NICK DOUGHERTY was once playing with Tiger Woods and tipped as the next big thing in British golf.
But the tragic and sudden loss of his mother coupled with a downturn in form started a sad and painful demise as fear took over.
Nick Dougherty is known as the face of Sky Sports golf
He had a great start to life as a professional golfer
Dougherty married wife Di on New Year’s Eve in 2010
However, he reignited a career in golf by succeeding David Livingstone as the main presenter for Sky Sports.
And Dougherty also tied the knot, marrying Sky Sports News presenter and former amateur golfer Di Stewart – the ex-girlfriend of Jonny Wilkinson.
Dougherty, 41, will front this week’s coverage of The Open for Sky – drawing on his intricate knowledge of the technical aspect of the game as well as his experience in front of the camera.
He has become a regular fixture for British golf fans over the years, especially around the four majors.
But, in one sense, it is bittersweet – for Dougherty could have still been competing for the trophies instead of fronting the TV coverage.
As an exciting junior and a protege of Nick Faldo, he won the World Boys Championship and was part of the Walker Cup-winning team.
And he made a smooth transition into the professional game in 2001, quickly gaining a place on the European Tour and being named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
A bout of glandular fever halted his progress but he earned his first pro victory in 2005 and broke into the world’s top 100.
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Two years later, Dougherty led the US Open after the first round where he was a playing partner of Woods and went on to finish seventh, his best major result.
But the Masters 2008 proved a crucial turning point.
Dougherty said: “My biggest achievement, and something I’d love to do again, was playing with Tiger at the US Open. He was phenomenal that day.
“The Masters is the one that stands out as most special for me, purely because I did it once. But also, Augusta is like Disney World when you’re a child. For a golf fan, it’s the Holy Grail.
“Also, my mum and dad came to that one. My dad didn’t generally watch me play because he found it hard to not get too involved – typical, like a very driven father who wants the best for their child.
“But he came to that one and we had some lovely moments. The reason I say it was so special was I gave my mum and dad a hug on the back of the 18th on Sunday and that was the last time I hugged my mum.
“The next week I was in contention at Harbour Town and she had a heart attack. The next minute we’re there at the bedside turning the machine off and she passes away.
“It’s something quite ironic for a golfing family to have had this wonderful moment where she got to see a coming together with me and my dad, after all the butting of heads we’d had, on the grandest of stages.”
‘FEAR, ABSOLUTE FEAR’
Dougherty’s career spiralled downwards, not helped by developing a nasty slice, prompting him to miss regular cuts.
He told Golf Monthly about the “fear, absolute fear” as golf became “all-consuming” until he eventually lost his European Tour card in 2011 after one cut from 32 events.
Dougherty added: “It was awful, and the bit that was really hard was everyone treating me like I was sick. I just wanted people to leave me alone. It got really dark.”
Doughtery retired in 2016 and is now relishing his role as Sky Sports’ main man, thriving on a different kind of pressure in the broadcasting world – although there remains that nagging element doubt because of the “scars of life”.
Away from the course, Dougherty and Stewart married on New Year’s Eve in 2010.
Prince Harry, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall were among the high-profile guests at St Andrew’s University chapel.
They have two children – son Max, ten, and seven-year-old daughter Bridget.
Di is still involved in sports broadcasting and presenting – recently commentating at Wimbledon before heading to Hoylake for The Open.
Dougherty’s career spiralled downwards after the death of his mum
Di was also an excellent golfer growing up
Dougherty won three pro events including the BMW International Open in 2009
Di is a presenter for Sky Sports and does other broadcasting and presenting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to earn money as a professional golfer?
Yes, it is possible for a professional golfer to make money. It requires dedication and hard work. Pros can earn millions of dollars each year.
How can my golf score be reduced by five strokes
Improve your swing mechanics is the first thing that you should do. You probably know how to hold the club correctly, but if you don’t feel comfortable swinging the club properly, you won’t get the proper feedback from your body. Once you’ve learned how to hold the club correctly, you can focus on strengthening your flexibility and strength. Begin slow and work your way up to faster distances. As you work towards better scores, you’ll notice that your game will become more consistent.
How can I improve my golf game overnight?
You can improve your game by practicing 20 minutes per day, three days a week. It is important to practice regularly if you want your game to improve at every tournament. Practice makes perfect!
Can I play golf?
No, golf is not bad for you. It’s actually very healthy. Golfers have a longer life expectancy than non-golfers, according to studies. Golfers are also less stressed, which makes them happier.
