Episodes

  • #93: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Training Your Mindset and The Blueprint for Tournament Golf

    #93: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Training Your Mindset and The Blueprint for Tournament Golf
    Sep 11 2025
    Tournament golf will test every ounce of your discipline, patience, and emotional control—and Michael Leonard has lived it. In this conversation, good friend and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, Michael Leonard, is back on the show to break down the real differences between the mental game and mindset training, the traits that separate consistent performers from the rest, and how to protect your energy when negativity surrounds you. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key differences between the mental game of golf and true mindset trainingHow to identify and eliminate self-talk that sabotages your performanceWhy protecting your energy is a prerequisite for tournament successThe growth mindset traits every serious golfer must developHow to use your “dark side” and competitive drive as fuel for improvementStrategies for thriving in high-pressure, tournament conditionsThe #1 mistake golfers make when transitioning into competitive play 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 Michael Michael is the founder of Wicked Smart Golf, a brand and podcast dedicated to helping golfers shoot lower scores without overhauling their swings. A competitive amateur with hundreds of tournament rounds under his belt, Michael has authored a trilogy of golf improvement books covering breaking 90, breaking 80, and mastering tournament play. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he simplifies the mental game, sharpens course management skills, and teaches players how to build the mindset needed to perform under pressure—on and off the course. Connect with him on Instagram. Watch him on YouTube. Purchase “Wicked Smart Golf” on Amazon. Subscribe to the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast. Work with Michael. 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: Mindset is how you think off the course. The mental game is how you execute on it.Self-talk, especially speaking in absolutes, directly shapes performance.Growth mindset starts with how you respond to others’ success—use it as fuel.Purpose and competition keep men emotionally engaged and focused.Mentally tough golfers have self-discipline, challenge themselves, and “just keep going.”Tournament golf requires planning, emotional regulation, and stimulus management.Stick to your routine. Under pressure, you fall to the level of your habits.The dark side—if understood—can be a powerful motivator.Complacency is the real enemy of progress. Key Quotes: If you're not training mindset daily, it won’t be there when you need it most.Self-talk isn't just words—it’s wiring your subconscious for what happens next.Tournament golf exposes the gaps between preparation and performance.You fall to the level of your habits, not rise to your expectations.I don't want to retire. I want to die with nothing in the tank.Discipline eventually becomes identity—and that's where the breakthroughs happen.Sometimes you need to create an enemy to bring out your best. Time Stamps: 00:00: Rebuilding Mindset After Loss03:06: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf vs. Mindset05:38: The Power of Self-Talk and Its Impact08:50: Navigating Negative Influences in Golf11:46: Embracing a Growth Mindset for Success14:26: The Importance of Perseverance and Patience17:27: Characteristics of Mentally Tough Individuals20:18: The Role of Purpose in Motivation24:58: The Purpose of Work and Life26:05: Understanding Competitiveness27:18: Defining Winning in Golf28:14: Embracing the Dark Side30:54: Using Enemies as Fuel32:10: The Importance of Standing Out33:13: Reflecting on Personal Growth36:55: Common Misunderstandings in Tournament Golf40:09: Staying Present in the Moment41:26: Resources for Improvement
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    50 mins
  • #92: You Are Your Biggest Enemy to Next-Level Success

    #92: You Are Your Biggest Enemy to Next-Level Success
    Sep 9 2025
    What do an NFL spitting incident and a sideline scuffle have to do with your scorecard? Everything—because they expose how quickly a Destructive Mindset Program (DMP) can hijack your brain and your behavior. In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset, I break down the trigger → emotion → belief → behavior chain, discuss how it plays out on the course (and at work, and at home), and share how to dismantle these patterns so you stop self-sabotaging and finally play to your potential. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why triggers flip your brain “offline” and create tunnel visionThe simple flowchart of every DMP: Trigger → Emotion → Belief → BehaviorHow anger, fear, or pressure quietly rewrite your self-talk mid-roundWhy “survive, not thrive” is your default—and how to reverse itRapid reset tools (breathwork, presence, gratitude) you can use between shotsThe deeper identity-level work (mindset coaching + hypnosis) that rewires patterns Listen now if you’re done with two-steps-forward, three-steps-back rounds and ready to build beliefs and behaviors that hold under pressure. Get your pencils ready and start listening. 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: It’s not “if,” it’s “when.” Triggers will happen—build a plan for them.DMPs are learned. You fall back to what kept you “safe” before, even if it costs you now.Tunnel vision = trouble. Big emotions narrow attention and drive rash decisions.Scorecard sabotage is identity-level. Close to a breakthrough? Fear of success often fires a DMP.Awareness beats willpower. Map your trigger → emotion → belief → behavior sequence in writing. Key Quotes: “When a trigger hits, an emotion hijacks the steering wheel of your decision-making.”“Every DMP follows the same chain: trigger, emotion, belief, behavior—fast and unconscious.”“Your brain is built to survive, not thrive; safety is familiar, not optimal.”“On the course, you don’t rise to your goals—you fall to your programs.”“Awareness without action is trivia; awareness with a plan is transformation.”“If you keep stopping what works right before the breakthrough, that’s a DMP, not a discipline problem.”“Success is a choice—once you retire the programs that keep choosing safety.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Irrational Behavior02:53: Understanding Destructive Mindset Programs05:36: Triggers and Emotional Responses08:18: The Role of Learned Behavior11:18: Relating Mindset to Golf and Poker14:13: The Impact of Pressure and Expectations16:55: Dismantling Destructive Mindset Programs19:41: The Importance of Coaching22:34: Conclusion and Future Directions
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    33 mins
  • #91: Toxic Positivity: Why “Just Stay Positive” Holds You Back

