Golf Yourself Resolute
"For the determined and resolute, there is time and opportunity" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Since the turn of the year, my GYH social media feed has been filled with fellow content creators and avid Golfers sharing their 2025 goals.
Whilst others are listing off various metrics about how many new courses they intend to play this year, or how many shots they hope to shave off their playing handicap, I rather find myself coming to terms with a total paucity of Golfing action and no concept of where my next fix is coming from, nor indeed how much Golf I’m even likely to play this year.
Since the birth of my daughter, Golf action has been at a premium. I know better than to complain about this, however. Given the heartache and pain of losing my first born child, I had been so anxious for her arrival. Now that she is here, I am cherishing every moment and loving every second of watching her develop and grow.
All that being said, I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t long for the links.
In a forthcoming episode of the GYH podcast (release date Monday 4 February), I interviewed Sky Sports presenter, Dave Jones. When I asked him about whether he sets himself any Golf goals, we got to talking about his recently acquired single figure handicap (9.8 WHS, to be exact). More to the point, I asked how he worked towards the fulfilment of that goal and crucially, how he felt when he achieved it.
Did he feel euphoric? Indifferent? Motivated to keep pushing for further improvement? His response was fascinating and relatable in equal measure.
Though I can’t profess to know what it is like to play off single figures, I do know how it feels to feel like an imposter. Equally, I am very good at downplaying my achievements.
I have often spoken about my imposter syndrome on the GYH podcast, at times convincing myself that I’m less qualified to talk about Golf, than others who have many years of experience in the industry, or have the badges or handicaps to show for it.
Equally, before I eventually plucked up the courage to write to Dave to ask him to guest on my podcast, it wasn’t before I’d already talked myself out of it on more than one occasion. I didn’t believe in myself, nor my podcast, to be worthy of merit, in the eyes of someone of Dave’s professional standing.
If I learned anything from my conversation with Dave, it was that I ought to believe in myself more and to proudly celebrate my GYH successes. When I told him about my self doubts, he informed me that he’d seen my Instagram post about us climbing to number 14 in the UK Golf podcast charts back in August 2024. He reminded me that, to climb within 3 spots of the Sky Sports Golf podcast is not to be sniffed at, especially for an Indy podcaster like myself.
Moreover, he encouraged me not to shy away from continuing to talk about my late son and to resist being apologetic about bringing him into conversation.
Meanwhile, whilst my playing time is currently restricted, my interview with him made feel grateful that I am at least able to write and talk about Golf, as well as to connect and chat with interesting guests, through the medium of GYH. In truth, even that is proving challenging, as I balance being a parent, as well as working a full time job (all while doing GYH on the side).
Nonetheless, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of continued growth for GYH, with plenty of exciting things on the horizon.
On March 31st, I will be heading to Edinburgh, to attend the 3rd International Congress on Golf and Health, and hopefully to speak on a panel to share to my own experiences of how Golf has transformed my health and wellbeing.
Additionally, I have struck up an exciting working partnership with The Loop, founded by my friend and previous GYH podcast guest, Mike Harris. As industry experts in the field of Golf content creation, I know I am in the capable hands of Mike and his team, who will help to elevate our brand further and allow me to get another step closer to realising my ultimate ambition of making GYH a full-time vocation.
For now, I will stay resolute and strong in the knowledge that, good things come to those who wait. Or rather, great things come to those who Embrace the Rough and Cherish the Fairway.
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The podcast is great Kris 👊 something like this was needed. Keep pushing 👏 would be amazing if you could get some Pro Golfers on talking about the mental side both male and female. Padraig Harrington or Charley Hull 😁