During the winter, Laura Murray is a talented young Scot who has discovered the benefits of sports psychology. As a member of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association squad, she gained an interest in the subject through sessions with Ed McCosh, while she has also studied the topic at University. 

“It was something that was quite new to me, but Ed was part of the team at the SLGA training camp at Desert Springs in Spain in November, and he was great,” said the 20-year-old, who has played for the Scottish senior team for the past two years.  

“It also linked in to my degree course in sport and exercise at Robert Gordon’s and now I’m just fascinated by the subject. I’m currently reading one of Lance Armstrong’s books – and it is just so inspirational.”

McCosh, who is based in Edinburgh, works with all the SLGA squads in conjunction with the National Coach, Kevin Craggs.

“My principle is to keep things simple,” said McCosh, who has played to a single figure handicap and is a member at Old Prestwick. “I try to help players to work out how they can repeat good behaviour and hit constantly good shots. 

“The key is to be able to reproduce great shots under the severest of pressure. Golf is a sport that really does play with the mind. There is so much time to think between every stroke. But it is up to the player to take control of their thoughts.”

He also stresses the need to abandon all negativity. “You’ll notice that the very top players – such as Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam – always say positive things. Amateurs tend to say ‘my putting was not too good’ or ‘the weather was really tough’. In other words, they play the blame game.”

Murray is a fast learner. One of McCosh’s lessons that she has already taken on board is a concentration on her breathing technique. 

“I used to take short, shallow breaths,” she said. “But, back in November, Ed taught me to focus on taking deeper breaths and to concentrate on my pre-shot routine. It really has helped me to focus, and I definitely think it has taken my game to a new level. I now feel much more in control.”

While she can hardly wait to test her new weapon on the Scottish circuit, Laura, from Alford in Aberdeenshire, has already shown that her ability to play the mind game can stand up to the heat of competition. 

As the winner of an R & A Bursary, she was invited to take part in the Argentina Open in December – she finished a creditable 11th – and she then had a top ten at one of the tournaments on the famous Orange Blossom Tour in Florida in January. 

“It’s just been a couple of months, but I realise that I now have a far better understanding of the psychology of golf and it has helped my game by loads,” she stressed. “I really would like to work with Ed a lot more throughout the season.”

Laura, who played for Britain at the World Universities’ Championship in South Africa last year, also credits Craggs with helping develop her all-round game. She is now fully aware that to achieve her dream of becoming a professional will require much more than a good swing and a deft touch with the putter. 

“Kevin is my main coach, and he is really good at picking my brain,” she added. “He knows the way I tick, and always says the right things at the right time. He’s also been a hugely positive influence over the last few years.”

Now in her third year at Robert Gordon’s, Laura has her sights set on golf as a career. “Ideally, I would like to turn professional within the next two years. I’d like to complete my degree and then try for the Ladies’ European Tour.”  

EB
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