So Graham McDowell secures his second European Tour win of the season, with a strong performance at Loch Lomond. What was so impressive about McDowell’s victory, was his display of mental strength. Three consecutive birdies, at the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth, took McDowell away from the pack, at precisely the right time. It’s at the business end of tournaments, that a players mental strength is tested. Are you ready to win? Some players are uncomfortable with being winners. They have become so used to being second-best, that they cannot cope with, suddenly, experiencing the possibility of winning. And so, in […]

‘For some reason, I felt a immense sense of calmness inside’. The words of European Tour winner, Ross Fisher, after his seven shot victory, at the London Club. Why is it that winners never say they were experiencing inner turmoil, and contradiction? As if, the inner state of calmness, is commensurate with excellence and success. Ross’ thoughts, ‘for some reason’ also suggests that this state, was not one he deliberately created. That it happened upon him, almost by accident. But isn’t this nearly always the case, with ‘zone-like’ experiences? You cannot demand it. It happens upon you, when everything is […]

Richard Finch is leading the Irish Open at Adare Manor, as he comes to play his third shot to the eighteenth. His ball is lying awkwardly, in rough, just above the water. Finch, then hits an iron shot onto the green, and as he does so, topples into the River Maigue. “It was a bit of an awkward stance, but I never gave falling in a thought. The momentum of the follow-through took me round and in.” Finch commenting on his early bath. But what is impressive about Richard Finch, is that he never gave a thought to falling in the water. […]

And I want to thank Tiger Woods for not being here,” he added with a smile. “That always makes things a little bit easier.” The words of Sergio Garcia, speaking after his seventeenth hole play-off triumph at Sawgrass. It’s understandable that Garcia would be happy and relieved after his success. For, after all, its been three years since his last PGA victory. But was it wise to make the Tiger comment? Sergio might think that Tiger’s absence made his task easier. But why not keep these thoughts to yourself? Surely these remarks will simply support Tiger’s sense of superiority, to […]

The trouble is I don’t rate anyone else. Don’t get me wrong, I respect everyone who is a professional. But the problem is I haven’t played to my full potential yet. And when that happens it will just be me and Tiger.” Ian Poulter talking to Golf World magazine. Comments certain to incur the wrath of his fellow professionals. It would be easy to ridicule Poulter for his seeming arrogance. After all, what has he won? But there may be some purpose in his remarks. He is saying that he backs himself to be the number two golfer in the […]

I’ve never ached so much in my whole life. I picked up some sort of bug, had a bad night and was throwing up too – I’m delighted with one-under, to be honest with you. I didn’t have the energy to get frustrated out there, so that worked well in my favour.” The words of Justin Rose after his opening round in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama. ‘I didn’t have the energy to get frustrated’. It’s not unusual for a golfer to play at their best when under the weather. Here’s why…when you feel unwell, say at a 1 or […]

It should come as no surprise that Padraig Harrington would have a less than perfect first round at the Bridgestone Invitational. ‘I was a long long way from my last round at the Open, in terms of focus’, the Irishman tells us. Harrington’s biggest challenge will be how he reacts to any potential dip in form over the next three months. His status and stature within the game has changed. And with it come expectations. Everyone now will be taking notice of him. Is he good enough to win another major? Was it a one-off? The chances are he will […]

In the follow up to the Open Championship, many pundits seem happy to conclude that Sergio Garcia is a serial choker. Loaded with talent. But lacking the killer instinct. The nerve. The mentality to tighten the screw in turning moments. How Sergio thinks about Carnoustie Sunday will have a significant bearing on his ability to prove the doubters wrong. The correct approach would be for Sergio to do two things. One, to look at and confirm all the things he did well. All the things that meant he held a lead for over 3/4’s of the Championship. All the things […]

What makes sport so compelling? Often we are absorbed by the effortless mastery of a Federer or Woods. Legends and leaders who elevate their sport to rarefied levels. But doesn’t the most memorable drama come when we witness vulnerability? When we are drawn into the struggle of individuals digging deep to draw on the gossamer thin thread of personal strengths and positive memories in the face of physical, mental and emotional challenge. The final day of the 2007 Open was loaded with such sub-plots. Garcia, Romero and Harrington all exposed us to their vulnerabilities. Their raw human side. The part […]

When assessing why a Open Championship play-off has been won by one player and not the other, you have to take into account age and experience. You have to factor in the quality of their game. Then and most importantly of all, you have to throw into the mix their mental application. How they would be thinking about themselves. Their last afternoon’s work. Victory spurned. Their opponents. Any slivers of doubt and uncertainty would tilt the advantage away from them. When we learn of Padraig Harrington’s attitude to the play-off, it starts to become clear why he is now the Open […]