31. The Journey of Becoming One of the Top Senior Amateur Players in the Country with Shelly Haywood

Tori and Kim sit down with Shelly Haywood, who discusses how she has been able to successfully balance business ownership with high level amateur golf and became one of the most elite amateur players in the country. Shelly discusses the highest highs in her storied career, which include winning two national titles, as well as her biggest loss in the form of the 2019 Southern California Senior Women’s Tournament and the priceless lessons that followed. Key Moments ? (15:37) If time is a real issue, focus on quality practice. “I’m lucky if I can play once a week,” says Shelly. She prioritizes her short game over all else. ? (33:00) Shelly’s first major tournament, the 2019 Southern California Senior Women, was also her first major loss. Being only a year into her pro career, Shelly knew that she simply didn’t have the experience nor the tools to be able to evaluate what went wrong in the moment. She’s since realized that the primary challenge she faced during that tournament was all a mental game, particularly around her self-worth. Her biggest lesson learned? “I am not defined as a person by the score that I shoot.” That the only thing she, as a player, can control is the shot in front of you. “Once that ball leaves the club face, it’s out of your control.” ? (48:01) When men play good golf, they’re happy. When women are happy, they play good golf. ? (51:17) Stop obsessing over “winning” the tournament you’re planning to play. We all want to win; otherwise, we wouldn’t go! Stay focused on the things you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. Take care of the little things and the big things will always follow. In golf, take care of your short game, your wedge game, and your bunker play, and commit to every shot 100%. Beyond that, stay grateful and in shape. Connect with Our Guests: Shelly Haywood: Instagram Kim Eaton: Instagram Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf] Get in tou ...