Date: October 17, 2012
Author: Greig Johnston, Omnisport

Rumford focused on Perth

Australian golfer Brett Rumford has revealed how a sports psychologist helped him regain his mojo after the birth of his twin daughters. Back in his home state of Western Australia to prepare for the ISPS Handa Perth International, Rumford spoke candidly about the effect the arrival of twins Violet and Lulu 17 months ago had on his game. “Last year with the twins, I couldn&apost see the point (of playing),” the 35-year-old said. “Just how tough those first six months were with flying back and forth from the UK while I&aposm (also at) home, having to raise twins, being actively involved with that. “I can&apost explain to you just what I&aposve gone through or how difficult it is. “But, I&aposve got through that, and now I&aposm through the worst of it, 17 months old now, so we are just looking forward to next year and refocusing and cracking on from there.” Rumford said the influence of Sydney sports psychologist Warren Kennaugh had been instrumental in equipping him to deal with the pressures of juggling fatherhood with professional golf. “The psychology – I guess it&aposs not so much standing behind the golf ball and take a deep breath. There&aposs that psychology, definitely, but probably just more life skills,” Rumford said. “It&aposs just not the one thing, when you&aposre playing well, it&aposs not just one thing that&aposs working well on the golf course. There&aposs a lot of things that happened away from it that allows you to play well. “You look at any sort of golfer, it&aposs not really a technical issue at the end of the day. “Tiger Woods is a great example of that. He was on cloud nine and everything seemingly was going fantastic, and then the things that have come out, a lot of things happening off the golf course affected what&aposs happening on it.” Rumford said he is relishing being back home in Perth, and is looking forward to playing at the scenic Lake Karrinyup Country Club in the city&aposs north. “It&aposs the Augusta of WA (Western Australia), always has been, and I&aposm just so happy that obviously the Perth International is here this week,” he said. “I think for a spectator&aposs perspective, as well, it&aposs very easy to get around, so I think that is a plus for the viewers.”