Gloucestershire Golf Union
Interview with Jack Cope - winner of the 2020 English Men's Amateur Championship
For 21-year-old Jack Cope, winning the 2020 English Men’s Amateur Championship was about more than the trophy - in his words, it meant “going from rock bottom to mountain high”.
18 months ago, Jack broke his arm, but his injury was only a small part of his struggle leading up to the win; he also spent the past 3 years quietly battling anxiety and depression.
He said, “Nobody really understands the magnitude of how hard I’ve had to work to build back up and get to where I am.
When I broke my arm, it was a wake-up call that this gift isn’t going to stick around forever and I need to make something happen with it, and now I have through hard work.”
In 2017, Jack became the youngest winner of the Gloucestershire Men’s Amateur Championship at the age of 17, also setting a scoring record of 14 under par.
Shortly afterwards, his mental health started to change and he noticed his once outgoing and social personality, work ethic, and motivation slip away.
“For a while golf was sort of an escape for me, I didn’t have to think about what was going on, I could just play.”
That all changed after his injury and reconstructive surgery to stabilise his arm with metal plates.
He explained, “I remember waking up and the surgeon saying he had good news and bad news; I wouldn’t have any long-term damage but wouldn’t be able to even touch a golf club for 6-12 months.
“After about a week or so I thought ‘right, let’s turn a negative into a positive’ and now my parents and I would say that breaking my arm was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”
Re-energised and ready to play again, while recovering from his injury, Jack worked as a waiter and barman, forcing himself back into a routine to prepare for when he was able to get back on the course. The current pandemic posed another obstacle, but as soon as lockdown restrictions were eased, he was up every morning at half four and golfed until six in the evening.
“I hate people telling me I can’t do things, so instead of that 6-12 months, I was back playing within 11 weeks.”
He added, “In the cold my arm will ache, but it’s just fighting through the pain. With how hard the journey has been, the win is so much sweeter.”
In making his return, Jack finally comes back to the sport he found a love for at the age of 7 after joining his dad at Minchinhampton Golf Club every week. He credits his dad with giving him the inspiration and motivation to start golfing, and his determination to his mum.
“My dad has been there for cold early mornings, even at first when I wasn’t very good, he was so patient from an early age, and has been a great support ever since.”
His parents, long-time coach Stuart Little, and new coach Russell Covey have continued to support him through his push to rebuild his confidence and strength.
“I will always be so thankful to Stuart for making me such a good golfer in terms of course management and my long game, to Russell for helping me build my self-belief and improve my short game, and to Ping Europe for their ongoing support even in my toughest days with the injury.”
“Before, I was afraid to make those claims and not be able to back them up, but now I feel like I can go into a competition and believe I can win it.”
Winning the Men’s Amateur on August 2nd was a cathartic moment for everyone.
“There were a lot of tears shed, it was a massive release of emotion for all the hardship my family and I have carried over the past couple of years.
“From where I was two years ago, not wanting to ever play again, not thinking I was any good, not enjoying life on or off the course to now be able to say I’m England Men’s Amateur Champion is pretty special.”
As he pushes towards his next titles, he also mentors two juniors at The Players Club, Ashley and Josh Millington, aged 13 and 16. “I always try to give back when I can, I think I might be more of a role model than I realise.”
In opening up about his struggles and injury, Jack hopes to help others realise how important hard work and determination are in achieving success, and that challenges along the way will ultimately build resilience.
“I look at myself and think about the fact that because of all of that, I’m just as mentally tough as anyone I’m competing with now.”
The return of his determination hasn’t faded since his win. Two days after the England Men’s Amateur, he was back on the course at seven in the morning, with his eyes on the Brabazon Trophy on August 21st.
“I know full well that you don’t get anything without hard work, so I’m all in.”
For more information on golf in Gloucestershire and the opportunity to play for the county please get in touch.
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