A career in psychology can help or be a hindrance in golf, depending on the moment

How did you get into golf and at what age?

My husband encouraged me. So many of our friends share this game as a mutual interest and we thought it would be nice to be part of that. I only got into golf late in life – in my mid-50s.

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What is it about the game you love?

Love? At times I wonder myself! Frustration is probably a more frequent term than love. Perhaps ‘what I enjoy’ is more apt than ‘what I love’ about the game. I enjoy the challenge of competing against myself – it is incredible how golf highlights to oneself one’s ability to manage frustration, discouragement and even at times anger. I’m always amazed how quickly a good shot or a few good holes outweigh frustration. The joy of a good golf shot is extremely satisfying – I have partaken in many different sports over the years and I can honestly say that nothing else is comparable with the satisfaction of a good round of golf.

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What is your best golf memory?

I have two: one is having an 11-hour layover in Dubai on our way back to Sydney and we decided to have a game of golf – in the desert conditions of Dubai, in 40 degrees, in a stunningly beautiful golf resort. The experience was so different and such fun. My second memory is standing on a local golf course looking back at my husband and two sons and thinking, How good is this? Enjoying a sport with my family where we all partake at our own level of ability.

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Do you take lessons to improve your game or just enjoy the social interaction?

I have just made the decision to commit to having lessons. As any golfer would know, the thing with golf is the imperativeness of playing weekly in order to progress. To date I have not had the luxury of being able to commit to weekly playing, so lessons would have been a wasted effort. I’m restructuring my working life to free up some time. Furthermore, I am tired of being stuck on a handicap of 30!

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As a psychologist, what are the areas you specialise in?

For more than 20 years, I practised clinically in my own general private practice. Ten years ago, I transitioned into the corporate sector where I consulted on workforce management. I’m no longer actively consulting outside the ad hoc client.

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What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing people reach their ‘Ah-ha’ moment. Self-insight is a strong catalyst for change.

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Do you believe your knowledge and skills benefit you on the golf course?

Yes and no. The problem with being a psychologist is that you tend to see so many layers to everything. It is almost instinctual to see beyond the obvious. This trait invariably leads to overthinking the game with the ensuant tension – as any golfer will testify – being disastrous for a fluid, calm, game. On the other hand, my knowledge of and ability to apply mindfulness undoubtedly allows me to effectively manage the emotional ups and downs of a typical round.

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As a South African, have you noticed any difference in the way club golf is managed here versus there?

The biggest distinction I’ve noticed is the impact a caddie has on one’s game. All South African clubs offer a caddie and the caddie always will say, “I will look where your ball lands, you just enjoy hitting the ball.” Of course this allows one to stay over the ball longer, invariably with a better result!

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Do you organise holidays around golf and what are your favourite courses?

Yes, organised golf holidays are very much part of the social exuberance of golf. I don’t think I have a favourite golf destination as such, although New Zealand and South African courses are very beautiful.

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What is something you would like to see change in club golf today?

I would like to see the introduction of 12-hole competitions. For many female golfers with a busy working life, 18-holes-only competition scoring has been a deterrent to regular play.

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How would you encourage more women to play golf?

I honestly don’t believe encouragement is the issue. Rather, time, time, time is the biggest deterrent to women, especially if their families are still young or at home. A common theme you hear from non-playing ladies is the time it takes to play the game – it is not because they don’t like it. I believe a 12-hole competition option would be an encouragement, as the typical 18-hole round is a whole-day commitment.

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What is your best tip for women to inspire them to be the best they can be, on or off the course?

“Think of yourself less, but don’t think less of yourself.” This is a very powerful balance between inter-and-independence.