FOR many people the Christmas period is a time to put up their feet, eat and drink more than they usually do and, generally, have a good time.
And, while Manchester Golf Club’s Rachel Connor intends to have a nice, family Christmas at home, she also knows she has to stay fit and focused before returning to the United States on 2 January to compete on the Duramed Futures Tour her first as a professional – as she explained:
"I’ve just returned from America for a well earned Christmas break with my family in the UK.
"It was so nice to be back at Manchester Golf Club and to see the members and House of Golf
customers at the weekend – it really made me appreciate being back – despite the cold weather!
"Since my last post I have been continuing my work schedule at the IMG Academy and I was delighted to find that IMG Academies would like me to remain connected to the Academy for the foreseeable future.
"This is a huge accolade for me as the Academy is probably the best training facility in the world – knowing that I have the backup of the coaches and staff at IMG is enormous for me.
"I have just applied for my P1 Visa which will allow me to play on the tour in the States for the next few years.
"Part of the application process was to ask professionals from the LPGA and PGA to support my application. I was a little concerned about this because as a rookie you tend to feel a bit like a little fish in a big pond. I needn’t have worried, though, because, after a few telephone calls and emails, I was able to secure support from an array of coaches and players, including David Leadbetter, David Whelan (second in command at the David Leadbetter Golf Academies), Joanne Morley (LPGA, LET Player and European Solheim Cup vice-captain), Paula Creamer (LPGA world number two), Mika Miyazato (LPGA), Carolina Llano (LPGA).
"Getting my visa in place is a huge part of my future in golf so I would like to say thank you to them all for their support, it means a great deal.
"My final week in the States was spent at the David Leadbetter Academy at Championsgate in Florida and before I returned home I had a chance to catch up with David.
"He knew I was returning home for Christmas and it was going to be difficult for me to get out on the course with the weather being as bad as it is.’ Lots of indoor work’ was his advice – so I’ll be spending most of my time at the Esporta Lancashire Health and Racquets Club working on my fitness and in the Golf Performance Centre at Manchester Golf Club.
"I will also be working out with my fitness coach Kim Roberts from DR Physiotherapy and no doubt we will be found running up and down the hills of Rivington with our dogs Toby and Arnie."
