If you've ever played your best golf alone but fallen apart the moment others are watching, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Gary Belsky makes a compelling case that solo golf isn't just a scheduling convenience — it's a mental training ground that can rewire how you handle pressure, self-criticism, and the performative noise that creeps in during a round. You'll walk away with some fresh perspective on why the mental game is so hard, and a genuinely practical tool for building it.

Gary is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and decision-making expert who spent 14 years at ESPN, and his newly released book Solo Golf: The Zen of Playing Alone and How It Can Transform Your Game is unlike anything else in the genre.

Timestamps and topics:

01:46 - Is golf a difficult test, or for pure enjoyment?

14:49 - Shot Pattern: shotpattern.app - Discount code MENTALGOLFSHOW for 20% Off

17:19 - The Value of Solo Golf for When You're Not Solo

29:10 - Basic Practice Plan: joshnicholsgolf.com/practice

30:06 - Why Do We Try to Perform for Others?

45:30 - PutterCup: Get 15% off by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter

47:14 - Does Enjoying Golf Get In the Way of Performing Well?

57:57 - Why Are Pro Golfers So Much Better Mentally Than Us?

1:05:15 - Gary Asks Josh What He's Learned From Doing the Podcast

1:16:01 - Gary Belsky

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Gary Belky's book:

Solo Golf: The Zen of Playing Alone and How It Can Transform Your Game

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Mentioned in this episode:

🎯 Shot Pattern - The Golf GPS App Designed to Help You Play Smarter Golf - Start a free trial and get 20% off by using the discount code 'MENTALGOLFSHOW' or click this link to go straight there.

🏌️‍♂️ Basic Practice Plan - Practice made simple, intentional, and accountable.

⛳️ PutterCup: Get 15% off your PutterCup order by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter.

👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game. Or send an email to josh@joshnicholsgolf.com.

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Josh's stuff:

🎓 The Perfect Pre-Shot Routine digital course - Dial in your pre-shot routine, play your best golf.

📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

📧 The Mental Re-Grip Newsletter: Sign up for weekly mental game tips atjoshnicholsgolf.com/newsletter.

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Other podcast partners:

🏌️‍♂️ The Divot Board: Get 10% off at divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow using code 'MentalGolf10'.

🏋️‍♂️ FREE Nerd Fitness Golf Workout - Get the Free MVP Golf Workout from Nerd Fitness here!

🍀 Fairways & Fundays - Ireland Golf Tours - Named World’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the World Golf Awards in 2024 and 2025! If you’re interested in going on a golf trip to Ireland, send me an email and I’ll get you set up with them - josh@joshnicholsgolf.com

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🔥 🧈 Special thanks to Titleist for their support of The Mental Golf Show. Join Team Titleist here.