Olivia Rael-Brook '19 Recruiting Profile

I started golf in my mummy’s tummy, well really at the age of three. Before the age of 15 I was more of a multi-sport athlete, I competed in tennis, hockey, fives, skiing, athletics and of course golf. I was gifted at sport at a very early age, winning athlete of the year in my high school consecutively every year from 2005 through to 2017. I gravitated more towards golf at the age of 15 because there is something about the complexity and competitiveness that the game brings which I am drawn to. Not only do I have to push myself physically, but I have found that an open mindset tends to benefit each performance further. I find it exhilarating playing a good shot and I love the challenge that each game brings. I am able to visualise each shot and be at one with the club, the ball and the course. Often when I play well, I can’t wait for the next round to see if I can beat my score.

Playing golf has taught me patience, acceptance, how to focus and that it is so important to think positively because any negative thoughts affects the way you play and overall performance. I truly believe that having these attributes will not only make me a vital member on your golf program, but they are skills I can carry all the way through my degree and the rest of my life. I believe that I have the drive, determination and character to make an immediate impact on your team. I am also very coachable due to my versatility and am able to take on constructive criticisms well. I am looking to find a college with the right academic and athletic program which will allow me to continue developing as a golfer and as a business student simultaneously. My goal is to compete at the highest level in women’s golf and obtain a first class degree. 

Perhaps not winning the Quadrangular championship was where I developed most as an athlete because I trained even harder the next few weeks and really focused my energy on how to improve, and then I was able to win the Ladies Hertfordshire Championship which I believe shows resilience. One very inspirational figure who has influenced me to develop into the golfer that I am today is Seve Ballesteros; a role model and a champion of the golf course. I follow in Seve’s beliefs that as long as you put your mind to something, you can truly achieve anything.