St Andrews Links hires golf psychologist

THE home of golf has hired their first ever resident psychologist to help players struggling with the mental side of the game.

Bosses at St Andrews Links have enlisted a psychologist to aid players with the mental side of their game. Picture: AP

Bosses at St Andrews Links have enlisted Dr Paul McCarthy as an in-house sports psychologist.

He will help members of the club in Fife, which includes the famous Old Course, to cope with any mental issues affecting their swing.

Dr McCarthy, a chartered sports psychologist who runs a clinic in Glasgow, has joined the staff at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

He will attend at the courses on several days each month and golfers can book one-to-one sessions with him.

Dr McCarthy, who is also a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “I am delighted to become the first resident sports psychologist at St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

“The team are committed to exploring exciting and innovative methods of coaching and development and I am very proud to be the first resident Sports Psychologist at the Home of Golf.

“I have helped athletes in a number of disciplines to improve their sport performances and regain the enjoyment and motivation to do their best, always.

“I know that no two athletes, coaches or teams are the same so I tailor my approach to focus on meeting and understanding individual needs.

“I am very much looking forward to putting my work into practice at St Andrews Links Golf Academy.”

Dr McCarthy has previously worked with Nottingham Forest FC and various golf and tennis professionals.

He has also authored several books, including The Successful Golfer: Practical Fixes for the Mental Game of Golf.

Several leading sports people, including golfers, have hired sports psychologists in recent years.

Renowned coach Dr Bob Rotella helped Darren Clarke and Keegan Bradley to win majors.