    #91: Toxic Positivity: Why “Just Stay Positive” Holds You Back
    Sep 4 2025
    What if the very “stay positive” mindset you’ve been praised for is actually keeping you stuck? In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I call out toxic positivity for what it is: emotional avoidance dressed up as optimism. We dig into why the golf world has gone too soft, how repressing anger and discomfort quietly drains your energy and focus, and why elite performers train themselves to operate when conditions are far from perfect. You’ll learn how to replace false cheer with authentic optimism—the relentless belief in yourself to handle hard things—using a simple three-step framework: Acknowledge, Accept, Act. We’ll talk negativity bias, energy management, and why sitting with uncomfortable emotions turns them into teachers and fuel. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between toxic positivity and authentic optimismWhy “be happy all the time” backfires on the course and at workHow negativity bias hardwires you to scan for threats—and what to do about itThe Acknowledge → Accept → Act playbook to perform under pressureHow to use anger and discomfort as focused fuel, not dead weight If you’re ready to stop plastering a smile over struggle and finally play (and live) to your potential, this one’s for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening. 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: Toxic positivity = emotional avoidance. It looks noble but blocks growth, honesty, and results.Authentic optimism is belief + behavior. “This is hard—and I can handle it. Now act.”Acknowledge, Accept, Act is the reset loop that turns emotions into execution.Negativity bias is real. Your brain defaults to threat-scanning; train optimism, presence, and focus deliberately.Operate when it’s not perfect. Elite golfers perform amid discomfort, not after it disappears. Key Quotes: “At its core, toxic positivity is emotional avoidance disguised as optimism.”“Life isn’t sunshine and rainbows—and neither is golf. Train for the valleys, not just the peaks.”“Authentic optimism says: this hurts—and I can handle it. Then it moves.”“Emotion is energy. Repress it and it leaks; face it and it fuels.”“Write it down: Acknowledge. Accept. Act. That’s how you play to your potential.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Toxic Positivity04:15: The Dangers of Emotional Avoidance09:16: The Reality of Negative Emotions13:44: Why We Engage in Toxic Positivity17:34: The Cost of Seeking Approval21:01: The Importance of Acknowledgment and Acceptance24:51: Authentic Optimism as a Solution
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    37 mins
  • #90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side

