Rediscovering My Golf Game: A Summer in Kent
Golf has always been a passion of mine, but the past couple of years at university took a toll on my game. Between coursework, social commitments, and limited practice time, my golf skills had noticeably slipped. This summer, I decided it was time for a comeback, and I found the perfect place to reignite my love for the game: Littlestone.
Back to Basics at Littlestone
Littlestone provided the ideal setting for my summer golf revival. Nestled on the southeast coast of England, this gem boasts not only a Championship Links course but also a range of practice facilities that became my second home. From the moment I arrived, I felt confident that Littlestone was the perfect place to rebuild and improve my game.
Embracing the Challenge of Links Golf
Links golf is a breed apart—unforgiving, demanding, and incredibly rewarding. The Championship course at Littlestone taught me invaluable lessons in course management and shot selection. Navigating the tough terrain, battling the unpredictable coastal winds, and learning to embrace the challenge transformed my golfing IQ. Links golf is undeniably the toughest style of course I've encountered, but it's also the one I've come to love the most.
Learning from the Best: Dan Grieve's Short Game Mastery
A significant part of my improvement came from delving into Dan Grieve's book, The Three Releases. This book became my bible for mastering the short game. I spent countless hours practicing chipping, pitching, and bunker shots, armed with Grieve's insights. Understanding the nuances of each release technique helped me build consistency and confidence around the greens, an area where my game had previously faltered.
https://dangrieve.com/3-releases-the-short-game-system/
Analysing and Improving: Filming My Sessions
To take my practice sessions to the next level, I started filming my range sessions and a few holes of actual play. This was a game-changer. By reviewing the footage, I could identify consistent errors and patterns in my swing rather than focusing on isolated mistakes. This analytical approach allowed me to make targeted adjustments and track my progress more effectively. I've also begun posting these videos on YouTube, so if you're interested, you can check them out and follow my journey as I work to improve my game.
Exploring Kent's Golfing Gems
While Littlestone was my base, I had the opportunity to explore other fantastic courses around Kent. Playing with friends, I teed off at the stunning course at The Cave Hotel in Boughton-under-Blean and capped off the summer at the renowned Royal Cinque Ports. Each round offered new challenges and learning experiences, broadening my understanding of different course layouts and conditions.
A Fitting Finale
The highlight of my summer was reuniting with an old friend, Lennon Nicholls, who is now the head assistant professional at Royal Cinque Ports. Our final round together was memorable, not least because I managed to hole out a greenside bunker shot. Although our game was cut short by a sudden downpour at the 12th hole, the experience was a perfect conclusion to a transformative summer.
Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Ahead
As I prepare to head back to Loughborough, I do so with a renewed passion for golf and a vastly improved game. Littlestone and the summer's adventures around Kent rekindled my love for the sport, and I can't wait to see how these experiences will translate into future rounds. Golf is a game of constant learning and adaptation, and this summer reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place.
What's next for me is equally exciting. I'm about to begin my placement year with PING in Loughborough, an opportunity that I hope will open new doors and horizons for both my academic and golfing pursuits. My goal is to get my handicap close to scratch and start looking out for local amateur tournaments. This placement year promises to be a pivotal time, allowing me to balance professional growth with continuing to elevate my golf game. Here's to more fairways, more challenges, and many more memorable rounds ahead!