Think practicing pressure means grinding three-footers while imagining the club championship on the line? Sounds good in theory… but not how your golf brain works. In this episode, I’ll show you the right way to prepare for big moments on the course—by training your mind to pivot out of fear, doubt, and jitters into focus and freedom. You’ll learn how to spot the emotions that sabotage your swing, how to shift them fast, and how to build confidence you can actually trust when it matters most. Co...
Aug 13, 2025•12 min•Ep. 237
You ever play with someone who hits it farther and suddenly your swing disappears? Yep, we’re talking about the sneaky mind game of chasing distance. In this episode, I’m breaking down why trying to keep up off the tee messes with your tempo, trashes your confidence, and takes you completely out of your own game. I’ll share a few Pro-Am stories (spoiler: fragile male egos ahead), and help you spot when your brain starts spiraling into “I’m not enough” mode. If you’ve ever gripped it and ripped i...
Aug 06, 2025•13 min•Ep. 236
Join the NEXT Workshop Here Okay, I’m spilling the beans. This episode is my coaching confession—and it’s not really about your golf game. Sure, I love hearing you’re playing better, but what lights me up is when you shift your relationship with yourself . If you’ve ever felt like your score determines your worth or you beat yourself up after a round, this one’s for you. We’ll talk Scotty Scheffler, self-worth, and why the number on your scorecard should never decide how you treat yourself. Real...
Jul 30, 2025•11 min•Ep. 235
Don't miss it! Join the Master Your Golf Brain Workshop Live HERE Ever feel like you’re the only one who overthinks tee shots, spirals after a bad hole, or panics when people are watching? You're not. In this episode, I’m sharing 55 real, raw mental challenges from golfers of all levels—yep, from juniors to 70-year-olds, scratch players to 30 handicaps. You'll see yourself in this list and realize: you're not broken, you're just human. We talk about why your brain does what it does, why that’s t...
Jul 23, 2025•10 min•Ep. 234
Join Your Mental Caddy and start playing to your potential today: 👉 https://YourMentalCaddy.com In this episode, you’ll learn how to master your golf mindset with a simple expectations exercise that transforms your mental game. This clip comes from a LIVE Master Your Golf Brain workshop I taught recently at a private club. This is just one small section where we explored why chasing “your best” only leads to frustration—and how gathering real data about your game helps you set realistic expecta...
Jul 16, 2025•10 min•Ep. 233
Join Your Mental Caddy and start playing to your potential today: https://YourMentalCaddy.com Ever call yourself a dumb ass after a bad shot and shrug it off like it’s no big deal? Hate to break it to you, but your brain doesn’t think it’s funny. In this episode, I’m sharing a story about my client who decided to drop her self-trash talk for just one round—and everything changed. She didn’t magically shoot a career low, but she actually enjoyed herself, felt proud, and even stuck around to socia...
Jul 09, 2025•11 min•Ep. 232
Ever wonder why you feel calm on the range but like you’re fighting for survival on the course? In this episode, we break down how golf hijacks your brain—from fight-or-flight reactions and perfectionism to obsessing over what everyone thinks. Learn why golf feels so personal, why your nervous system goes haywire, and how to stop letting it mess with your head. If you’re tired of finishing 18 holes feeling exhausted and frustrated, this one’s for you. Tired of Underperforming? I'll walk you thro...
Jul 02, 2025•11 min•Ep. 231
Ever hit one bad shot and watched it hijack the next three holes? You're not alone—and you're not broken. In this episode, I break down why it's not the bad shot that kills your round... it's what your brain does with it. We’ll talk emotional residue (yes, that’s a thing), your personal “green light” golf state, and how to stop swinging from frustration, shame, or pressure. Plus, I’ll give you a 60-second shot clock tool that'll help you move on, regroup, and get back to playing like the golfer ...
Jun 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 230
You don’t have to be calm to play good golf—you just have to stop spiraling. In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional detour most golfers need but rarely take: neutral . Forget forcing positivity or faking chill. That doesn’t work (and your brain knows it). Instead, I’ll show you how to recognize when you're in a mental spin, and how to shift into neutral—a place that’s steady, honest, and totally playable. This is the mindset move that keeps your round (and your head) from going off t...
