Player Development Programme

The fourth and final session  of the Player Development Programme (PDP) was held at East Sussex National on Sunday 16 March. 
 

The programme commenced with a presentation from Karen Francis, a Sports Psychologist who works with some of the top golfers. The session focussed on the pre shot routine and thinking clearly under pressure. The practical elements to the theory went down well and players could relate to ‘why’ and ‘how’ it was affecting their performance. Karen and the group discussed the tools and techniques to avoid the anxiety caused along with how to apply them successfully. I am hoping the session will help aid negative thought patterns into resourceful thinking strategies to enable Sussex players to deal with situations in a calm and controlled way when playing their matches.

Sussex coach Jack Budgen then moved the group to the excellent practice facilities at ESN. Following the psychology presentation, Jack focussed the practical session on ‘putting under pressure’. Putting drills and exercises were set up and to add to the pressure on the putting, the putting score was carried through to the afternoon's 9 holes score. After hitting a few balls on the range the ladies ventured out on the East Course which was looking great with blue skies and fast greens. 

Scores in, with Heather Tidy achieving the best gross score and equalling the best putting score and Beatrice Cheverton the net score and matching Heather’s putting score.

From the feedback received all have gone away armed with information and tools to help ‘thinking under pressure’ whilst on the course and armed with practical tips that should lead to a benefit in performance. 

Our thanks to ESN, Karen Francis, coach Jack Budgen, the players in the PDP and the Sussex volunteers who support in various roles.

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The next PDP session sees the numbers reduce on the programme to concentrate on squad players for this year's teams. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players who have been involved in the Player Development Programme for your support. Jack, Ryan and I have appreciated working with you all. We do hope you have enjoyed the process and will return next year knowing what to expect a little more. I will keep an eye on your golfing performance and hope to see you out and about on the course.

Sara Whittaker
PDP Manager

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