Like any other sport, Golf is also a game of discipline that requires a lot of perseverance, effort, and dedication. Knowing that every player has their own unique journey, at Tarun Sardesai Golf (TSG) Academy, we lay some really strong foundations for a golfer’s development. In addition to technical proficiency, at TSG, we aim to develop athletes into successful people who are prepared to succeed in life and on the course.
Coach Manu reaffirmed this concept during a recent player meeting by emphasising three non-negotiables, which are-
- maintaining the pace of play,
- arriving on time,
- and being accountable through the use of statistics.
Although they seem like simple steps, these are actually very effective tools for the athletic development of any golfer.
Punctuality and Respect
We do believe in the spirit of sportsmanship and positivity. Being on time in your sport is a sign of utmost dedication. It means respecting the game and the time it takes to play. Another factor that significantly impacts a player’s journey is the respect they show for teammates, coaches, and the game itself. Coach Manu emphasized that being on time shows commitment and sincerity. Athletes who value their time develop a habit that extends far beyond Golf, making them trustworthy individuals in all areas of life.
Accountability using Dashboards
Data is an essential component of player’s development at TSG. The Upgame dashboards serve as accountability partners in addition to being performance monitors. An athlete’s dedication to their own development is evident in each update and log. Empty dashboards reveal a lack of effort and lack of sincerity. The culture of responsibility becomes collective when parents are also granted access to these dashboards so that even they are aware of the progress of their child, thereby teaching athletes to be honest to their game, their coaches and family, thereby taking ownership of their journey.
Pace of Play: Acting and Thinking in the Present
Golf is a posture-based game, and slow play affects the focus and flow, for a golfer in addition to the scorecard. Coach Manu encouraged players to respond swiftly, make snap decisions, and keep their composure by imposing stroke penalties for delays. He even demonstrated the same by showing them a video of Tiger Woods where he showed calm and composure in his game. The way Tiger was honest and confident about his game, is definitely more than just golf- his consistency, dedication and willingness to work hard everyday made him the player he is. Recognizing early patterns in discipline fosters responsibility on the course and prepares athletes for the rigors of professional competition.
No Room for Excuses
The meeting’s most important takeaway was that excuses are not acceptable in the development of an athlete. The system will record all of it, whether there are incomplete attempts, delayed entries, or missed logs. Every player will remain vigilant due to surprise checks. Coach Manu made it very evident that the voice inside that makes you want to slack off is the true rival, not the golfer on the other side of the tee box.
More than a set of regulations, the meeting served as a wake-up call for all the golfers. Manu reminded the players that the differentiating point in any golfer’s journey lies in the simple decisions like being on time, updating dashboards, and taking responsibility for errors. Despite their seeming very small and almost invisible choices, these small, daily and conscious decisions collectively create a mindset that wins competitions and, more significantly, develops lifelong character.
Beyond the Rules: Developing your Personality
Character development for a golfer often revolves around seemingly insignificant needs, such as playing at the appropriate tempo, updating dashboards, and being punctual. These behaviours necessitate self-control, constancy, and respect- values that last long after the round is over. At TSG, playing Golf is more than just hitting the ball. It’s also significantly about developing individuals who are responsible, resilient, and honest.
Coach Manu made it evident that while skill might help you get started, character is what truly distinguishes a champion. And every practice session, log entry, and course decision at TSG contributes to the development of that character. And on that note with a team building exercise, the meeting came to an end. We hope you enjoyed this byte of the player’s meet!
Happy golfing!