Jun 18, 2025•9 min•Ep. 229
What’s your brain up to between shots? If your answer is “uhhh… spiraling?”—you’re not alone. In this episode of Think Above Par , Coach Kathy walks you through the 5 most common (and completely normal) things golfers do mentally after a less-than-stellar shot—and why most of them aren’t helping you hit the next one any better. From chasing swing squirrels 🐿️ to mentally roasting yourself like it’s open mic night, you’ll learn how to interrupt the noise and give your brain a better job between ...
Jun 11, 2025•13 min•Ep. 228
Are you working your tail off and still not seeing it on the scorecard? Welcome to the club—and also, let’s fix that perspective. In this episode, we break down the difference between progress and growth in your golf game (and yes, it matters). Kathy dives into why your brain’s obsession with numbers might be blinding you to all the ways you’re actually leveling up—mentally, emotionally, physically, and on-course. From handling Betty and Bob with more grace to catching your own brain spirals mid...
Jun 04, 2025•10 min•Ep. 227
Ever feel that pit in your stomach when you get paired with golfers who have a lower handicap than you? Yep—welcome to the comparison trap. In this episode, we dive into what really happens when you measure your worth against someone else’s number on paper. Spoiler: It’s not helping your game. I’m sharing a relatable client story, a size-six-at-a-party analogy (you’ll get it), and the mindset shift you need to stop letting other people’s handicaps hijack your confidence. Whether you're playing w...
May 28, 2025•8 min•Ep. 226
You know the feeling—you’re standing over a “hard” shot and your brain goes, “Ugh, I hate this.” Suddenly, you’re gripping the club like it wronged you and praying for a miracle flop. In this episode, we’re calling out the real troublemaker: that little word hard . I’ll show you how labeling shots as “hard” instantly triggers your brain into tension and doubt—and what to say instead to stay calm, clear, and in control. We’ll talk about why “hard” is usually code for “I don’t know how to get it c...
May 21, 2025•10 min•Ep. 225
Real talk time. Your phone might be the biggest threat to your golf game. Not your swing. Not your putting. That little dopamine machine in your pocket. In this episode, I break down why picking up your phone during a round—especially in a tournament—is silently wrecking your focus, raising your stress, and pulling you out of your zone. I share a wild story about a client who got a “congrats” text before he even finished his round... and what happened next. We’ll talk about the psychology behind...
May 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 224
Ever stand over a shot thinking, “Is it a 7-iron or an 8?” and then proceed to steer it down the fairway like you’re driving a minivan full of toddlers? Yeah. This one’s for you. In this episode, we’re talking about golf decisions —how your lack of commitment is wrecking your confidence, and why the real issue isn’t club choice, it’s self-trust. I break down the “caddy vs. player” mindset, the hidden cost of indecision, and how learning to make fast, firm decisions (on and off the course) can sh...
May 07, 2025•10 min•Ep. 223
Let’s talk golf emotions. Not the deep life stuff (although we touch on that too), but the short list of feelings that show up when you're standing over a shot, or watching a putt lip out... again. In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between emotions that are useful vs. just loud , why excitement can sabotage your swing, and how identifying your top 3 go-to golf emotions can completely shift your game. Spoiler: disappointment isn’t the problem. Taking your next shot from disappoint...
Apr 30, 2025•13 min•Ep. 222
If you’ve ever said, “I want to love golf, but I suck,” this episode is for you. We’re digging into why your relationship with golf can feel so up and down—and how tying your love of the game to your performance is messing with your experience. You’ll learn how to: Stop making your score mean something about you Detach your self-worth from your handicap Enjoy golf more—no matter how you’re playing This isn’t about fixing your swing. It’s about fixing the way you think. Be the first to know about...
Apr 23, 2025•16 min•Ep. 221
In this episode, I’m breaking down what Rory actually said after winning the Masters—and more importantly, what it means for you. Because here’s the truth: what Rory is doing to manage his mind is the exact same work you're learning here on this podcast. You don’t have to be a tour pro to use these tools. You just need a brain (check), a love for golf (double check), and a willingness to practice (triple check). This episode is your reminder that: ✅ You’re not behind ✅ You’re not broken ✅ And yo...
Apr 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 220
Ever find yourself a little too intense on the golf course? This week’s episode is all about finding that elusive mental sweet spot —the space between trying too hard and not trying enough. Whether it’s a local scramble, a one day qualifier, or a partner event that really matters to you, the pressure is real. Kathy breaks down: Why intensity can sabotage your swing The danger of the mid-round “baby quit” What happens when motivation turns into mental overload How to set an intention that leaves ...
