T-Time Podcast // Ep. 78: 3 Things We Learned From Caddying at the USGA Senior Women's Am
In this episode of T Time, we are having an impromptu chat with Kathy Hart Wood, host of the popular golf podcast, Above Par. Kathy unexpectedly joined us in Arizona and we are thrilled to have her live for this enlightening discussion. Known for her bite-sized episodes, Kathy provides listeners with a fresh perspective, giving them something to think about each time they head to the golf course.
In this session, Kathy shares the story behind her popular podcast which is now 3 years old and with over 140 episodes. Despite her initial concerns about generating topics for solo discussions, Kathy opens up about how her interactions with clients and members always inspire new ideas.
Additionally, we delve into 3 valuable lessons learned from caddying. Join us as we enjoy this impromptu session filled with discovery, learning, and a shared love for golf.
How Tori and Kathy Met
Emerging from a chance encounter around three or four years ago, the inspirational bond between Tori and Kathy was triggered by a local Rochester connection associated with golf. Kathy’s dad happened to own Lake Shore Country Club in Rochester, the same locale where Tori’s parents live less than a mile away. A conversation about this shared connection led to Kathy being invited as a guest on one of Tori's live groups, marking the beginning of their friendship and professional relationship.
While Kathy’s name was mistakenly spelled on the occasion as Kathy Hardwood, it seems the error kickstarted a journey of camaraderie and shared passion for the game. Their connections also found deeper roots in the golf community, with Kathy participating in many of Tori’s events and becoming a favorite amongst the players, all due to her dedicated work and approach to the sport.
Three Things We Learned From Caddying at the USGA Senior Women's Am
1. The Critical Role of Pace Management and Mental Preparation
The critical learning from Kathy's caddying experience at the USGA Senior Women Am lies in the understanding of the pace of play and its marked effects on players' performance. Kathy, having been a player, teacher, and coach, completely understands the pressure and stresses associated with the game. She relies on her first-hand experience of witnessing what happened when their group received a slow play warning during their first day. This incident significantly rattled the group and unintentionally altered the rhythm of their play for the rest of the day.
USGA events are notably strict about the pace of play, and they emphasize this constantly. When a group falls behind time even slightly, it could lead to an increasing rush, thus affecting players' performance adversely. The players' rhythm got disrupted, causing them to rush their shots, make costly mistakes, and even take less time on the green. Hence, it's vital to anticipate and navigate such challenges.
Kathy suggests that players should ensure efficiency between shots while maintaining ample time over each shot. She raises an important point about self-awareness, recognizing when one is rushing, and how crucial it is to slow down during the shot for improved performance.
2. Dynamics in the Group and Managing Personal Interactions
The second lesson learned is regarding navigating the dynamics of different people in the group and dealing with the cart rules imposed by the USGA. It was observed that communicating with other caddies, players, the scorekeeper, and dealing with the cart situation were all challenges that required considerable mental energy.
The cart situation, specifically, was confusing and often stressful. As per the rules, only one person can be in the cart at a time, while there are two carts for a playing group of three. This could lead to disputes within the group over cart use, especially if certain players have specific preferences about how they want the cart to be used.
Furthermore, the addition of extensive walking and exceptionally hot weather conditions added physical challenges to the situation. These elements often culminated in much larger issues and confrontations than necessary. It was highlighted that unless a professional caddy was assigned to carry around the bag, the situation could become complex, especially considering the fast pace of play required.
To de-escalate the situation, it is crucial not to feed into the narrative or story surrounding the incident. Instead, it would be better to create personal boundaries and stand up for oneself when required. A noteworthy strategic approach emphasized was on interpreting remarks from other people as neutral until a personal story or perspective is attached to the same.
3. The Impact of Course Conditions
The third revelation from caddying at the USGA Senior Women Am revolves around understanding the course conditions. The USGA is notorious for setting up challenging courses and coping with these can be a test of one's technical and mental prowess.
Unpredictable wind conditions, strategically placed pins in seemingly impossible locations, and complex green dynamics in North Scottsdale can make the game incredibly tricky. Moreover, the terrain, contrary to appearances, can be misleading with what seems to be uphill, often drastically subject to downhill momentum. There were instances when balls placed slightly short of the pin encountered an unexpected turn of events with a false front, overturning prior calculations.
Another intricate aspect to consider is the significant yardage differences across the holes. The course comprised instances requiring strong, long hits, but on the same track, there were shorter holes compensating for the extensive yardage.
The USGA events demand enhanced mental preparation from the players. You need to anticipate these tough setups and contain your frazzled state of mind when the results don't correlate with your skills or efforts. The high scores even took seasoned players by surprise. If not addressed, the perceived unfairness can detract your mental equilibrium, tossing you into a whirlwind of frustration and impatience.
These tournaments, thus, teach you to remain patient and composed under pressure. Despite high stakes and the feeling of having been dealt an unjust hand, it's crucial to remember that all other players are coping with the same challenges. Preparing ahead, researching the course, and setting realistic expectations can go a long way in managing these tough conditions while maintaining sanity.
Getting Back in That Mindset
In our conversation, we delved into strategies for players to overcome mental stumbling blocks on the course. The key takeaway is to use tools such as mental cues to refocus. Players are encouraged to get out of their own heads, calm themselves down, and be present in the moment. This helps to bring back focus and lets players perform to their best abilities.
Overcoming Challenges in Golf
Golf is not always a walk in the park, with various aspects making it quite challenging for many players. The key to overcoming these obstacles is to continue practicing and expose yourself to different situations. Besides individual talent, patience, perseverance, and a steady mindset play crucial roles in success.
Busting Myths Around Playing in Major Championships
A common perception is that only extremely talented players participate in major championships. However, that is not entirely accurate. While exceptional players indeed participate, it's not necessary to be the best to be involved. Mental steadiness and consistency can get you through the game. Sneaky misses and recoveries are as much part of the game as perfect shots.
Managing Expectations and Confidence
Golfers sometimes underestimate their abilities based on observing other players. A key point of advice proposed was about having faith in your abilities. If your handicap qualifies you for an event, then you belong there. Dropping the habit of overestimating others and underestimating oneself can lead to more confident play.
Overcoming Challenges with Putting
An interesting part of the conversation was about how to overcome putting-related challenges. The advice boiled down to selecting a line, committing to it, and having faith in one's decision. If a putt runs much further than expected, instead of succumbing to self-doubt, get curious and examine what could have caused it. It's about taking lessons from each shot and improving on the next one.
In Summary
Playing golf well involves a mix of competent skills and a resilient mindset. Whether it's about staying calm during competition, overcoming self-doubt, or adopting strategies that work, the objective remains the same: enjoying the game and constantly improving. Consider each setback a learning opportunity and let each victory inspire you to perform even better.
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