Southlanders need to set standards higher

OPINION: The senior men's team arrived back from the interprovincial with a 10th placing, writes Anthony Barkley in this week's Golf Pro.

I see it was mentioned in the paper the other day that they will be better off for the experience, but I disagree. I'm sure these guys will be very disappointed with that result, considering the team was strong on paper and the players all have enough experience.

Weather conditions were poor but, of all the teams, Southland should have had the upper hand because of the conditions we have to play in down here.

They really needed to get off to a great start at the tournament and maybe having a bye first wasn't good. Matchplay is all about getting momentum going and in a tournament like this it's crucial. Southland didn't do that and, unfortunately, they didn't recover.

It's tough at this tournament because the standards are getting higher and more teams have a very professional approach.

Bay of Plenty, who won again this year, have a very strict coaching regime, where sessions are compulsory. Expectations are set by management and coaches, and standards are basically set by the top players.

That's where I think the Bay have benefited, because since they have started winning they always have one or two players in the New Zealand Golf Academy system. Normally, their top player is a New Zealand representative. That has to influence the standards of the younger players, therefore breeding more quality players.

So, in my opinion, Southland players need to set their standards higher. I think the talent in this district is awesome but many just rely on this rather than having the work ethic needed to be an elite player.

It's tough when most are working now but we need a couple of our guys to get into the New Zealand academy because they will lead a change in attitudes, which I think is needed. That means players need to get to the New Zealand, South and North Island amateurs as well as some Charles Tour events. Golf Southland shouldn't have to foot the bill for this but could support in terms of coaching, etc. This has been available but hasn't been utilised.

I firmly believe that success builds confidence and confidence builds success. These guys came up short this time but now they need to reflect, reset goals and start building up to next year, now.

» Anthony Barkley is a New Zealand PGA qualified golf coach based at the Invercargill Golf Club at Otatara.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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