Golf… it’s a funny old sport.
At the beginning of each year, I decide what my experience, growth, contribution, and creative goals are. For my growth goal this year, I decided to trade in endurance sports and learn how to play golf.
I had two main drivers:
- All my friends had started playing more frequently and going away on golf trips.
- I wanted a sport that would keep me occupied and interested for decades, not just years.
My end-of-year goal was not to have a handicap but simply to have a golf away day with the lads at a decent course – without embarrassing myself.
A Humbling Experience
The glass ceiling in golf is very high, and I can only describe the learning process of learning as a humbling experience.
Where I was previously able to rely on my natural athleticism to carry me to a certain standard in other sports, there are no shortcuts in golf –everyone starts at the bottom. This means hour after hour of gruelling practice, where one day you feel like you’ve mastered it, and the next, it’s as if you’ve never swung a golf club before.
I’ve never known a sport like it. There simply is no linear correlation of improvement week after week.
My Training Approach
I started the right way by taking golf lessons spread out every three weeks and going to the driving range in between.
Every time I went to see my coach, he would add a new dimension to my swing, and I would go away, practice and master it. Then all of sudden the improvement slowed down and stopped.
I had plateaued and I couldn’t work it out.
On my sixth lesson, whether it be my mood that day or not, I felt like the golf pro was repeating the same instructions from lessons three and four, and I just wasn’t getting it. At this point I let my emotions get the better of me, I became extremely frustrated and I threw the toys out of the pram. I explained to the golf pro that this approach wasn’t working for me and I didn’t book any more lessons with him.
The Light Bulb Moment
After sulking for a while I finally had a light bulb moment. I wasn’t improving because I wasn’t practicing enough.
I was only going to the driving range once a week for 40 minutes and having a lesson every three weeks. I came to the conclusion that if I expect my patients to complete their exercises two to three times per week to make the minimum changes to their body, how could I be so arrogant to think that I could master a new skill based sport by practicing it once per week for 40 minutes.
From that point onwards, I started going to the driving range twice and sometimes three times per week. The result? Of course my golf skill level improved exponentially.
The Link Between Golf And Injury Rehabilitation
Why am I telling you this story?
I feel like the journey I have gone through can be likened to the rehabilitation process for tricky injuries such as:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Persistent low back pain
- Shoulder pain
There were times where my golf skill was improving and I could see light at the end of the tunnel and other times I simply felt I was back to square one. Just like in golf, there are no short cuts in rehabilitation.
You have to be disciplined with your approach. The body likes routine and although there will be frustrating times ahead, overall improvement will be made with time when you continue to practice the same exercise not once, but several times per week.
The brain and body connection is strong when you are consistent with your approach. You can’t expect instant results if you only practice your exercises now and again.
Mindset Matters
I also related to the fact that my golf skill level would be influenced by my emotions and mood.
I played my best when I was most relaxed and only focusing on the task at hand (hitting the ball). My golf severely deteriorated when I was sleep deprived, stressed and worrying about factors out of my control.
As discussed in my previous blog about the biopsychosocial model, these factors can play a huge role in injury management.
It’s okay to have moments of anger and frustration, and set backs are normal, but try to have a short term memory and forget about these times. It’s about bouncing back, starting each week fresh focusing on the task at hand. Try to focus on the things you can control, good quality diet, sleep, correct exercise intensity and effective stress management strategies.
Taking Expert Advice
I found with learning golf that everyone becomes a professional and tells you (whether you’re wanting to hear it or not) their expert advice that works for them or to try this approach or person.
This can be extremely frustrating because while some tips might be helpful, many will be conflicting. I often hear the same complaints from my back pain patients – everyone tells them what worked for their pain, but that doesn’t mean it will work for them.
Seek out professional help for your injuries from a recommend qualified health professional. Their advice will be based on an assessment of you and they will tailor their treatment for your specific needs.
It is important to listen to other peoples advice but remember that one size does not fit all. It’s about working out what works best for you.
The Power of Goal Setting
As soon as I booked the golf trip I had a goal to work towards.
Even though it applied extra time pressure, having the reminder of a booked event made me focus on the task. I also felt six months was the right amount of time for me to prepare.
It’s important to set goals so you have a target to work towards but try to make it realistic based on all the information you have. Accept that making changes to the body takes time and there is no perfect rehabilitation programme as life often gets in the way. Be patient.
- Tendinopathies often take 12-16 weeks to heal.
- Persistent pain often requires a lifelong management plan.
Having short and long term goals will improve your performance.
Mission Accomplished
Finally, three weeks ago I managed to complete my goal of playing two rounds at The East Sussex National Golf Club.
I was given the maximum handicap and we played Stable Ford. Although I let my nerves get the better of me on day one and only contributed 10 points to my team, on day two (because I most likely relaxed more) I contributed 24 points to my team and walked away with my head held high.
About the Author
As an ex-Great Britain gymnast, Stephen Davies knows what it’s like to be injured and lying on the treatment couch. His personal experience, combined with his extensive professional training, allows him to empathise with his patients and create tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.
Ready to take control of your own recovery and performance? Book a consultation with Real Health London today.