BEHIND THE FACADE

It came as a shock when I heard over the wire that Erica Blasberg had died. For Singaporeans who were privileged enough to witness the inaugural Lexus Cup in 2005, Blasberg was known for her eagle on the 18th hole of Tampines at Tanah Merah Country Club, enroute to a victory by Team International over Team Asia at this exciting international event.

She was young, attractive, and seemingly full of life. Needless to say, she was the darling of the newspapers, providing bubbly interviews and helping the event enter the lofty realm of international golf team sport.

Her death is a mystery, and nothing seems to indicate that she had any health problems that would lead to this sad demise. Suicide has not been ruled out, and there have been some reports that she was not altogether happy with her life as a professional golfer.

We often speak with envy about golfers who play our favourite game for a living. They are paid so much money for hitting a little white ball around. But what we don't see or feel are the pressures that come with chasing stardom. Media attention, self- or family-imposed pressures to succeed, and the domestic problems that arise from endless travel can weigh like an anvil in a golf bag. It takes particularly balanced individual who are not only successful in their games, but also off the course to handle the demands of a professional athlete.

Still unconvinced? Just ask Tiger Woods.

We speak of the entourage that accompanies sports personalities as they move from tournament to tournament. These groupies often include a sports psychologist to help the pro handle the mindset when playing to win. But often, they neglect that the mind also needs to handle the mundane (sometimes tumultous) goings-on of normal life.

How do I hole more five-footers while worrying about my teenage son's high school grades? Why am I blocking my tee shots to the right while thinking about how to keep my daughter from seeing that alcoholic boyfriend of hers?

I might be going out on a limb here (over dramatic?) but you get my drift.

With more and more young amateurs looking to turn pro, they not only need to get their games in gear, but their heads as well. They need to realise that being a professional golfer is a difficult task, and the odds of becoming a financially comfortable, and successful one, very slim. They must understand that it takes more than skill to overcome these odds, and they must be prepared for disappointment, injuries, and domestic distractions, not to mention hoards of other aspirants chasing the same goals. Unfortunately, unlike team sports like basketball or football, there is only one winner in a golf tournament.

I'd hate to douse the passion of any amateur aiming for the bright lights. But this passion needs to come with poise and balance. Only then can he or she be a winner in every sense of the word.

 

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