All photography provided by Gary Evans & Getty Images
So what happened after my 2019 Rookie Season?
Well, after a reasonably successful first season on the Staysure Tour, I was really excited at the prospect of playing 2 Majors and a full season in 2020. Like everybody else, I hadn’t hit a golf shot for the best part of 6 months, so imagine how excited I felt when I arrived at Mill Ride GC, fired up and ready to play a round of golf with my mates. Buzzing!
Anyway, I “buzzed” for about 20 mins (whilst hitting a few putts) after which I headed to the first tee, pulled out my driver, teed up a ball, lined up and let rip. Imagine the shock when two things happened at exactly the same time, the good news was that I’d flushed it straight down the middle, the bad news was a shooting pain tore through me like I’d just been electrocuted… I’d torn a tendon deep in my left shoulder! I tried to play through the pain but nine holes later I was done, I couldn’t swing the club at all. After seeking and consulting a Shoulder Specialist, I was advised that surgery would be too difficult and that the best opportunity for a full recovery was rest, a rest of 12-18 months! That news was given me in June/July of 2020.
The after effects of Covid meant that the Staysure Tour was basically scrapped for 2020 with only 8 or 9 events being played. As a consequence, the powers that be told me that the exemptions that I’d earned from the 2019 season (2 Major Championships) were extended through 2021, which was great news. The only trouble for me was that my shoulder wasn’t going to be ready until July/August 2021 at best, so basically, I was going to miss out on both Majors and played no Senior Tour Golf for 2 years.
2022 arrived, I hadn’t played any competitive golf for quite some time and I felt extremely unsure about my capabilities (which was sad given how confident I was feeling when I ended the 2019 season). I’m not going to bore you with a week-by-week review of how I played because I don’t want to send you into a coma but in short, my game just wasn’t good enough and that was matched by my lack of confidence mindset. My year (and mindset) wasn’t helped by the fact that I’d written to both the R&A and USPGA to seek invites to the two Majors I’d previously earned a right to play at but couldn’t attend because Covid in 2020 and injury in 2021. Both organisations refused me, which is entirely their right to do so but really disappointing from a personal point of view.
This game can be brutal (as I’m sure you all know). When you’re playing well, your imagination only sees the target (and not the trouble), your confidence is felt throughout your entire being and the game feels easy. It’s almost like you can’t imagine hitting a bad shot so when you do, it’s a bit of a shock to the system. When you’re not scoring well, doubt becomes your best friend and negativity…your second best friend. You can’t even imagine hitting the ball where you want. Mindset is everything!!
2022 was a year I’ve now forgotten and 2023 is here and upon us. I’m in the gym, I’m being careful with my preparation and I’m hoping that the results will be more reflective of the mindset I’ve tried to create for the coming season.
As always, I’d sincerely like to thank all the Caddies, Amateur Partners, Tournament Title Sponsors and their Partners and Supporters, Promoters, Venues, Volunteers and everyone at The Legends Tour for giving us old farts an opportunity to entertain people and keep chasing our dreams of competing against the best.
Riegler & Riegler Legends – T59th
Jersey Legends – T52
Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship – T5th
Swiss Senior Open – T56th
WinstonGolf Senior Open – T3rd
The JCB Championship – T66th
The Irish Legends – WD
Staysure PGA Championship – T30th
Farmfoods European Senior Open – T28th
Italian Senior Open – T9th
MCB Tour Championship Seychelles – T23rd
MCB Tour Championship Mauritius – T25th
2022 Order of Merit – 32nd