Apr 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 219
Is your pre-round warm up inconsistent or non-existent. In this episode, Kathy gets real about pre-round warmups. Spoiler alert: it’s not about finding the magic swing or hoping your confidence shows up. Kathy shares how to keep your warmup neutral—like stretching before a workout, but with less "I’m totally going to crush it today" vibes. She breaks down how to avoid the trap of searching for evidence that you're ready to play (because that’s just a setup for disappointment) and how to focus on...
Apr 02, 2025•11 min•Ep. 218
Feeling jittery about teeing off with golfers who seem to have their game dialed in way tighter than yours? Don’t sweat it! In this episode, I dive into how to shake off those nerves and shift your mindset to play your best, no matter who’s in your foursome. We'll explore three game-changing ways to recognize and reroute the thoughts and emotions that may be sabotaging your swing. Ready to turn intimidation into inspiration? Let’s tee up and transform your game! Unleash Your Golf self-paced prog...
Mar 26, 2025•13 min•Ep. 217
Do certain bad shots make your head explode? Maybe it’s a chunked wedge, a skulled bunker shot, or that dreaded three-footer that refuses to drop. Whatever it is, your relationship with bad shots is affecting your game—and your sanity. In this episode of Think Above Par , we’re diving into how to shift your mindset so that bad shots don’t send you spiraling. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why golf is really a game of managing misses (not just hitting great shots) ✔️ How your thoughts about a bad shot impact y...
Mar 19, 2025•12 min•Ep. 216
Not getting the results you want from your practice sessions? In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy dives deep into the mindset needed for effective practice sessions. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls and frustrations at the range, and learn techniques for managing your mental approach to practice. Kathy shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on creating a healthier relationship with practice, ensuring that your time at the range translates into better performance on the course....
Mar 12, 2025•23 min•Ep. 215
Tired of creating the same results over and over again in golf? In this episode, Kathy dives deep into the concept of self-awareness, specifically focusing on the consistent results golfers create for themselves. She discusses how recognizing patterns and understanding the thoughts behind them can lead to better performance on the course. Kathy shares examples such as struggling on par 3s, distance issues, mindset problems, and finishing poorly, encouraging listeners to get curious about their r...
Mar 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 214
Are your practice sessions frustrating? This episode takes a closer look at why stepping away from the relentless pursuit of perfection and frequent simulator sessions can be beneficial for your golf game. Kathy explores a revelation from one of our guests, who found that playing on the actual course improved her game more significantly than traditional practice on the range. The conversation delves into the idea of 'diminishing returns'—how too much focused practice without a clear purpose migh...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Ep. 213
Ever catch yourself saying, "I just want to play my best today" ? It sounds like a solid goal, right? But what does your best actually mean? In this episode, I break down why this common phrase can secretly add pressure to your game—and what to focus on instead. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ Why this thought might not be as useful as you think ✔️ What your best really looks like (hint: it’s not perfection) ✔️ How to set yourself up to access your full talent on the course If you’ve ever felt frustra...
Feb 19, 2025•13 min•Ep. 212
Ever catch yourself saying, "Here we go again" or "I always struggle with my putting"? These are thought errors, and in this episode Kathy dives deep into the mental missteps that can sabotage your golf game. Learn to identify and shift these harmful patterns to transform despair into hope and underperformance into success, both on the course and in life. Whether it's overcoming habitual negativity or reshaping your mental approach, Kathy provides actionable strategies to help you steer clear of...
Feb 12, 2025•17 min•Ep. 211
Ever feel like your golf game is out of your control? Many golfers struggle with externalizing blame—whether it’s the wind, the caddie, or that noisy spectator—which leads to a frustrating experience on the course. This blame game not only ruins your day but prevents you from improving. When you give away your power, you miss the chance to truly grow in the sport, stuck in a cycle of reaction instead of action. Tune into this transformative episode where Kathy explores the concept of "Golf Respo...
Feb 05, 2025•11 min•Ep. 210
In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy addresses a common thought error in the golfing community: the belief that it takes time to regain your touch after a break from the game . She explains how this mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing players to struggle unnecessarily. Using personal anecdotes and practical examples, Kathy demonstrates why this belief is unfounded and provides actionable tips for shifting your perspective. