BBC news journalist and presenter Naga Munchetty is an avid golfer, but however hard she tries to improve, she realises the importance of keeping things in perspective.
BBC news journalist and presenter Naga Munchetty is an avid golfer, but however hard she tries to improve, she realises the importance of keeping things in perspective.
Have you ever thought why you aren't the golfer you think you should be. I have, often, but mainly I just put it down to circumstance. It’s easy enough - I have a full time job to focus on, I didn’t start young enough, it’s raining too much - the list could take up this whole page.
However, I do TRY to be better, with lessons and I think A LOT about how I can improve and how not to repeat mistakes, but sometimes this game, or I, needs to be put in perspective.
I read a lovely tribute to a golfer on a bench at Denham Golf course recently while playing in a foursomes match. As we had all despaired over our occasional dodgy shots, one lady pointed to a plaque on a bench. Says it all really...
Some Golfers lie awake at night
And brood on what went wrong
I’d rather think of what went right
It doesn’t take as long
Margaret & Ron Lindsay, 2010
I think this couple knew exactly what mattered in life.
I was lucky enough to be invited to play in the PGA BMW pro-am this year. I played with the very charming (read: handsome, funny and recently engaged...) and aptly named Jamie Lovemark. I had a great time with him, Di Dougherty and Georgie Bingham on the West Course at Wentworth as we all tried our best to get ourselves into contention for a prize - we missed out by 2 shots.
There were many shouts of ‘FORE!’ and ‘SORRY!’ from our group which we found really funny. Nerves soon fell away after the first couple of holes as we all decided that we could laugh at our golf. In fact, I was less nervous and stressed than I have been in recent medal rounds when the dreaded .1 loomed over me.
Though after reading that poem on the bench I’m beginning to realise that we really shouldn’t take this game too seriously. The pros are focused on their game so there really was no reason for me, Di or Georgie to be concerned about embarrassing ourselves.
...
What do you think of this? I know someone who has had just 8 golf lessons, never played on a golf course and yet is taking part in a corporate society day on a fairly prestigious and difficult course. I did think about discouraging her to play, but she said that she had been invited so she saw no reason not to take part. My initial reaction was negative; I’m ashamed to say. I thought about how long the round will take with all the duffed shots that will be hit, how inefficient she will be in terms of getting around the course (ie leaving a trolley in the wrong places) and not having a clue about golf rules and etiquette. Have I turned into what I promised I never would be - an old stickler with zero tolerance?
When I thought a little more about it, I was rather impressed with this person’s bravado - after all, you have to get off the range and onto the course at some point. I also wonder if it reflects on golf actually turning a corner, in terms of inclusivity, or is the cynic in me right when I see that golf clubs are happy to relax the rules to make sure the revenue keeps coming in.
The above is an extract from Naga's column in the July/August 2016 issue of Women & Golf magazine, on sale now. Never miss an issue click here to subscribe and enjoy W&G delivered to your door.
