Chris Paisley takes stock of 2024 and begins looking ahead to 2025
The 2024 season was not what I had envisioned. After a strong start, my performances dwindled and I ultimately finished 73rd in the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings, just managing to maintain my playing rights.
I’ve taken some time to reflect with my family and I’m determined to give it another go in 2025.
I genuinely believe there’s still great golf in me, and my passion for the game remains strong. My plan is to play a significant portion of my schedule on the Challenge Tour, while also incorporating some events in the US. I intend to participate in Monday qualifiers on the Korn Ferry Tour, as well as teeing it up at Korn Ferry Q School. Competing in the US will simplify logistics and reduce the challenges of leaving my young family for extended periods – which is becoming harder and harder.
As I considered what I need to improve for 2025, I reached a simple and somewhat obvious conclusion – I must focus on the skill aspect of my game.
In the last three years, I have gone through a journey with my golf swing – and technically it has never been better. Despite having a solid swing, my performance did not meet my expectations. While rediscovering my old golf swing was imperative, I believe concentrating too heavily on technical elements has hindered my feel and overall skill. I have not been playing golf, I’ve been stuck playing golf swing too often.
This winter, my training and practice sessions will prioritise developing my feel and skill, while keeping an eye on the technical side. My strength has always been from 150 yards and in and I’ve lost confidence across the board lately. My goal is to regain my distance control and shot-shaping skills, and to achieve this I’ll be focusing on practising more creatively and testing myself in real-game situations.
Thank you to everyone who has followed me this season, I hope you’ll enjoy the journey in 2025 too. Wishing you all a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.