Welcome

Hi and welcome to the first issue of The 3 Minute Golfer, where we are taking a shot at unraveling the "Psychological Secrets of High Performance and Stress-Free Golf" – because who doesn’t want to lower their handicap and their blood pressure at the same time?

This FREE, weekly publication is here to help every golfer, from those with a slice that could cut bread, to the pros who make it look easy. Each week, we will dive into the mental fairways and bunkers of the human mind. Plus, sprinkle an evidence based wellness tip and periodically, address some of those burning questions coming from inside your mental demons.

In this issue:

• The 3 Minute Golfer – Grant Donovan PhD

• Why The 3 Minute Golfer

• Golf for Mental Health

• Defining Wellness

• Mental Demons Q+A

• In Person Events - Book The 3 Minute Golfer

The 3 Minute Golfer – Grant Donovan PhD

As a graduate from the University of Western Australia, I taught sports psychology and statistics at the university while completing my doctoral program back in the 1980’s. Yep, stats and psychology - two things that make everyone’s eyes glaze over pretty quickly.

In the early years, I spent time helping a bunch of athletes, including golfers, tennis players, footballers, gymnasts and Olympic sailors improve their mental skills. Then I swapped out the sweat for air conditioning and began working with corporate leaders and their teams, which was an easy switch given business is really just another competitive game people play.

My corporate experience focused on helping organisations develop high performing work cultures. It’s amazing how well an organisation can perform if it has empowered workers and an environment where every person is engaged and treated well. Unfortunately, that only represents a small proportion of workplaces across the world. The rest are petri dishes for the disengaged and mentally stressed….but back to the golf.

I began playing golf regularly at around age 50 and have always enjoyed watching the extensive range of golfing styles in action….both hitting styles and mental styles. So, after discussing the mental side of golf with numerous playing partners, it seemed like a good time to broaden the discussion to a wider community and, if possible, raise some money to help others with their mental health. I live beside the Cottesloe Golf Course in Perth, Western Australia, the most isolated and relaxed capital city in the world. A place where it’s easy to stay well and play well because no-one is really watching……except for a Quokka or two.