E21 - Alison Nicholas: The retirement question

Welcome back to the Retirement Question. We resume with Danno chatting to former professional golfer Alison Nicholas. The highlights of Alison’s 20 years at the pinnacle of golf included winning the 1997 US Open and captaining Europe to Solheim Cup victory in 2011. 

Although she achieved great success on the course with 18 tournament wins, Alison found the transition to life after golf far harder than she expected. Danno asks her: “How on earth did you cope with retirement?” To which, Alison replies: “I’m not sure I did to be honest. I didn’t plan it, which was a real mistake looking back. I knew I didn’t want to play on the tour anymore. I was struggling with the lifestyle and not being able to play to the standard I wanted to.”

Now working to support Christian golfers on the Ladies European Tour, Alison’s story will resonate with many elite sportspeople dealing with the impact of retirement.

Listen in as Alison talks about

• The huge impact retirement had on her (2mins 10secs)

• Struggling with her self worth (3.20)

• Knowing it was time to hang up her clubs (6.00)

• How faith in Christ gave her perspective in all of this (7.00)

• The vital support she received from Christian friends and family (12.00)

• Her advice to sportspeople facing retirement (14.00)

And much more...