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The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

By: Paul Salter
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 Paul Salter is a triple-digit golfer on a quest to become a scratch golfer. He’s also a High-Performance Mindset Coach and Credentialed Hypnotherapist with 15 years of experience helping high performers from all walks of life get unstuck and unlock their full potential. Each week, Paul will share the emotional and mindset shifts you need to make to make mastering the mental game of golf simple, tangible, and relatable so that you can overcome the mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance. He’ll also routinely keep you updated on his progress toward par while sharing a raw and vulnerable look into his own collection of mental hazards he must overcome. Whether you’re an occasional amateur, a weekend regular, or a competitor seeking a tournament trophy or your pro card, this podcast will help you play better golf.2024 Golf Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • #82: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course

    #82: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course
    Jul 3 2025
    #84: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined once again by mental game coach and friend, Josh Nichols, for a deep and powerful conversation on the emotional and mental toll competitive golf can take—and how to overcome it. Josh opens up about the burnout he experienced during the peak of his competitive career, the pivotal mindset shift that helped him release control, and why the addition of one important relationship completely changed how he viewed golf—and life. We explore the roots of golf burnout, the dangers of mismanaged expectations, and how learning to “see things as they are” is the gateway to emotional resiliency and freedom on the course. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: What golf burnout really looks and feels like—and how to spot the signs earlyWhy “letting go” is one of the most powerful performance enhancersThe true meaning of mental toughness (and what it’s not)How focusing on the wrong metrics keeps you stuck and frustratedThe role of coaching in creating clarity, saving energy, and accelerating growthHow to build mindfulness into your day without a 60-minute ritualThe danger of letting one hole define your entire round If you’ve been pushing, forcing, and death-gripping your game into submission with little to show for it, this conversation is for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Josh Nichols Josh Nichols is a Golf Psychology Coach, and has been playing competitive amateur golfer for over 20 years. Josh run’s his own business, Foundations Mental Performance, where he works with individuals all over the world on their golf psychology as a way to help them play better golf and get more enjoyment out of the game. Host of The Mental Golf ShowAuthor of The Mental Regrip NewsletterTwitter/X: @joshlukenicholsInstagram: joshlukenichols Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery CallSubscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys NewsletterDownload my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Golf burnout stems from repeatedly falling short of unrealistic expectations.Adding meaningful relationships can bring balance and unexpectedly improve your game.Letting go of control frees up the energy and mindset needed to perform at your best.Most golfers wait too long to hire a coach—and pay for it in time, energy, and results.True mental toughness means staying neutral and grounded when chaos arises.The need to start strong often leads to unnecessary pressure and energy drain.Mindfulness doesn’t require an hour—just five intentional minutes and presence throughout your day. Key Quotes: “As you let go, you’re more okay to let the game go—while you’re playing better.”“Burnout is not meeting your expectations over and over again.”“You're not working on golf psychology—you're working on yourself.”“Blind optimism is not toughness. Acceptance of reality is.”“Hiring a coach frees you up to do your best work—and shortens your timeline to success.”“The word ‘need’ always hides fear behind it.”“See things as they are—that’s the mindset that grounds everything.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Background03:12: The Psychology of Golf and Coaching Philosophy06:10: The Importance of Balance in Life and Golf08:52: Understanding Golf Burnout11:57: The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Challenges15:00: The Impact of Relationships on Performance18:07: Proactive vs. Reactive Coaching Decisions24:06: The Value of Expert Guidance27:02: Understanding Mental Toughness30:35: The Importance of Focus32:57: Mindfulness Practices for Golfers38:18: Common Mental Mistakes in Golf44:18: Seeing Things as They Are
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    50 mins
  • #81: Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game

