What Separates THE BEST From THE BEST?

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley tells Sam Tremlett why only a select few players reach the pinnacle of the world game

- Sam Tremlett

The strength in depth of sport in the 21st century makes it extremely difficult for athletes to rise to the top. Golf is no different. Very few players manage to work their way on to the best professional tours around the world because of the sheer quality of golf needed to get a place at the top table. And even when a player makes it to the European or PGA Tours, for example, it can be an uphill battle to retain their playing privileges. Only a tiny percentage of professional golfers enjoy sustained success at the top level.

While some professionals take different routes to the top, there are clear similarities between most of them. They are all unbelievably talented, most have strong teams around them and many are keenly aware of the importance of finer details like nutrition and the mental side of the sport. It’s a given that they’re driven and hard-working, too – a successful career isn’t viable without these qualities.

Despite these consistencies, many players spend their careers as journeymen, while others with similar talent levels reach superstardom. The top 30 in the world rankings remains relatively consistent over a set period of time and there’s a reason why the cream of the crop rise to the top during big tournaments. But why is this the case? Is it just talent? Is it mental and physical preparation, or a combination of factors?

We caught up with former Ryder Cup player and captain, Paul McGinley, to get his thoughts on what separates the best from the rest in the pro game and the lessons club golfers can learn...

All the top players understand the importance of the mental game, but what separates the likes of Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm from everyone else?