Setting new goals for the year is imperative both on and off the course, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
It’s near the end of January, and people are still wishing me ‘Happy New Year’ … I’ve had enough big events and deadlines for the year to have lost its ‘new’ status. Still working really hard on the ‘happy’ part, too.
But a new year brings fresh perspective. Try to complain (a lot) less – both on and off the course, maybe go get a few lessons to iron out my now somewhat cult-hero status takeaway and play new courses (if PGA TOUR player Zac Blair can take to social media to share his list, then why can’t we?).
Looking back on the year, it was quite interesting that many who chose to engage with my Twitter golf review of 2019 had similar goals when it came to playing previously unplayed courses. Most responders mentioned venues that I’ve been fortunate enough to play some time in my life – both grand courses and those which are just fun to play – and a few, like me, had the big ones in mind – The Links at Fancourt and Leopard Creek.
My game last year:
Lowest score: @king_mowbray
Favourite course played in ‘19: @SanLameerCC
Best part of game: Scrambling like hell to put a decent round together
Worst part of game: Chipping when close on a par 5
Course to play in ‘20: @LeopardCreekCC— Wade Pretorius (@wadepretorius) January 1, 2020
My top-five South African courses to play in 2020:
Leopard Creek
The Links at Fancourt
The River Club
Pinnacle Point
Robertson, Worcester, Wellington (did someone say golf tour?)
My DMs included invitations to play at both courses at the top of my list … a refreshing change of pace on social media where comments have spiralled way out of control.
It’s good to set lofty goals, it helps get you out of bed and actually on the path to ticking things off your list.
January has proven that things happen fast and the calendar, especially with a growing family, fills up fast. There’s a lot of golf to be played and, of course, some regular trips to be made which may help tick off my final goal for 2020: trying to play more rounds than I did last year. The number is 56.
Wish me luck in making sure Fancourt and Leopard Creek are among them.
