After a pretty decent performance in the Scanwell Logistics Open back in mid-December, I was looking forward to the Prima Golf Junior Open just before the start of school in January. Unlike the Scanwell Logistics Open, which is a small event with a few participants, the Prima Open is one of the main events in the Junior Golfing Calendar with over a hundred participants from across Sri Lanka. Unlike the Scanwell Logistics Open, this tournament is also a three day endeavor that requires you to play three whole 18-hole rounds. Personally, I wanted to undercut my handicap on all three rounds and play some good golf. Since I was on winter break, between the Scanwell Logistics Open and this one, I played golf at least two times a week and also played in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. I was in good form and in high spirits when the day came, but unfortunately things didn’t go to plan.

My drive was simply not connecting, and I was left helpless as a result. I was playing some of the worst golf I’d played in months, and my confidence was low after a few holes of poor performance. I ended the first day with a poor score and with low confidence levels, my caddie and I were both disappointed with my performance. When the second day came, I wasn’t looking forward to teeing off, but I persevered. Since my drive wasn’t connecting, I switched too teeing off with an iron, which gave me a bit more control, but also put me at a major disadvantage in terms of distance. My performance on the second day was much better than the first, but still not up to par. By the third day, I could have just stayed home and worked on something else, but I decided to go ahead and have some fun and that’s where things started to change.

For the first time in the three day competition, my drive was connecting and I was actually playing like my usual self. After completing the front 9, I was just 5 over par with birdies on the 4th and 6th holes. The back 9 was less exciting, but I managed to keep it to just one double bogey and end at 7 over. I ended the round with a par to finish at 12 over par gross. A net 9 under: my best score so far. All because of a change in mindset.

The biggest takeaway from this entire experience was the redefined outlook it gave me on the importance of mindset. My performance suffered when I played with a stressed out mindset looking yo play not to lose rather than to win. In contrast, I strived when I played with confidence and a positive attitude. This lesson on the importance of mindset is not only applicable on the course, but also in my academics. In the last few months as a DP student, I have noticed a significant difference in my performance in times assessments like tests when I see the test as a challenge and go in looking to ace it and get a 7/7 compared to when I see the test as a threat and go in looking to do just enough to pass . Both of these situations illustrate that when your skills are at a good level, your mindset will make the difference between mediocrity and excellence.