Many male and female golf enthusiasts spend their holidays in Saint-François, Guadeloupe, to enjoy its magnificent 18-hole course. It must be said that it's a setting that lends itself particularly well to it, with the superb... Villas bordering the Saint-François golf course, a time of perpetual sunshine, and of very good restaurants to discover for extended pleasure.
As part of its partnership with the Saint-François International Golf Course In Guadeloupe, ZeWelcome met with Thomas Grava, a brilliant professional golfer who now lives in Guadeloupe. In this interview format, Thomas offers his advice for improving your golf game, 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 got hooked. As soon as I returned home to the south of France, I researched the sport and places where I could practice. It all really started at the age of 11 when I joined the Miramas golf club, not far from my home. A true passion was born. At that time, it was a hobby, and I practiced twice a week.
Access to the highest level
Little by little, I reached a level that allowed me to compete within my club. I immediately gained access to larger championships and participated in my first French championship at age 12. From the age of 13, I began competing as an amateur abroad. I was ranked 17th at the time. It was around age 15 that I knew I wanted to make golf my profession. I was fortunate enough 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 had begun; I took golf lessons every day and had adapted sports training.
I won the French championships in 2010, which opened many doors for me and allowed me to receive numerous invitations to professional tournaments. I subsequently participated in many European competitions in Ireland, Belgium, and Italy thanks to my sponsor at the time, Golf D'Evian, who supported me until I was 18.
Compensation is complicated in amateur sports; my sponsor allowed me to cover the costs of my equipment, travel, etc.
Move to the professional level
Following a request to the federation to terminate my amateur status and switch to professional status, I was able to obtain professional status in two and a half months instead of two years, thanks to a state diploma obtained through an accelerated program at the age of 18. I was ranked +4 at that time.
I participated in my last professional tournament on October 18, 2018, it was a very emotional moment.
Course approach
The first shot is the most important; it's the one that builds confidence. It sets the pace to follow. The analysis work is very important.
Analyze your shot if it wasn't what you intended, and above all, avoid negative thoughts that lead to nothing constructive.
Pro Tips
It's very important to warm up before you start! Take a bucket of balls to the driving range to analyze the day's weather conditions and get a feel for your clubs. Likewise, hit a few shots on the green to see how it grips today.
The grip – Posture and alignment are the 3 key points in golf, they ensure a straight shot!
The equipment is also very important but unfortunately neglected by most amateurs. The club is the engine, 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. It is first and foremost a sport, you have to enjoy yourself and stay focused on the things that make you feel comfortable.
Le golf c’est 90% de mental, et 10% de technique. Il est très important de maîtriser le peu de paramètre que l’on peut maîtriser car le golf prend en compte beaucoup de paramètres non maîtrisables.
Food and drink 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 passionate child
You must always believe in your dream, give yourself the means to achieve it, and be serious in what you do. It must also remain a pleasure for the child above all else.
I have no regrets about my journey or everything I have accomplished.
For future golf enthusiasts, the programs available in the United States are excellent choices. You never leave the school structure, and the support is very good, especially in sports! All of today's very good French golfers studied in the United States.
