Sweden’s Magnus P Atlevi has said his approach to coaching over the years has changed his outlook on golf, providing ideal preparation ahead of the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex.
Atlevi secured his place in this week’s Major Championship at Carnoustie after his top three finish at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open earlier this month.
A regular on the European Tour during the 1980s and 1990s, Atlevi has played in just five European Senior Tour events since turning 50, after taking a seven-year break from the professional game.
“What I’ve learned from being away from the game and through the coaching that I now do is that it’s all about attitude,” said Atlevi. “Attitude, attitude, attitude. I wish I had it 25 years ago.
“My ultimate goal now is to do what [Bernhard] Langer has been doing. I didn’t expect him to play as well as he has done over the years, but he amazes everyone.
“I’m trying to get things right the second time around. Hopefully the things that I work on through my coaching really help so that my students avoid the 25 years of mistakes that I think I was making.
“If I can get five to seven good years as a senior golfer, that would be excellent. Long term, that would give me more experience being close up and will give me a lot of things to take back to my coaching.
“But my short term plan is to win the Senior Open this week.”
Atlevi’s confidence is far from misplaced, as the 50 year old has scored par or better in each of his 12 rounds in 2016, recording two top ten finishes in the process.
As one of the 144-man field for this year’s Senior Open, Atlevi says he can use the set-up of the famous Carnoustie links to his advantage.
“There are no butterflies,” he said. “I’m past that already, now I’m focusing on what is a tough task. I need to do it.
“At all the events I’ve played this year, I haven’t shot over par. The courses we have played can’t be compared to Carnoustie, however. But I feel as though my game is getting sharper.
“I hope they keep the course long after the rain we have had. You really have to decide what to do from the tee, whether you use a driver or irons.
“I still have really good length, which is natural because I’m one of the younger players. I’m still fit and if I can dare to use that advantage from the tee, it sets me up. Otherwise you are playing three-irons all the time and you won’t make birdies that way. It’s doable here, but you have to be extremely good, and brave, to do it.
“You can’t do it for a full 18, but I need to push myself to the limit because I want to come out on top and be in the mix from the beginning. If you start well, you get momentum and gain confidence. Mentally, I embrace the challenge and it’s a great opportunity.”
