Winter.

There is a specific moment every year where the world feels like it’s changing pace, visibly the days shorten and the nights lengthen. I’ve always loved winter, to an extent, I’ve always loved the process of getting better. There is a fire in my belly around October time to sit down and figure out, what can I do this winter to get better? Better at golf, better physically. Just what can I do to be the best version of Hannah McCook the golfer, but also just Hannah McCook.

This winter is a little different, I’m not working towards Q-School. Life has been so busy that I’ve actually hardly had time to think about not going. Lots has been going on at home, in Nethy and in the wider area. I sadly can’t say it’s all been positive things, but a few of us feel we are starting to turn a corner, in the last day or so.

Don’t get me wrong, the shift in weather and daylight and all things winter can be unsettling, for me, for other players and for other coaches. However, for the first time in a while, I’ve fallen into a routine. A real routine. During November, I had the pleasure of introducing a group of ladies from Carrbridge to golf. Some had never had their hands on clubs before, some just needed reacquainted. Some said they were going to miss me every Sunday morning, to be honest i'm going to miss them.

The weeks are flying by, and that’s ok, I’m not working to something SO specific right now. Just working towards 2026, so my priorities have changed ever so slightly. I’ve got a part time job to supplement hours of coaching. I’m coaching as much as possible. I’m doing bits of my own practice. I’m working hard and doing different things in the gym. I’m at home for December. The first time in a while I’ve been thinking about December and all its festivities and not thinking about Q-School.

This still, as i've said, I am ticking over with practice. I still have that drive, and it’s a drive I wish so many more people had during the winter. I get it the weather is useless at times, it’s not motivating when it is dark by 4. It’s cold. It’s wet. Despite this myself and so many others believe, put the work in now and you’ll reap the rewards come spring. That’s what I tell myself and my clients, new and those returning.

I would love if there was a slight mindset shift for those who want to start the season well. It’s a challenging when people want to do so well in April, but it takes until June/July to feel more comfortable. Maybe, if you had the time and desire to work through the winter, come April you’ll be getting questions like ‘what have you been doing’. I get it, sometimes in spring you play well as expectations are lower, but that can only take you a few weeks into the season, that soon wears off when your own pressure piles on.

Winter practice isn’t meant for perfection, it’s all about preparation. Weaknesses can be exposed, reflections can be done and plans can be built to realign fundamentals or learn some entirely new things. Sessions may be shorter and motivation may dip. Winter challenges mindset, it tests discipline. This season can teach you more than summer ever will, to show up when excuses are so easy to find, the mental edge built here can be the difference when spring arrives.

Winters lessons of swing work, discipline, silence and patience will travel with you as the days lengthen in to spring. When you do well in those early season competitions, it will be that work in the cold, that nobody else saw, that is paying off.

I am gutted not to be at Q school, but what’s meant for you won’t go by you. I’m content.

Good luck to all my friends who are there.

See you at the range, whether that’s for practice or a lesson…