86 replies to this topic

[CaNadiAn MiCk]

I read a new bit from PGA Aus this morn and something annoyed me in it. Yes maybe should be in that other thread but thought a discussion about what it takes to become a World #1 would be more appropriate.

 

Tiger and Greg both were top of the game for a very long period, Tiger of course way more than Greg.

 

Tiger moved to playing less events each year and focused on always winning each event he played or why else play?

 

This blurb out of PGA story:

"John Senden and Adam Scott were the two to join Leishman on Sunday, Senden finishing 9-under for the week and T42 and Scott 7-under and T56.

It was a case of two steps forward and one back most of the week for Scott who played some quality golf in his first outing of the year but mixed it with some less than impressive play as well.

The former World Number 1 admitted he had done little in the way of practise over the Christmas break but will be pleased enough with his game overall."

So why did Adam Scott even play if he didnt go to win? Somebody else could have taken the spot that was more hungry to play!

 

Yes it was the "beginning" of the season but why not prepare?

 

Scott more or less fell into the World Top spot and of course now slowly slipping down.

 

This isnt a Scott bash - just got me thinking about what can other players learn about winning and winning a lot.

On minimum - get mentally ready to win.

[INKY]

Beat no 2

[CaNadiAn MiCk]

Beat no 2

yeah but the way that rankings are done you still have to win or rank high over a long period of time.

 

I was taught to focus on one shot at a time, same should be true about one tournament at time.

[Tolmij]

The correct mental attitude is important in any sport, you have to truly believe you can win not just say it.

[Deege]

That is true, but some of these players at the higher level, they are really looking at trying to promote themselves to come into peak form for the majors.  Rightly or wrongly, someone like Scott isn't wanting to peak for every tournament, because that would be a recipe for burnout.

[blindman]

Appearance money

[CaNadiAn MiCk]

That is true, but some of these players at the higher level, they are really looking at trying to promote themselves to come into peak form for the majors.  Rightly or wrongly, someone like Scott isn't wanting to peak for every tournament, because that would be a recipe for burnout.

Thanks Deege I understand your point about peaking too soon etc.

 

In many ways then it becomes just a practice round- which us as spectators and the sponsors dont get full value.

 

Practising how to win would/should seem to be the goal?

[Deege]

Thanks Deege I understand your point about peaking too soon etc.

 

In many ways then it becomes just a practice round- which us as spectators and the sponsors dont get full value.

 

Practising how to win would/should seem to be the goal?

 

I know.  The other side of me thinks, who the hell are these people that they talk about peaking at certain times of the year?  it is not like I go to work and plan for January just to put the time in but not expect to do very well, and then really focus on being good at my job in April, and then for a couple of months in June-July.  To me that seems silly.

[BarnEsy05]

Bit the same for me....Win World No1 ranking in ISG NSW by becoming a COC. Then not much in the way of preparation for the first WBT round title defence.

 

But the difference between Scotty and me is I'm there to win...and I will!

[GPJ_Longdriver]

Perhaps Scott's GA sponsorship money has run out, so he's lost some motivation?

[bazinoz]

I know.  The other side of me thinks, who the hell are these people that they talk about peaking at certain times of the year?  it is not like I go to work and plan for January just to put the time in but not expect to do very well, and then really focus on being good at my job in April, and then for a couple of months in June-July.  To me that seems silly.

 

Think sport is just a tad different to the every day working world though.

 

It's like footy teams. The top sides want to peak in September. Yes, they want to win the earlier games, but so long as they get prepared for the 'business end' of the season, a couple of losses in May is no big deal. The rest (the other 14 or so sides) have to go out to win every game.

 

And I think the above might apply easily apply to the top golfers (Jordan, Rory etc). I don't know if Adam Scott is good enough (at the moment) to take that view. If I was him I'd be preparing and aiming to win every single event. Otherwise he will continue to slide down the rankings.

 

It is a long season though...

[GPJ_Longdriver]

I think part of the issue may also stem around what's going on in people's lives when they get to No 1.

 

After struggling for years, some kick back and relax and tick off that huge goal, and think fark it, time to relax and enjoy the spoils with family and friends (Scott)

 

Others are still young enough to have nothing much going on in their lives at the time (Speith / Woods), so the focus remains on achieving and accumulating more, until thatattention and focus drifts elsewhere.

 

If Scott only had the one ultimate goal ... get to word number 1 .......... when he did that, was else is there to strive for?

[INKY]

Stay no 1

[BumpunGrind]

You'd need to at least get into A Grade first

[Shanks4ever]

They need to play a minimum number of events to maintain membership of the tour simple as that. Scott would rather win 1 major a year than 5 regular tour events. They play regular tour events to meet that obligation and get match hardened for the majors.

 

At the end of career you are measured on majors not number of tour wins.

 

Montgomerie won a large number of tournaments and European Order of Merits but no majors. He will go down with Garcia as best player not to win a major.