Hey Arnold - Inside the Moral Mind of a Champion

‘I believe you can always look for “that edge” over an opponent and if you win that battle mentally it often tells on the course’

As Tommy powered his way past Jon to secure the delayed 2015 Matchplay title it was clear his famous ‘headgames’ had paid dividends. The former lowest handicapper Hanson was swept aside by a front 9 blitz and never recovered.

Whilst Arnold’s on course exploits caught the eye, he puts his triumph on the day down to a pre-match battle that Jon may not have even known he was in. ‘I knew I had to be brilliant yet subtle in the headgames department against such an outstanding competitor’, states Tommy regarding his tactical scheme. In his opinion the title was all but secured on the range. ‘Nicely chatting away whilst Jon watched me casually pepper the pin from 150 laid the foundations,’ he explains, certain that he had gained a significant edge in such a tough to call match before the players even reached the first tee.

The majority of the Moral Man’s opponents are fully aware that he will be on the lookout for opportunities to gain an edge. Unfortunately being aware of this and being able to avoid falling in to his trap are two very different issues. Through close analysis of each society member Tommy has developed a carefully honed range of specific headgames to cater for every opponent. He talks fondly of many past battles along the route to Matchplay glory, but it is clear that his clash with Jay Way provides him with most personal pride.

‘Jamie Way was a different proposition… I had to make him beat himself’ he recalls with a smile. ‘He arrived at the course flustered, I knew the fuse would be short.’ A tense match from the start, Arnold finally wore Jimmy Wee down with a tactically placed #pathgate. Arnold laughs when asked about this. ‘He simply couldn’t cope! Head went and he was finished before the front 9 was done!’

The variety of Tommy’s mental game is impressive. He talks affectionately of ‘sliming’ Churcher up in round 1, ‘massaging his ego and finishing him off late on.’ But what shouldn’t be overlooked is the ability to back it up on course. Even when facing an opponent ‘impenetrable to the mind games’ during his semi-final vs Mop, he cruised to victory by letting his clubs do the talking. ‘That is when you have to hope the swing is in the groove and that the scores will take care of themselves.’ On this occasion, as with so many others, his heavy hitting and neat short game took care of his rival.

Tommy moves in to 2016 as reigning double champion, having won the society championship along with his Matchplay title. Potential Leicester related attendance issues have lengthened his odds for a repeat, but it is far from unlikely that he will make an elaborate and dramatic last minute appearance at each event that he claims he is unavailable for. As champion his views on the future of the society cannot be taken lightly. ‘I’m looking forward to the new additions,’ he states, relishing the challenge of staving off more pretenders to the throne. It is clear he is impressed with what he has seen so far. ‘I actually witnessed Potts crunch a 9 iron 170 yards in to the 18th green’ he elaborates, suggesting the newbies may have a length that may leave most society members in the dust. His interest in the newcomers is not to suggest he has taken his eyes off of more traditional opponents.

Labelling him ‘Blackburn Rovers of the society’ due to his woeful 2015 title defence, Tommy believes that Sloth’s increased UTT status may actually help him on the course in the coming season. ‘As a man who often gets in his own head on course I believe the distraction may well benefit his golf game.’ Arnold also has many opinions and questions about Tim Kilpatrick’s chances in 2016. ‘I know he’s already ditched the Srixon distance ball that plagued him in 2015. The very first step in a long Japanese road to recovery.’

He attributes this change to Tim’s close following of #Tommy’sTips, and is happy to raise the overall society standard by helping others. ‘As the first official TK sponsored athlete/coach I’ve no choice but to offer assistance.’ It is encouraging for golf to see a champion with the humility to look out for the lesser lights on tour.

It will be fascinating to see whether anyone in the society is able to stop Arnold’s Rhino-like charge to glory in 2016. With an ever evolving game, heavy political influence and unshakeable confidence, he must surely be bookies favourite to defend his Matchplay crown. For now though, he is just looking to enjoy the ride. ‘I’m thoroughly looking forward to Jay in his green jacket hosting us at the Michelin starred establishment in Eastleigh! I hear they do a great beer & a burger deal!’ Now that, for once, is a Tommy opinion that nobody can argue with.

2015 was certainly a Moral year. But as Dwayne Johnson once said, ‘With every new moon comes the opportunity for hope.’

Here’s to the 2016 season and all the drama it shall bring!