Golfer Escapes Pressure With Fantasy Novels

Professional golfer Alison Lee, a competitor on the LPGA Tour, has long struggled with performance anxiety and a lack of self-confidence. Despite past efforts like therapy and meditation, her mental state often hindered her progress towards her dream of winning on the tour. Lee discovered a surprisingly effective coping mechanism: diving into fantasy novels.

During practice rounds and long waits, Lee began reading fantasy books, finding that it shifted her mood and diminished her anxieties. She would compare her challenges to those of fictional characters, gaining perspective and reducing the perceived pressure of her own situation. This unique strategy, though she acknowledges it might sound unusual, has become a vital tool for her mental fortitude.

This approach proved instrumental during the BMW Ladies Championship late last year. While in contention for the lead, Lee felt significant nerves before the final round. She read a fantasy series, finding solace and a mental escape. Even during a prolonged, six-hour round with lengthy delays, she continued reading in a restroom stall, a bold move that helped her birdie the final two holes to force a playoff.