A Year In The Life Of A Golfer

From optimism and success to crushing defeat and despondency, here’s what to expect in 2018

A Year In The Life Of A Golfer

Twelve months is a long time for an amateur golfer. From optimism and success to crushing defeat and despondency, here’s what to expect in 2018

A Year In The Life Of A Golfer

Twelve months is a long time for an amateur golfer. From optimism and success to crushing defeat and despondency, here’s what to expect in 2018

January

It all starts with a simple resolution.

“I hereby pledge that I will hit at least 100 practice balls per week for the whole year!”

Related: How to play more golf in 2018

February

Sliced tee shots, duffed chips, three-putts – that was the old you.

A package of lessons will almost certainly banish your oldest golfing foes.

This time next year, you’ll have the technical prowess of Faldo in his prime!

March

A new swing needs new clothes.

Your confidence is high and your wardrobe needs to reflect that.

“Bring me the Rickie Fowler collection...”

April

A mystical concoction of Augusta National, late night sporting drama and red wine combine to send you into a golfing frenzy.

May

Time to put your hard work to the test. You sign yourself up for a spate of club competitions.

Related: 20 golf courses to play in 2018

June

Vindication!

Your effort and optimism are rewarded with some early success.

A low round to start the year should help you kick on nicely. Life is good.

July

Without warning, your worst golf returns.

Whatever your emotional expression of choice – venomous rage or wallowing self-pity – it all comes pouring out.

August

A much-needed break provides perspective – “go easy on yourself, you’re not a tour pro after all” – and you soon readjust your golfing goals.

Related: How to get your partner into golf

September

Once again, the driving range becomes an important fixture in your life.

Ball after ball dispatched into the distance – that should do the trick.

October

You’re shrewd enough to know that a multi-layered approach is key.

You dust off your Bob Rotella book in a bid to regain control of your mind.

November

Your new laid-back approach yields success, but you’re leaning heavily on your playing partner.

Still, there’s no ‘I’ in team.

December

Time to devise a new plan for a new year.

Now, where do we start…

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Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X