Tandi’s tips for golfers
PARKVIEW – A person can still improve their mental strength, flexibility, stamina and balance while not on the golf course.
SA Open winner and course record holder at Parkview Golf Club, pro golfer Tandi McCallum have offered some advice for golfers during the lockdown.
“While life seems to have been put on hold for everyone during these rather interesting times, your golf need not be neglected,” she told Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“If anything, one can utilise the spare time to work on your game while at home. Whether you are a professional, top amateur or weekly club golfer, everyone can benefit from some homework.”
She said while physical fitness can be difficult to maintain if space is limited, mental fitness is not. This refers to mental strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. “Your mind needs to possess all these qualities as well as your body in order to achieve golfing greatness.”
McCallum explained that strength refers to one’s ability to handle pressure and rise to the moment. “Firstly, embrace the pressure and all nerves that go along with it, don’t fear it. If you are in a situation where you feel the pressure that is the perfect space to learn about yourself and transcend your limitations. Try to stay calm, clear and aware.”
Mental flexibility refers to breaking the mould of your usual self. “Learn to adapt to different courses and conditions and think creatively. This is an attitude which stems from you. The biggest part of flexibility is learning to accept, whatever the weather, conditions or situation, accepting is key to adapting. Don’t harp on what you cannot control.”
For stamina, McCallum said one should conserve their mental energy when playing and not spend it unnecessarily on overthinking, stressing or replaying past mistakes in one’s mind. “Let go of what has happened and play one shot at a time. Yes, it’s a cliché but it does in fact work. Don’t get nervous when you are having a good game and don’t play catch-up when things are not going well. Stick to your game plan and clear your mind of the past shot.”
Balance is staying in the moment rather than dwelling on what has already happened or what is yet to happen. “Your mind will wander but reign it back in. Golf is a game of emotional ups and downs. Don’t allow yourself to get too excited or too depressed, ride the waves of your emotions and keep yourself in balance.”
These are concepts one can start to adopt while off the course, McCallum concluded.
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