    #90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side
    Aug 28 2025
    #90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus—longtime mental coach to Collin Morikawa and one of the leading experts in golf psychology and flow state training. We explore the often-overlooked layers of resilience, how to avoid complacency after success, and the tools to shift from fear to flow under pressure. Rick shares actionable strategies, cutting-edge technology insights, and practical routines you can apply both on and off the course to perform your best when it matters most. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resilience is just as important after success as it is after setbacks.The subtle difference between mental toughness and resilience—and why it matters.How to shift from a fear state to a flow state under pressure.The role of curiosity in replacing judgment and accelerating learning.How sensory triggers and breath work can prime you for peak performance.The measurable impact of technology on training focus and emotional regulation.Why outcome goals and process goals can—and should—work together. 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 Rick Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is the Founder & CEO of Sessinghaus Performance Systems and Director of the FlowCode® Golf Academy. Holding a PhD in Applied Sports Psychology, Rick has been Collin Morikawa’s mindset coach since Collin was eight—and continues to guide the two‑time major champion’s mental game . Working at top golf and corporate academies, Rick specializes in training flow states, resilience, and performance routines to help golfers and high performers thrive under pressure. Connect and work with Rick here. 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: Resilience is staying composed regardless of outcome—success can make you complacent, which requires just as much discipline to manage.Mental toughness is overrated. Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and curiosity are more sustainable mental skills.Flow happens when your perceived skill matches the challenge. Fear arises when you perceive the challenge as greater than your ability—even when it’s not.You can train flow state through breathwork, anchoring routines, and sensory cues like music, temperature, or feel.Reflection—done without judgment—is essential. Curiosity > criticism.Technology like FocusCalm and Mendi can now measure brainwave activity and train real-time focus.Cold plunges and challenges off the course build resilience you can bring onto the course.It’s okay to care about outcome—but learn to measure success through your process.You're good enough. That self-belief is the filter that colors every golf shot. Key Quotes: Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about staying focused when things go well too.Curiosity over critical—that’s our mantra for post-shot routines.Flow follows focus. You must train your attention to stay present.You're already good enough. Most golfers don’t need more skill—they need more belief.Cold plunges aren’t about golf—but they teach you how to do hard things. That transfers.Don’t just do a routine because your coach told you to—make sure it gets you calm, confident, and committed. Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Resilience02:58: The Importance of Goal Setting05:59: Curiosity Over Judgment07:09: Resilience vs. Mental Toughness08:56: The Mental Game vs. Mindset10:53: Interferences in Performance11:52: Flow State vs. Fear State20:46: Engaging the Senses for Flow23:15: Embracing the Present Moment24:41: Building Resiliency Through Challenges26:51: The Power of Sensory Anchors29:07: Integrating Technology in Mental Training34:42: Balancing Process and Outcome39:16: The Dark Side of Performance41:26: Affirming Self-Belief
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    49 mins
  • #89: Why Good Enough is Holding You Back in Golf and Life

    #89: Why Good Enough is Holding You Back in Golf and Life
    Aug 21 2025
    In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the theme of “good enough” and how it quietly sabotages your golf game, your business, and your life. While there are moments where good enough truly is enough, most of us fall into the trap of settling—choosing comfort over growth, validation over progress, and cruise control over chasing our true potential. Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons from both golf and life, I share how to break free from the “good enough” plateau and move toward being outstanding and even elite. In this podcast, you’ll learn: Why settling for “good enough” creates hidden frustration and incongruencyHow to recognize when you’re coasting and mistaking a plateau for a peakThe critical difference between being outstanding and staying outstandingWhy fear of success, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are tied to “good enough”How to strategically choose where to accept “good enough” and where to go all in If you’re tired of settling, ready to raise your standards, and committed to stepping into the version of yourself you know you’re capable of becoming—on the course and in life—then this is the episode you need to hear. Get your pencils ready and start listening. 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: Good enough is comfortable—but comfort kills growth. Settling in golf, work, or relationships keeps you stuck in mediocrity.Raising your standards is the only way forward. What once worked won’t take you to the next level.Outstanding requires imbalance. You can’t be elite in every area—decide what matters most and accept good enough elsewhere.Fear of success fuels settling. Many golfers and professionals subconsciously hold back to avoid standing out, judgment, or failure.Honesty creates congruency. Be brutally honest with yourself and with others about where you want to be outstanding and where good enough is truly enough. Key Quotes: “Good enough is comfortable, but it’s also where dreams go to die.”“If you want what the 5% have, you must be willing to do what the 95% are not.”“Outstanding requires imbalance—you can’t be elite in everything, and that’s okay.”“Scared is normal. Stuck is optional. Action is the antidote.”“You can’t talk the talk of outstanding while walking the walk of average.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset01:41: The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Golf and Life09:36: Raising Standards for Success14:00: The Comfort of Good Enough vs. Potential20:13: Honesty and Incongruency in Personal Growth25:58: The Balance of Being Outstanding vs. Good Enough34:15: Conclusion and Call to Action
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    41 mins
  • #88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success

