A long-term outlook and faith in the process are so important in this game, writes Chris Paisley
As I sit down to write in late-May, I’m looking out over a cold, windy garden at my rented accommodation in Denmark – where I’m getting ready for the Danish Challenge.
My roommates, David Law and James Morrison, are playing the morning pro am so I’m enjoying the peace and quiet. Just a week ago, I was sweating it out in Florida’s early summer humidity. Tomorrow, I’ll be facing 30mph winds, pouring rain, and a high of 8°C. It’ll be a bit of a shock to the system, to say the least!
I’ve had a pretty quiet season so far – both in terms of how much I’ve played and how well I’ve played. After a four-week break, I’m heading into the thick of it now. I’ve got three events back-to-back, then a short break, and after that I’ll probably be playing six events in a row.
My last stint at home brought some big changes. I had some bloodwork done through a performance medicine company because I just hadn’t been feeling like myself. For the past couple of years, I’ve noticed my energy and focus haven’t been where they need to be – especially if I want to get back to competing at the top level.
The tests showed there were a few deficiencies that were making a bigger impact than I’d realised. With a few changes to my diet and some supplements (all approved by anti-doping, of course) I felt like a different person within days.
I hadn’t noticed I was tired all the time until I wasn’t anymore. It’s made a big difference – not just in how I feel on the course, but in day-to-day life. I feel like a better dad, and a better husband, and I think that kind of energy will start showing up on the scorecard too.
As for the golf itself, there’s no magic pills there, unfortunately, but my game is heading in the right direction. It’s easy to fall into clichés, but they exist for a reason. “Stick to the process,” “get better every day,” “stay present” – they may sound basic, but when you really live them, they help steer the ship.
By the time I check in again, I’ll have a solid run of events behind me. Hopefully there’ll be a few good stories and some low rounds to share.
Until then, I’ll keep showing up and sticking to the process.
