Life No. 4 - Author
From 2000 onwards her connections within the mens professional golf world opened up exciting opportunities - as an Artist, journalist, travel writer, author, radio and TV presenter.
A very lucky break occurred by meeting and being mentored by high-end travel guru Ann Scott, founder of ASA Luxury. Introducing Sarah to one of the world’s top literary agents, Ed Victor, who secured a substantial advance (rare for an unknown author). After two years of research, writing, organising photography and designing, ‘Shape Up Your Golf’ with Sarah Sanderson was published by Harper Collins as a 160 page glorious full colour hardback (£18.99).
I was not a big fan of Instructions books, or for that matter books on golf in general - except perhaps a coffee table version of stunning vistas you do get from some courses.
Realising this was an amazing opportunity especially as I had Ed Victor behind me, I took a treatment to a couple of wise industry contacts, Stuart Proffitt of Penguin Random House and Bill McCreadie of Aurum Press, who both thought I had been incredibly lucky and to dive right on in.
The narrative is upbeat, the outfits worn reflected the chapter involved - ‘Playing out of Hazards’ - think Jungle animal prints (never seen on a golf course in 2002!)
Arguably golf’s greatest photographer, David Canon was cajoled to work with me and I fitted in with his hectic schedule of tournament snapping by following him from David Leadbetter’s golf Academy in Florida to The Emirates golf club in Dubai for the shoots.
For the ‘Pitching’ chapter, to emphasise the need for good rhythm I opted for black PVC trousers, suffering in searing desert heat!
To ask Seve to forward your book is very scary. Fortunately my Editor at Golf International Magazine, Robert Green (who later wrote the definitive biography of this enigmatic and irreplaceable genius) oiled the cogs informing me that I owed him a long lunch at his London watering hole - The Groucho Club in Soho.
Lord MacLaurin I just approached and knew he loved cricket so painted a ‘thankyou’ picture of him batting for The Lord’s Taverners charity.
David Leadbetter had coached Sir Nick Faldo for 13 years, instrumental in Nick winning 6 Majors. I had got to know Nick through following his highly successful Faldo Junior Series and although he and ‘Lead’ had parted ways in 1998, it seemed a sound idea to ask one of the world’s most respected coaches if he wouldn’t mind…
Having been a marshal at the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama, Spain (for The Berkshire g.c.), I was now in the Media Centre freelance writing, sketching and tapping away on my new Sony Vaio.
Book was 30,000 words in. Tiger Woods struts in to be interviewed and everyone drops their ‘pen’ to see what he’s got to say.
Rookie Cock-Up! I had not chain locked my desirable laptop to a desk, and far worse: backing up was not as easy without today’s Cloud. Even with armed guards at the entrance to the press ‘tent’ some thief had spied their prize and whipped it, exiting through the toilets at the back.
Literary agent God, Ed Victor was not amused.
How to handle Colin? Don’t annoy him! Ask his then manager, lovely and savvy Guy Kinnings (now CEO of The DP World Tour) if clan chief Montgomerie would be happy to rip up a toy teddy bear and be photographed doing it - for the ‘Mental Strategy’ chapter.
No wonder he wrote on the back cover “Sarah’s fun and a bit mad”.
Nick thought it hilarious and settled for wagging his finger at me strangling the bear on the driving range at Wentworth.
If we had Influencers in 2002, my dear, talented, hilarious Angela Uzielli would be right up there.
Don’t believe everything you read in the…
The Scotsman and The Independent decided that a cigar whafting, golden booted, red-mained oddity was worthy of investigation. I don’t think anyone could have tried harder to NOT look like a golfer - after all, I was and am a painter who happened to play the game.
Unexpected Penalties
Fundamental to the concept of “Shape Upwas that it was conceived and written by an Amateur golfer who soaked up the knowledge from top international players and coaches. These golden nuggets were then related in a lyrical, entertaining manner. Purposely throughout the book there are references to ‘this is not my day job’.
Result: 2003 The R & A (the governing body of golf), banned me. I lost my amateur status. This affected where I could be a member - in effect I became an outcast and mostly stopped playing golf altogether. It became quite isolating.
I was not about to turn ‘professional’ as this would make a mockery of the book or print Sarah Sanderson with ‘X’ (any professional golfers name), and vitally I was already a professional working Artist.
Roll on 2024: The R & A state “Rule 4: Instruction - An amateur may accept payment or compensation for giving instruction in the following circumstances:
When the instruction is given in writing or online, and not to a specific individual or group.