How can I improve golf scores?
These simple tips can make it easy to improve your golf game.
- Play less and practice more. You can improve your skills by practicing more. To play too often is a sign that you are developing bad habits.
- Feel good. Sometimes you don’t feel like golf. Do not force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. Instead, find ways that golf can be made more enjoyable.
- Take breaks. Golfers will often take breaks during a round to stretch, walk around and eat lunch. Taking breaks helps your body relax and keeps you focused throughout the round.
- Get water! It’s easy to lose track of how many drinks you’ve had while out on the course. Drink enough water to ensure you don’t become dehydrated. A good way to feel refreshed is to drink lots of water before, while, and after your game.
- Healthy eating is key. Consuming healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk products will give you energy to help you do well on your course.
- Hydration is key. Water is your best friend. Aim to drink at least eight glasses per day. This includes water that is made from beverages, such as coffee, as well plain water.
- You should warm up properly. Begin by warming up with a walk or jog for five minutes before you hit the first shot of a round. You should then be flexible and agile.
- Keep your head down. It’s important that you keep your eyes focused on the ball when you tee-off. It’s important to not focus on the ball or watch where it falls. Instead, keep your eyes on the hole.
- Good form is essential for a good swing. Different people might interpret the same thing as proper form. You should avoid hitting your target with your swing. Instead, you should aim to strike the ball in the center of the club face.
- You should be focused on the process. Although there are many factors that influence a successful golf swing you should be able to focus on the process. To put it another way, if your hands are not still, you can try relaxing your grip. Focus on good posture, if you find it difficult to balance.
Can I improve the game of golf by not practicing?
Practice is key to improving your game. If you don’t have the resources or time to drill regularly, you can still improve. Just remember that it’s important to put in the effort to practice what your intention is. You should play fast if you want to play faster. If you want to hit the target farther, you should also focus on hitting the target further.
Statistics
- According to Shot Scope’s database of more than 30 million shots, 80% of missed greens are missed short. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- This means as much as 50% of your practice time. (practical-golf.com)
- By adding 10 more yards to all their golf shots amateurs will increase the percentage of greens they hit by 8 – 10%. (golfinsideruk.com)
- Stats reveal 96% of golfers play right-handed. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
External Links
faziodesign.com
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
troy.golf
amzn.to
How To
How to Improve My Putting Skills?
There are many things you could do to improve your putting. The first thing you should do is get some good instruction from someone who knows what they’re doing. Our article will help you find the right golf instructor for you if you don’t already know one. Once you’ve found someone you like, ask them if they offer private lessons. Make sure to examine their schedule so that you don’t accidentally book something that isn’t compatible with another lesson.
You can rent clubs from a pro shop if you are looking for a place to play golf.
You can then start practicing, after you have received instruction. There are two methods to do this. One option is to purchase a set putters and use them to practice hitting balls into holes. This is a great option because you can use different types putters (long and mid irons, wedges, and wedges) depending upon which type of shots are most appealing to you. It is important to practice enough to be proficient in putting without spending a lot on equipment.
Playing mini games online is another way to practice. Some websites allow you to compete against other players worldwide, while others let you practice your skills. You can play Putt-Putt on many sites. In this game, you have to hit the ball into a hole. Other sites include TopGolf, StrokePlay, and even Wii Sports Club.
Once you have enough practice, it’s time to move onto the next phase in improving your putting game. Your technique is the next phase. To do this, focus on three areas in your putting stroke: alignment, grip, and stance.
Stance is how far back you are when you face the ball. An error beginners often make is to stand too close the ball. When you address the ball, you want to keep your body away from the ball until you begin moving forward. Your feet should not be more than shoulder width apart.
Your hands should be open and relaxed. You should not hold on to anything or clench your fists. Instead, you should place your hands on the top of your shoulders.
Your arms must be straight and not locked down. They should stay loose throughout the entire putting stroke.
Alignment describes how your hips turn as you swing through the shot. Most people rotate their hips too much, making it difficult to align properly. Your knees will bend slightly when you face the shot. As you swing through this shot, your hips turn toward the target.
Grip refers the position of your fingers on a clubface. Many people struggle to grip the club properly. Your index finger should be placed on the bottom edge, and your middle finger on the top. Your ring finger should sit on the shaft. While your pinky finger should remain above the handle’s line, it should be placed on either side.
You might also consider purchasing a new putter. It’s true that not all putters work the same, but if you are having trouble with your current model, a new one might be able to help you improve your game.
