Taking a step back, but not stopping

Welcome back! To better manage my time and work demands, I’ve decided to switch my updates to monthly pregnancy/golf blogs. Being kind to myself is the priority, which means being intentional about workload, especially with my main job becoming more time-consuming and dedicating more time to my new role at Gaudet Luce. September was a huge month, balancing deeply personal moments with my changing relationship with golf.

The month started with something incredibly important: "Dads Do," his celebration of life, on September 5th. It began with a lovely round of golf alongside James and my brother Will, followed by welcoming family and friends to celebrate Dad's life at his second home, Bewdley Pines Golf Club.

We were joined by around a hundred (or more, I’m useless with crowd numbers!) people, and as a family, we were so grateful for the overwhelming support and love in the room. A close family friend gave a speech, and I followed with a small one. Dad would have had mixed feelings: hating the attention on the situation, but absolutely loving the warmth and support in the room. It was a beautiful, meaningful day.

James and I then headed up to Waterton Golf Club to play a mixed open with friends Tee and Chris. This round marked a major turning point: it was the start of me needing a buggy for 18 holes. Walking and playing a full round was getting tough.

By the middle of the month, I was really starting to show, sitting around 25 weeks pregnant. My little one is really getting into the groove of moving around now! It’s a very odd but special feeling to feel those little kicks and wiggles right over your golf ball as you’re setting up for a shot. I’ve had to make big adjustments. A golf swing doesn't hurt me, but being on my feet for so long? Wow, it’s a killer.

Thankfully, I still found time for some fun off the course. Myself and a few of the girls attended Dahlia Bloom’s ladies night at Social Sticks in Bromsgrove. It was a brilliant evening of golf, giggles, darts, and even getting ourselves a permanent bracelet!

We also, of course, had the Ryder Cup to watch and cheer on Team Europe! It was a tense Sunday, but the boys did it—what a victory! 🇪🇺

The changes your body goes through are truly insane, and weeks 22 to 27 are often when they accelerate and I found that they start impacting your game. Here’s a quick round-up of what’s happening in the second half of the second trimester and how it affects golf:

Body Change	Impact on Golf
Growing Bump & Weight Shift	Your centre of gravity shifts forward. This makes it harder to maintain balance (leading to the need for that buggy!) and requires a wider stance and a shorter, more controlled swing..
Ligament Laxity	The hormone Relaxin is loosening your joints and ligaments to prepare for birth. While good for flexibility, it increases the risk of over-stretching or over-swinging, leading to strain, especially in the hips and lower back. It's honestly nothing like Happy Gilmore 2 though, I know what you're thinking!
Lower Back Pain	The increased weight and change in posture put significant strain on your lower back. This is why being on your feet for too long becomes painful.
Fatigue	Although the second trimester is known for an "energy boost," your body is still working hard! You may find yourself tiring quickly, making 18 holes a real challenge.
Baby Movement	While not a physical barrier, feeling the baby move while over the ball is definitely a new and unique mental distraction!

Ultimately, this stage is about modifying, not stopping. Using a buggy, shortening the backswing, and listening to your body when it says rest are non-negotiables!