Playing a Round with… Sue Shapcott, PhD, PGA

Susan Shapcott, Golf Performance Director at La Grande Mare, talks to us about getting an early taste of golf, the positive impact it can have on people’s lives, and the importance of patience.

How did you start playing golf? I was introduced to golf through caddying with my sister. Neither of our parents played, but walking across the golf course was a shortcut to school. The pro at  Knowle Golf Club, Bristol, suggested we caddie and earn some pocket money. So, we did. I was 9 years old, and my sister was 11. We used to pull clubs around on trolleys! It was a great introduction to golf.

We learned the nuances of the game by watching players and also picked up on the social cues. My sister and I played professionally on tour together in our twenties. So, it couldn’t have been a bad start in the game.

What has been your most memorable golf experience or career highlight?

I have two. Being a member of the winning Curtis Cup Team against the USA, and building a successful golf instruction business in Madison, WI, which introduced hundreds of players to the game.

Maybe the experiences are on different ends of a continuum, but they both exemplify the positive impact golf can have on people’s lives – including mine.

What is the most frustrating part of your game?

It’s been so long since I’ve played, I’ve forgotten! But recently, I’d say my putting. I have terrible putting yips. But as a psychologist, I’m more intrigued by them than frustrated.

What do you find most rewarding about being an instructor?

I enjoy knowing that I have the responsibility of making everyone who walks through the door welcome in golf. I hope I can make a positive difference to people’s golf experience.

Any common mistakes people make when learning?

Yes. The main one is underestimating how hard change is. Learning is a process. Golfers would benefit from having more patience with the process and themselves.

What’s your favourite aspect of the tech here at the GPC?

Trackman is a wonderful teaching tool. It can track players’ progress, and it holds me accountable. If I do my job well, the ball and data will tell me.

Who would you most like to play a round with?

Oh, this is a dangerously revealing question. Here goes. This would be an amazing foursome: Barack Obama, Zadie Smith and Kate McKinnon. I’m not sure if the last two play golf, but if they don’t, I can teach them!