Ability to overcome the odds

Bouncebackability is a phrase originally coined by TV pundit Iain Dowie, then manager of Crystal Palace Football Club and once used in a headline in GulfWeekly when he took over at Queens Park Rangers in the days when the team was sponsored by Gulf Air.
 
Simply put, bouncebackability is one’s ability to come back from adversity and win. It is a skill that we need to try and develop as golfers too because golf can get on top of you.
 
Last year, Rory McIlroy had an epic meltdown on the back nine during the final round of the Masters. For the first 63 holes of the event he was in complete control and in the lead. As it turns out, it wasn’t meant to be, he proceeded to shoot 80 and miss out on his first major championship. That sort of disaster had the potential to haunt him for the rest of his career as it has done to many others over the years.

Just ask Jean Van de Velde.

McIlroy, however, went on to win his very next major championship in record-breaking style. Bouncebackability.

There was an amazing story earlier this season for young American professional Kyle Stanley. Heading into the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open, Stanley had a six-shot lead. Standing on the 18th tee, he had a three-shot lead and as it turns out only needed to score a seven to win. He made an eight and lost in the play-off.

The very next week at the Phoenix Open, he was eight shots back heading into the final round where he shot a 65 to win his first PGA Tour title by one shot. Bouncebackability.

Last week at the Masters, the likeable Louis Oosthuizen lost in a play-off to Bubba Watson on the second hole. I’d imagine that that sort of disappointment would be very difficult to get over. The morning after the play-off, Louis updated his website with an article entitled ‘I’ll be back’. It didn’t take him long. On Sunday he shot 68 to win the Maybank Malaysian Open by three shots. Bouncebackability.

In my opinion, golf is the hardest game in the world. Just when you think you have got it under control, it comes back to bite you! Even the best golfers in the world have disastrous days. It hurts, but if you go around feeling sorry for yourself it will go and get a whole lot worse.

When your golf is down in the dumps, accept it, pick yourself up and bounce back!