

What are you going to adapt or modify?

Things you do with good intentions which just need changing slightly to make them more beneficial

Think of your next round of golf, whether it is a twilight after work, a competitive match or a game with your friends or swindle. What can you do to prepare differently? Go through the KDT process. As an example:

KEEP DITCH TWEAK

• Warming up with short putts (less than four feet)

• An open, curious mindset with my expectations, remembering that every round is a new one

• Hitting a full bucket of balls with driver before teeing off

• Expectations of playing well after a 'big night'

• The third morning coffee for a glass of water

• The improvised stretches I usually perform on the range, by researching purposeful ones

• Watching other people's swing videos and book a lesson

Nick is a friendly and approachable coach specialising in working with golfers to improve mental aspects of golf performance. Nick is based at London Golf Club and works with members and visitors, amateurs and professionals on the practice ground, in the clubhouse and on the course.

Work with a golf mindset coach in the same way you work with a golf professional. In a

MindsetCaddy session, you will reflect on your habits and behaviours to develop your mental game. This will improve your preparation, expectations and decision making, which increases your enjoyment and your ability to cope with pressure, nerves and setbacks.

MindsetCaddy helps you compete, improve and get the most from your golf. Reach your potential whether amateur or professional.

07740 356 975 | nick@mindsetcaddy.com | @mindsetcaddy | www.mindsetcaddy.com

PILITA CLARK, FT BUSINESS COLUMNIST

“A RETURN TO LIFE AS IT WAS WOULD BE DEVASTATING FOR OUR CLIMATE”