BBC news journalist Naga Munchetty has thrown off her dancing shoes and is slowly getting back into golf, BUT, she’s no longer ultra-competitive - for the time being anyway!
BBC news journalist and presenter Naga Munchetty has thrown off her dancing shoes and is slowly getting back into golf, BUT, she’s no longer ultra-competitive - for the time being anyway!
Right let’s get the “Strictly Come Dancing” chatter out of the way - then I promise it shall never be mentioned in this column again ... (Unless instructed otherwise by the Editor) I had a ball. I loved training to dance. I was gutted to go when I did. My golf was wrecked by the experience, simply because I only got a chance to play two or three times during the 6 or 7 weeks I spent training. Funnily enough, after a while, I didn’t miss golf. I did wonder about whether that was a bad thing, but then I knew that as I had been SO passionate about the game that I would soon embrace it again. More about that later ...
On “Strictly” part of the game is to be judged. I’m used to that with my everyday job as viewers are certainly not shy about expressing their views while I am on-air. Nothing I mind so long as it is not abusive.
After being judged (often harshly) on “Strictly” I have learned that I need to be a little more kind to myself in the other areas of my life. I’ve been pretty harsh about my golf game in recent months, so I’ve decided to give myself a break for a while. Still, I have stirred up enough enthusiasm to play, and embraced the layers, hand warmers and winter boots.
I have also changed to a carry bag so I am ready to go, I promise. However, I have made a conscious decision not to play in any of the winter knockout competitions. If I’m being honest, I really have had enough of being competitive at the moment. I never thought I would say this, but I really just want to play and remember what I like about golf and the people I play with. I’m not even using or looking at the scorecard so much.
That has shocked many of my golf buddies who are not quite sure if Naga, or a lesser version of me, has come back from “Strictly” and back on the golf course. I’m happy with taking the memory of a couple of good shots and putts home with me. That’s what I need for the time being to bring me back for another game
Perhaps a spell of fair weather golf will warm up my competitive bones and my love for the game. I’ll be sure to let you know next year. In the meantime, I wish you every festive merriment and of course, some excellent golfing.
This is an extract from the latest Women & Golf magazine, out Friday. Never miss an issue, SUBSCRIBE HERE to Women & Golf or treat a friend this Christmas with a subscription.
