While my results haven’t quite been what I wanted, I’ve played great golf and had some amazing experiences so far this summer, writes Rosie Belsham
If tournament rounds were only played over 16 holes, I’d probably be writing this column from a much nicer holiday! Unfortunately, they’re played over 18 holes and the last couple of months have felt like a collection of almost weeks.
Every tournament seems to have had its own story. One week I was feeling under the weather, another week my clubs didn’t arrive, and on a few occasions it’s simply been one poor stretch of holes that’s stopped a good week from becoming a great one. That’s golf, I suppose.
As frustrating as it has been, it’s reminded me that my game is in a really good place. The scores haven’t always shown it, but I know I’m not far away. Sometimes all you can do is stay patient, keep doing the right things, and trust that eventually everything will click.
While my golf swing has been in a good place, the biggest challenge has been my own mind.
After starting the year well, I got my first real taste of what success in professional golf could look like. It was exciting, and it made me believe I could improve my status and compete consistently at that level. At the same time, it brought a different kind of pressure. I found myself thinking more about rankings, results and what could come next rather than focusing on the process that got me there in the first place.
It’s probably a challenge every professional faces at some stage, and learning how to deal with those expectations has been one of my biggest lessons this season. I’m slowly finding my way back to the mindset where I simply enjoy competing and trust my game.
I’ve also had the chance to play in several pro ams recently and I’m enjoying the mix of networking, practising, and learning the real meaning of patience!
I really enjoy these days. It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet interesting people and practise my gameplan in a pressure environment.
They’re not always straightforward though. Some professionals aren’t huge fans because the pace can be slow, there can be language barriers, and you can spend five hours with people who have never really experienced golf etiquette. In those situations, you have to make the best of it, and I focus on practising my routines and sticking to my process.
All these experiences make you appreciate the special moments even more.
At the pro am at Manchester Golf Club, I got to play with a fantastic group of women who were passionate about improving equality for women in sport and business. Listening to their stories and learning how they use sport to encourage change in the workplace was genuinely inspiring. It was also a great reminder that golf can open doors to conversations and opportunities you never expect.
While the last couple of months haven’t quite produced the results I’d hoped for, they’ve certainly given me plenty to learn from. Sometimes progress isn’t reflected on the leaderboard, and this season has reminded me that success is about much more than one scorecard.
I’m excited for what’s ahead, and hopefully it won’t be too long before the results catch up with the work that’s been going on behind the scenes.
