Champion Series: 2022 USGA Women's Senior Amateur Champion, Shelly Stouffer
Shelly Stouffer, a professional golfer, sat down to give us an insight into her sports journey. Having started as an amateur, she turned professional in the fall of 1997 after an impressive and promising run in zone events, provincial events, and national events. Stouffer’s career took her onto the mini-tours, crossing Canada, and she also got the chance to play on the future tour for a while.
However, Stouffer admitted that her professional journey was no walk in the park. Her numerous attempts at Q School never got her past the first stage, and all the pressure to make money, coupled with the loneliness that comes with moving from one city to another, took a toll on her. This made her rethink her choices and opt to take a break to start a family.
Starting Golf Late and Turning into a Professional Player
Stouffer didn’t always play golf; she started later in her life compared to the standards of today’s world. Prior to that, she had played various sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, track, and field. Her introduction to golf happened when her parents retired to a golf course based in Vancouver Island. While living with them, she would attend morning classes at the university and later on spend her afternoons at the golf course. Her talent didn't go unnoticed as an old pro would come around to give her tips.
Her rapid progression in the golfing world fueled her ambition to take it to the next level. While she was helping in zone events, she got onto a few British Columbia golf teams. After a run of successes, she traveled to the Nationals where she performed incredibly well. After this, she turned pro and started her professional career.
Challenges Faced as a Professional Golfer
Adjusting to a professional career was a bit challenging for Stouffer. She noted that there was too much pressure to make money through golfing which turned the game into a job rather than pleasure. Besides, she spent weeks away from her husband which left her feeling homesick and lonely.
Traveling from city to city meant she had to be self-sufficient, paying for her own travel expenses and rental cars - this only piled on the pressure. Besides affecting her financial stability, it began to drain her. Consequently, she decided to take a break and start a family.
Triumph Despite Late Start and Setbacks
Despite her late introduction to golf, Shelly Stouffer has proven successful on local and national levels. Her dedication and basketball found her playing on a number of British Columbia golf teams and experiencing success at nationals. Unfortunately, her time on professional tours proved challenging due to the expenses associated with travel and overall loneliness.
Despite these struggles, Stouffer was able to turn her professional status into a triumphant streak starting with her first senior tournament which she won by nine shots. Her next victory, however, proved more challenging as what was initially a nine-stroke lead dwindled to a stalemate that led to a playoff. In spite of this, her determination and strategic thinking led to her four consecutive victories at subsequent events.
Adjusting to Golf Course Obstacles
In golf, each course presents its own unique challenges that the players must adapt to. One instance can be found in the game at True North, the monument course. The course features a par five with a large rock placed directly in the middle of the fairway. While initially a distraction and even an obstacle if one strikes the ball straight down the center of the fairway, navigating around it and anticipating its presence adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. Players have to decide whether to play it safely or attempt to get closer to the pin depending on their personal strengths and playing style.
Addressing the presence of grain on putting greens, Shelly reported to be a considerable factor in the way they play. It was only after their first round, which was played rather poorly, that they realized the significance of the grain. The knowledge of this new detail then allowed them to play better in subsequent rounds. For instance, being aware of the grain's direction in relation to the mountains, which was noted on the second day of the tournament, helped to improve their gameplay.
Playing the Championship Games
Speaking on their experience in championship games, Shelly noted that the matches were usually wrapped up fairly quickly. The longest match they played was against Judith Es in the quarterfinals, which went to the 16th hole. Other matches, like the one against Molly Stes, ended even quicker.
Despite the pressure of the games, at the end of the day, it's about playing well and making putts. From going 81 - 68 in stroke play to drawing a birdie onto a ball as part of a superstition to putting emphasis on eliminating bogies to improve the score and increase the chances of getting through, meticulous efforts went into each game. Games are challenging and unpredictable, further amplified by the added pressure of playing as the defending champion.
Preparing for Matches and Adjusting Techniques
As a part of preparation before matches, Shelly focuses a lot on physical training, acquiring better drives, and improving their short game, which they consider the weakest part of their game. They work on all these areas meticulously to ensure they perform well during matches.
During games, both full swings and making putts are critical. A desire to perform saying 'if you don't make the shots when you need to make the shots, you're kind of screwed'. Therefore, balance and coordination are key elements. They strive for consistency throughout the game, despite external factors that may influence play.
Taking Away Lessons and Planning Future Strategies
Reflecting on their performance at the Senior Open held at Waverly, she highlighted the difficulty of the greens and a tendency of blind shots as unique challenging aspects of the course. However, each game offers a learning experience that contributes to their future games. For the off-season, she plans to continue working on her body, adjust her swing, and focus on her short game to further improve her golfing skills. She also hopes for opportunities to practice in upcoming tournaments to continue honing her skills.
The Importance of Tournament Exposure for Beginner Players
Gaining exposure by playing in tournaments is crucial for new players for a multitude of reasons. For instance, beginners often assume they are not ready for tournaments, fearing they would not fit in. This perception, however, is immediately dispelled once they participate in their first tournament.
One of the most significant benefits of tournament play for neophyte players is overcoming nervousness. Each successive participation eases these nerves, enhancing confidence on the course, and aligning with the popular adage, "practice makes perfect." Experiences from tournaments, such as Amy’s missed opportunity at Troon due to a lack of tournament exposure, underscore the importance of these events.
In addition, tournaments are not only about hitting far but also about a good short game, control, and accuracy. One useful tip for beginners keen to crank up their game is to invest more time enhancing their short game as compared to their long game.
The Role of Knowledge and Confidence in Golf Performance
Taking a level one rules course can be very beneficial for beginners. It may seem arbitrary, but having an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations of the game helps players navigate challenging situations on the golf course without feeling flustered. This knowledge automatically instills a sense of confidence, making players feel like they belong on the course.
The influence of nerves cannot be understated in sports, especially in golf. Nerves can either make or break a game. However, breathing exercises practiced before the first tee shot act as antidotes and normalizers, helping players maintain their composure. Once the jitters settle, the focus then moves to the game, allowing players to perform at their best.
Camaraderie Among Golf Players and the Community
There is much more to golf than meets the eye. Besides the competition, tournaments are also a platform to connect with old friends and make new ones. Golf, as a sport, has a great sense of community. Especially at the senior level, players often reconnect, forming a close-knit community that thrives on mutual encouragement and support.
Moreover, regardless of the level or ability of a player, there is always something to learn from every game and everyone. For example, one can still acquire valuable insights and experiences from a tournament even if they don't expect to win.
Setting Goals and Aspirations in Golf
Success in golf is often dictated by setting clear and ambitious goals. These goals push players to achieve their very best, and even though they may seem scary and far-fetched, asserting these aspirations provides necessary motivation.
For example, winning the US Senior Women's Open might seem daunting, but with the right mindset and determination, it becomes a possibility. Moreover, overcoming initial challenges like making through the first few rounds is pivotal.
Lastly, golf incorporates aspects beyond just on-course techniques; fitness plays a significant role as well. Programs like Total Performance Institute (TPI) aid players in maintaining their physical conditioning, crucial for achieving performance goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shelly Stouffer offers a highly relatable and humanized perspective of professional golfing that not only serves as an inspiration for aspiring players but also showcases the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous skill development. From discussing her personal challenges and triumphs to sharing practical advice for beginners and essential aspects like tournament exposure, all the facets of her golfing journey are reflected in this episode. Moreover, the significance of physical conditioning and community bonding further reinforces the holistic approach to achieving success in this sport. Her story serves as a testament that it's never too late to start, grow, and thrive in your golfing career. Tune in to the full episode and immerse yourself in this stimulating journey of personal and professional growth.
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