The title of my column last month mentioned how October was destined to be an exciting month for me, and well, it was pretty jam packed to say the least. Let’s just say, I had to write this column just before leaving for the airport as I struggled to find any other spare time!
Last month, I optimistically mentioned how my injured shoulder was on the path to recovery. Unfortunately, it seems that the healing process is taking longer than I anticipated, and it’s still in the back of my mind on the golf course.
However, I’m not one to complain, especially with the golf season’s final stretch upon us. Instead, I’m channelling my energy into rehab exercises, hoping to regain my full strength as soon as possible.
Despite the discomfort, it felt great to be back on Tour in Hong Kong at the start of October. The first round was a bit rough, but I attribute that to the nerves from being away for a while. Fortunately, the second round went much smoother, and I started to find my rhythm.
It’s a shame the final round was cancelled due to a typhoon, as I felt confident I could have climbed higher than my final position of tied 38th. Regardless, it was a fun week and an unforgettable experience.
Following Hong Kong, I had the unique opportunity to defend my title at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia a few weeks later.
While it wasn’t my week on the course, the experience of defending a title at a new venue was truly exciting. Congratulations to Alison Lee on her triumph; I’m already looking forward to next year’s challenge.
But golf wasn’t the only thing on my plate this October. It was a month full of exams, adding an academic challenge to my busy schedule. I had to tackle my biology GCSE and English Language exam a couple of weeks before that.
Juggling golf and exams is no easy feat, but it’s all part of the journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue pushing myself in all areas of life, whether it’s on the golf course or in the classroom.
As November dawns, I’m currently undecided if I will play on Tour again this year. I won’t be teeing it up at the Mallorca Ladies Open, and I’m unsure about the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de Espana a week later.
The truth of it is I’ve not been able to practice enough with my shoulder injury and my golf has suffered. It’s really frustrating, but I realise it’s just part of it. My priority is returning to full health and getting better.
Beyond November, I’m already beginning to set my sights on 2024 once my shoulder is fully healed. This year has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and it’s taught me to cherish every moment, whether it’s a title defence, a challenging round, or a demanding exam. The journey continues, and I’ll keep striving to improve in both my sport and academics.
In the midst of all this, one thing remains clear: October was indeed an exciting month with plenty of lessons learned. As I prepare for the end of the 2023 I’m eager to see where this journey takes me. Golf, exams, and the future all converge in a whirlwind of experiences, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
