Golf at Saint-François: Thomas Grava's Advice

Many golf enthusiasts and enthusiasts spend their vacations in Saint-François in Guadeloupe, to take advantage of its magnificent 18-hole course. It must be said that it is a setting that lends itself particularly well, with notably the superb villas bordering the Saint-François golf course, always sunny weather, and excellent restaurants to discover to extend the pleasure.

As part of its partnership with the Golf International de Saint-François in Guadeloupe, ZeWelcome met Thomas Grava, a brilliant professional golfer who now lives in Guadeloupe.

Thomas offers you his advice to improve your golf practice

Whatever your level!

How did you discover golf?

"When I was 8 or 9 years old, my grandfather introduced me to golf during my holidays in Burgundy. I immediately took to it. As soon as I got back home in the south of France, I looked into the sport and the places where I could practice. It really started when I was 11 years old when I joined the Miramas golf club near my home. A real passion was born. It was a hobby at the time and I trained twice a week."

Access to the professional level

"Little by little I acquired a level that allowed me to participate in competitions within my club. I immediately had access to more important championships and participated in my first French championship at age 12. From age 13 I started amateur competitions abroad. I was then ranked 17. It was around age 15 that I knew I wanted to make golf my profession. I was fortunate to have parents who always supported me.

We then moved near a golf course in Pont-Royal, between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. The adventure began, I took golf lessons every day, and I had appropriate athletic preparation.
I won the French championships in 2010, which opened many doors for me and allowed me to receive many invitations to attend professional tournaments. I then participated in many European competitions in Ireland, Belgium and Italy thanks to my sponsor at the time who was Golf D'Evian, who followed me until I was 18.
Compensation is complicated as an amateur, my sponsor allowed me to cover my equipment costs, travel, etc..."

Transition to professional level

Following a request to the federation to resign my amateur status and transition to professional status, I was able, thanks to a state certificate passed on an accelerated basis at age 18, to obtain professional status in 2.5 months instead of 2 years. I was then ranked +4 at that time.
I participated in my last tournament in the professional category on October 18, 2018, which was a highly emotional moment.

Course approach

The first shot is the most important, it's the one that builds confidence. It determines the rhythm to follow. The analysis work is very important.
Analyze your shot if it's not what you intended to do, and above all avoid negative thoughts that bring nothing constructive.

Tips from a Pro ⛳️

It is very important to warm up before you start! Hit a bucket of balls on the range to analyze the day's weather conditions and get a feel for your clubs. Also, do a few shots on the green to see the hold of the day. Grip - Posture and alignment are the 3 key points in golf, they ensure a straight ball!

Equipment is also very important but unfortunately neglected by most amateurs. The club is the motor, the extension of the golfer's body. It is the club that must adapt to the golfer and not the other way around.
The main mistake is to think about the score or the difficulty of the next hole. Above all, it is a sport, you have to enjoy yourself and stay focused on the things that make you comfortable.

Golf is 90% mental, and 10% technique. It is very important to master the few parameters that you can control because golf takes into account many uncontrollable parameters.
Feeding and drinking on the course are very important. One or two sips per hole is ideal. A small snack is always welcome too to regain strength.

Tips for a child who is passionate about golf

You must always believe in your dream, give yourself the means to achieve it and be serious in what you do. You also need it to remain enjoyable for the child above all.
I have no regrets about my journey or all that I have been able to accomplish.
For future golf enthusiasts, the programs available in the United States are excellent choices, you never leave the school structure and the follow-up there is very good, especially in the sports field! All the very good French golfers today studied in the United States.