    #81: Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game
    Jun 26 2025
    Fear is the most common force keeping golfers—and people—stuck. But here's the truth: you're not actually afraid of missing the putt, chunking the chip, or topping your drive. You're afraid of what it means about you. Of being judged. Rejected. No longer welcome. In this solo episode, I break down the hidden cost of living in fear and the subtle yet life-changing difference between feeling scared and being fearful. I also discuss timeless wisdom from the Stoics, actionable tools to diffuse fear, and a powerful exercise to help you move forward, on and off the course. In this episode, you’ll learn… Why “fear” is a survival state—and why it’s keeping you stuckThe difference between being scared and being afraidThe 3 primal fears that still drive modern-day self-sabotageHow fear hijacks your imagination and narrows your focusWhy standing out—even in a Saturday foursome—can trigger intense fearHow to use action as a tool to break free from fear’s gripWhat Tim Ferriss’ “Fear-Setting” exercise can teach you about worst-case scenarios Get your pencils ready and start listening. Resources Mentioned: Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your GameNerves or Readiness? How to Reframe Your Body’s Physical Reaction on (and off) the Golf Course 1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery CallSubscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys NewsletterDownload my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Fear is a state of being; scared is a temporary emotion. Understanding this distinction can unlock courageous action.All fear traces back to three primal drivers: judgment, abandonment, and rejection.Fear hijacks your nervous system and narrows your focus to the worst-case scenario.You don’t fear the shot—you fear what it might mean about your worth or belonging.Action is the antidote to fear—it interrupts paralysis and builds self-trust.Avoiding fear feels safe, but it keeps you stuck and drains your energy.Hypnotherapy can help uncover and release the root causes of irrational fear. Key Quotes: “Be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.” – William Faulkner“Fear is a choice. It does not serve you.”“Feeling scared is normal—it means you care.”“Golf is a mirror of your personal development journey.”“Standing out is scary because it threatens your sense of belonging.”“Suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca“Avoiding fear keeps you safe. Leaning into fear helps you grow.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Fear: The Core of Our Challenges08:14: Types of Fear: The Fear Jar Explained14:34: The Cost of Fear: Stagnation vs. Growth23:04: Action Over Fear: Strategies for Overcoming28:49: Conclusion: Embracing Fear for Personal Growth
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    35 mins
  • #80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain

    #80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain
    Jun 19 2025
    #80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well. Shaun’s background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that’s rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How discipline and daily structure from Shaun’s military background translate to golf and business successThe difference between mobility, flexibility, and stability—and why most golfers get it wrongWhat golf fitness really means, and how to tailor your workouts to your specific swing, body type, and performance goalsWhy strength is your ultimate insurance policy against injuryThe critical importance of power and speed training—and how to implement them safely and effectivelyHow better fitness directly fuels your mental stamina, clarity, and confidence during every round Whether you’re recovering from injury, struggling to break 80, or want to future-proof your body for decades of better golf, this episode lays out the exact roadmap to do so. Shaun delivers clear, actionable insight on how to train smarter, not harder—and how your body is your greatest golf asset when properly trained. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Shaun Shaun is a golf fitness coach with over 15 years of personal training experience, including nearly a decade as a gym owner and the past five years specialising in coaching golfers. He believes in assessing, not guessing, to create personalised programs tailored to each golfer’s unique needs and goals. His expertise lies in improving strength, mobility, and performance on the course, helping clients eliminate back pain, hit longer drives, and build consistent training habits. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Shaun delivers results by cutting through the fluff and focusing on what works so clients spend the least amount of time in the gym possible for the best results on course! Work with ShaunFollow Shaun on Instagram - @shaun.diachkoff Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery CallSubscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys NewsletterDownload my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Discipline creates identity. Shaun shares how military habits like structure and routine create consistency, build momentum, and ultimately forge a new identity—on or off the course.Mobility vs. flexibility. Know the difference. Flexibility is muscle length. Mobility is joint function. Most golfers confuse the two.Stability is strength. You can’t build power without stability. Unilateral work like split squats and lunges balances your body and reduces swing faults.Power vs. speed training. Power is potential. Speed is expression. Both require different protocols in the gym—and both matter to golf.Low back pain? Look elsewhere. Most back pain isn’t from the back itself—it’s a consequence of limited mobility in the hips or thoracic spine.Fitness fuels mental energy. A fitter body reduces fatigue, improves focus, and boosts resilience—so you don’t fall apart late in your round. Key Quotes: What was once impossible becomes inevitable.Small hinges swing big doors.Fitness is the gateway to personal development.Stability is strength. And strength is injury prevention.You can’t outscore your body. Time Stamps: 00:00 The Impact of Military Discipline on Life02:57 Building Momentum Through Daily Habits06:02 The Importance of Morning Routines09:00 Understanding Golf Fitness12:02 Common Misconceptions in Golf Training14:58 The Role of Mobility, Flexibility, and Stability17:50 The Connection Between Fitness and Golf Performance26:50 ...
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    57 mins

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