Three years ago, I booked a trip to the Gold Coast for a Golf Journeys Beginners clinic. My family was bemused, but with my sons having just finished high school, I was ready for something entirely my own. Golf checked every box: time outdoors, friendly competition, a strong social community, and a rich mental challenge.

Our coach for the week, Loic Truet, designed an itinerary that covered every aspect of the game. Each day began with informative technique sessions at Emerald Lakes Golf Club, followed by 9 holes on course tuition after lunch. It was fully immersive, but like learning an instrument or a new language, success relies on building a solid foundation and adding layer upon layer of skill.

When the clinic wrapped up, Loic gave me two direct commands: join a club and get a handicap. I took his advice to heart, joining Melbourne's Albert Park Women’s Golf Club, gaining 120 new friends overnight and establishing a starting handicap of 43.

Fast forward three years, and golf has evolved from a fledgling interest into my full-blown obsession and my profession. As a golf writer and tour host, I live and breathe the game. Every year, I set little goals, drop my handicap by 4 strokes annually and build greater consistency. While I hit the handicap goals, consistency remained elusive.

So, in August 2026, I rebooked my spot with Golf Journeys for their Fundamentals Clinic on the Gold Coast. It double-hatted as the perfect excuse to visit my mum in Burleigh Heads too.

Unbeknownst to me when I arrived on Day 1, the week was destined to be a joyful reunion. Standing in the group was Sammy Bridges, whom I had met at that very first beginner’s clinic. We instantly fell into easy laughter, trading memories and anticipating the week ahead. Among the group were also three guests from our Kenya tour in 2025, Anna Crott, Rose Matulin and Suzanne Day. It brought back vivid memories of golfing, going on safari, and forming deep friendships across the globe. To top it off, I spotted Tanya Gaudry, who I met in New Zealand last year, like me always quick with a smile and eager to learn.

We were all there for one shared purpose, to elevate our game. Loic certainly had his work cut out for him keeping this giggling, vivacious group on track, but the week flew by with plenty of laughs and lots of gatherings at the 19th hole.

We touched on every fundamental aspect of the game, shedding light on frequently overlooked areas like chipping and putting. The on-course tuition was transformational. Bunkers, once viewed as hazards to avoid at all costs, quickly became places where we reliably got out in a single stroke. The surge in collective confidence was palpable.

Putting, the most overlooked part of the game.  FACT:  The putter is the most used club in the bag.  Approximately 30-36 strokes per 18 holes.

When I asked my fellow students what they hoped to gain from the experience, Tanya Gaudry shared how impactful the clinic had been for her: “I wanted to learn what clubs to use, how to practice, and what good drills look like. I’ve never really had formal coaching, and Loic identified exactly what I need to work on, which was fantastic.”

Tanya put that guidance straight into practice, earning the well-deserved title of Most Improved Player of the week.

I walked away with crucial breakthroughs of my own. I finally understand how to use my sand wedge properly, and I no longer fear pitching over a bunker because I know if I end up in the sand, I have the technique to get right back out.

I also know that I won’t wait three more years to return.  See you in 2027.