‘I Used To Hit 19 Buckets Of Balls In A Day’ – Inci Mehmet Reveals Gruelling Practice Schedule
On the Rick Shiels Golf Show, the LET golfer-turned-broadcaster revealed her old driving range habits before turning professional
They say you shouldn’t practise until you get it right but rather until you can’t get it wrong. Perhaps Inci Mehmet took that a little too literally. Speaking on the Rick Shiels Golf Show, Mehmet detailed her practice regime as a junior golfer prior to turning professional.
“My mum would give me a £20 note every single weekend and I would go to my local club and I’d spend £19 on balls. I used to hit 19 buckets in a day every weekend and I’d save that £1 for lunch, which was toasted teacakes”. Even if they were small baskets, it still equates to 475 balls. No wonder she possesses an almost textbook golf swing.
Mehmet gave an insightful overview of her introduction to the game, which began at the age of four. Somewhat comically, she said that “golf wasn’t it” before adding that she wanted to be a professional footballer or a magician. Mehmet did however, recall the day where it all clicked and she revealed to her mum that she wanted to be a professional golfer. After that, “I was addicted and obsessed with being on the driving range".
The 25-year-old said, “I would spend all day on the driving range, taking six baskets of balls to the bay.” It’s no surprise that Mehmet soon caught the eye of Wentworth Golf Club, who subsequently offered her a scholarship to their junior programme. She would go on to win their Club Championship at just fifteen.
The British golfer-turned-broadcaster earned full playing rights onto the Ladies European Tour after finishing twelfth during the 2016 qualifying series, the top ranked British player that year, when she was just 20.
A post shared by Inci Mehmet (@incigolf)
A photo posted by on
Mehmet’s practice habits have changed over the years as she would much prefer to play as it helps in her Sky Sports Analyst role. She did however, look back and admit, “If I had learnt course management sooner, I could have been a very different player”.
Mehmet is now a full-time freelancer in golf media, who describes herself as a broadcaster, presenter, commentator and analyst. Check out her appearance on the Rick Shiels Golf Show, which also includes an interesting tale of former England Rugby World Cup winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, showcasing the software that allowed Mehmet to really break down her game.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
James joined Golf Monthly having previously written for other digital outlets. He is obsessed with all areas of the game – from tournament golf, to history, equipment, technique and travel. He is also an avid collector of memorabilia; with items from the likes of Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Adam Scott and Ernie Els. As well as writing for Golf Monthly, James’ golfing highlight is fist bumping Phil Mickelson on his way to winning the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013. James grew up on the east coast of England and is the third generation of his golfing family. He now resides in Leeds and is a member of Cobble Hall Golf Club with a handicap index of 1.7. His favourite films are The Legend of Bagger Vance and Tin Cup.
-
Hero World Challenge Picks, Predictions And Odds
Tiger Woods hosts the exclusive 20-man tournament in The Bahamas, and some of the Golf Monthly team have picked our favorites to win it
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Is This The Best Christy O’Connor Junior Golf Course Design Of All?
The Irishman who hit 'that' famous 2-iron in the 1989 Ryder Cup also boasts an impressive golf course design CV including this west of Ireland beauty
By Kevin Markham Published