Regrets can make Achievements

Like any sportsman, you will always be left with regrets as well as achievements. It is a well known fact that failures do not breed wins. I am a firm believer that without failures, you can never learn to appreciate a win properly. For every trophy you have in your cabinet, there will be hundreds of competitions that you felt disappointment in.

My biggest regret as a junior - The 2006 Moatlands Club Championship..

I was an ambitious18yr old who stepped onto the 18th hole in the Men’s Club Championship 1st round at +3, after playing what was one of my best performances to date. It would take me 10 shots to cover the 580yd final hole, therefore scuppering any chance I had of being in contention for day 2. At the time I felt like my world had collapsed and I had ruined everything. I went away with massive regrets on how I played the hole and the decisions I made. Needless to say, my second round suffered badly the following day.

Throughout the next 12 months, I continued to practise and improve my skillset. This was also the time in my career, I matured in course management. I decided I needed to learn how to adapt my game to different golf courses & situations. Every golf course & situation will ask you a different question, so why was I so one dimensional?

In 2007 I played a lot of golf before Club Championship, setting myself targets over the final 4 holes. This was to make sure I always had pressure to finish off a round. I made a Birdie and a Par on the 18th, on route to shooting 71,72 (-1) to take the Club Championship trophy. I would also return to retain the Club Championship in 2008, picking up the Nett Trophy in the process.

2007/08 was a big turning point in my game. I learnt that no matter how bad your regrets are, you can use this as a drive to achieve your goals.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my story of success from failure. If this helps one player win a trophy, I will feel it was worth sharing.

GOC