As we did in the first article with PGA Champion Collin Morikawa and U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, lessons learned with golf's major champions continues!
These players are talented, yes, but they also have parts of their game that you can take to the course right away — and use in your next Drive, Chip & Putt qualifier!
This time around, we’re getting some inspiration from a trio of champions that all won their first major title in 2020: Women’s Open Champion Sophia Popov; ANA Inspiration winner Mirim Lee; and KPMG Women’s PGA Champion Sei Young Kim.
They all won their majors in different ways — what does that tell you? That means you ALSO can win your next tournament in different ways, too! There’s no one way to play golf well, and anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.
Tips to try:
1) Believe in yourself. What better example to represent that tip than Sophia Popov?! Entering the 2020 Women’s British Open, she ranked 304th in the world. Looking at the numbers, that’s over 300 golfers who are “better” than she is. Do you think that stopped her? Apparently not, as she was the player who won by two strokes and held the trophy by week’s end! Even if it’s your first Drive, Chip qualifier or tournament ever, never ever count yourself out.
2) Block out the noise of pressure. One of the wildest finishes in 2020 came during the final round of the ANA Inspiration tournament – if you haven’t seen it, go watch! So many big names were at the top of the leaderboard, but Mirim Lee never wavered. She rose above the heat of a major championship and emerged victorious, even when fans thought she might be the odd player out in a playoff with Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda. When it comes down to it, only two things matter: you and your golf game. Take a deep breath, and remember that on those tough putts!
3) Practice your best to play your best. To win her first major, Sei Young Kim knew she had to go low – and we’re talking low! A final round 63 at the KPMG Women’s Championship helped quite a bit, and it probably wouldn’t have happened if Sei Young didn’t have a good practice plan. It doesn’t matter if you practice for three minutes or three hours – practice in situations that require your best game. Set up the winning putt in your living room, or the Drive, Chip & Putt driving grid in your mind at the range. Hit 10 balls and see how you do. Once you’re prepared for the moment, you’ll meet it!