    #88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success
    Aug 14 2025
    #88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, DECADE creator Scott Fawcett pulls back the curtain on the mental, emotional, and strategic demands of Q-School. He shares what it really takes to perform when your season—and possibly your career—hangs in the balance, from avoiding over-grinding in the weeks before to keeping composure on the final hole. Scott draws on decades of playing, caddying, and coaching experience to reveal the routines, mindset shifts, and course management tactics that separate those who earn their status from those who fall short. In this episode, you’ll learn… Why over-preparing before Q-School can drain your best performanceHow to maintain discipline and stick to your strategy under intense pressureSimple course management rules that keep big numbers off your cardHow to handle the financial and emotional pressures of chasing your cardThe role meditation and mental training play in sustaining focus over multiple roundsWhy caddying can sharpen your decision-making and mental gameHow to replicate your best habits from great rounds when it matters most 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 Scott Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game. With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores. His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge. Scott’s journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy. Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here. Connect with Scott on Instagram here. 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: Meditation isn’t about no thoughts—it’s about catching thought loops before they spiral.Mindset training is learning why you don’t do what you know you should; mental game is learning what and how to think.Grinding before a tournament depletes your mental energy—less is more leading up to Q School.Tiger’s real edge wasn’t just skill—it was discipline, presence, and treating every shot the same.Routine > Novelty: Eat the same lunch, wear the same shirt—save mental energy for where it matters.Every shot must be attacked like your target is the flag—own your discipline and trust the process.Teaching or caddying for others sharpens your own mindset and awareness faster than anything else.Winning isn’t about score—it’s about growing through process and discipline. Key Quotes: I thought meditation was about having no thoughts—turns out it’s about recognizing your thoughts before they own you.If you abandon your strategy because of your score… you’ve quit. You didn’t walk off the course, but you quit.Your work should be done before you get to Q School. If you’re not playing great, get your mental energy right.Meditation is like losing 100 pounds without seeing progress for a year—pointless until it suddenly clicks.The best thing I ever did for my game was caddy for Will ZalatorisYou don’t need more talent. You need more patience, more trust, and more discipline.No NEW-trition on game day. Don’t change a damn thing when it’s time to perform. Time Stamps: 00:00: Mindset and Meditation: The Journey Begins02:53: The Power of Thought Patterns05:43: Meditation in Golf: A Personal Experience08:39: The Role of Music and Rhythm in Performance11:40: ...
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • #87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf

    #87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf
    Aug 7 2025
    #87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you. Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines. We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that’s costing you distance, consistency, and recoveryThe most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don’t need to be flexible!)How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilienceWhat “movement modality” really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golfSimple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using todayHow barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shotsA quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injuryThe surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your gameHow to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment 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 Lauren Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf’s online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best. In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program. Learn more about and connect with Lauren here. 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: Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awarenessConnecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stressSmall, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performsYour feet are a key part of your swing—train them!Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep qualityYoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential Key Quotes: I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better.Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side.Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care.You don’t always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath. Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers
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    43 mins
  • #86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O’Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course

    #86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O’Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course
    Jul 31 2025
    #86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O’Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course In this powerhouse episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined by LPGA professional and mindset expert Debbie O’Connell to dive deep into what mindset really means—and how it differs from the mental game of golf. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you’re bringing emotional baggage from life onto the course, this episode will feel like it was made for you. Debbie and I discuss how your subconscious beliefs, emotions, and early life programming shape your identity as a golfer—and how shifting these beliefs can spark massive breakthroughs both on and off the course. From self-sabotage to self-worth, from fear to flow state, we cover it all. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The key difference between mental game strategies and true mindset trainingWhy emotional reactions on the course are often rooted in childhood patternsHow to unearth and release limiting beliefs that create performance plateausWhat it really takes to break through your “internal thermostat” and shoot lower scoresHow your identity shapes your results—and how to rewrite itThe role of flow state, presence, and emotional regulation in consistent performanceHow golf is a mirror of your life—and how growth in one reflects in the other 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 Debbie Want to attend Debbie’s three-day live event next month? Text “YES” to 727-339-0106 Then, text “FLOW” for her free flow state eBook. Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible’s 10-lesson series “Game Time Golf Positive.” She has also had multiple appearances on the Golf Channel, and has hosted numerous golf-oriented radio shows as well as the television show “Par Fore the Course.” Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, “Golf Positive! Live Positive!” which offers insight and practical solutions to help one achieve their goals both on and off the golf course. As an advocate for teenage development and self-esteem, Debbie speaks in several local schools teaching skills to improve self-confidence and personal empowerment. Her positive energy and enthusiasm made her an easy choice to be the lead LPGA Professional for the LPGA Leadership Academy, whose mission is to teach teenage girls leadership skills and strategies through the game of golf. Debbie also co-hosted Instructional Golf Days in association with Anthony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” programs. Debbie holds certifications in John Maxwell Speaking, Training, Coaching; Strategic Intervention; DISC Training; and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with minors in broadcasting and business from Western Kentucky University. Connect with Debbie on her website. 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: Mindset goes beyond routines. It's not just about pre-shot breathing or staying positive—it's about rewiring how you think, feel, and respond under pressure.You bring your whole self to the course. Your fears, beliefs, and emotional patterns show up in your swing, decision-making, and reactions.Fear drives self-sabotage. Fear of success, fear of failure, and fear of judgment all contribute to rushing, over-trying, and tightening up.Flow state is possible—and trainable. You can learn to access deeper focus and bypass conscious interference, creating effortless, confident swings.The subconscious is irrational. It’s like a five-year-old running the show—until you learn to reprogram it.Reactions are patterns. Responses are power. You can train yourself to respond with calm, clarity, and curiosity—even after OB or three-putts.Change your identity, change your score. If you don’t believe you’re ...
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    53 mins