Naga Munchetty has had a frustrating golfing year, but she believes that her experiences and those of Team Naga will strike a chord and might help to bring your game on in 2019.
Naga Munchetty has had a frustrating golfing year, but she believes that her experiences and those of Team Naga will strike a chord and might help to bring your game on in 2019.
As the next edition of Women & Golf hits the shelves today, here’s a sneak preview of what you can expect from columnist Naga Munchetty this month.
This time of year is good for looking back to see what we have achieved. One thing we have all learned is that our handicaps are not the only way to measure improvement. Many of us are thinking about goals for next year so I hope that at least one of the team’s experiences resonate with you.
When I picked the members of Team Naga, I knew I wanted golfers who were competitive, focused and determined to bring their handicaps down. I was also very aware of how much time would be needed to do so. I failed at that hurdle. I’ve had another busy work year and another personal sporting challenge which has forced golf down the order of importance in my life. If anything, this challenge has been a headache for me and caused more frustration and stress than I remember. For those who read this column regularly, you’ll know that the clubs actually went in the garage, as I was intent on quitting!
I have consistently gone up 0.1 in qualifying competitions - I went back up to 9 from 8 - and if I hadn’t scored well in a recent competition I would have suffered the indignity of a whole shot gain (which hit Alison), taking me to 10. I don’t think I’ve been more focused or determined to avoid that. I scored 36 points and have managed to cling on to 9, but I am furious about having gone up, especially since I truly believe that I should be so much lower! I’ll start again next year with much more of a focus on golf.
Women & Golf Editor Alison has had a very similar experience to me. Determined, knowing that there is room to come down, but not having the time to practise.
The challenge has made Alison reassess her golfing ambitions.
“Without the time (or the inclination) to focus on my game, then I need to chill out and just take the sport for what it is and always play for fun. But my competitive instinct is telling me otherwise so that’s my dilemma ...”
I’ve always believed that Katie could play off a much lower handicap and she’s reduced it by two shots to 24. Not as much as she aimed for, but still impressive.
“Reaching 18 next year would be fantastic, anything below 18 would be absolutely amazing.”
The team aspect of this project has also made a difference. Our What’s app group is often buzzing with words of encouragement and even when the challenge ends this year I can’t imagine that will stop...
Image credit: David Cannon/Getty Images
This is just a snippet of Naga's full article in the latest issue of Women & Golf magazine. You can pick up Women & Golf, on sale from Friday 7 December, or click here to subscribe now to read the full feature and enjoy W&G delivered to your door!
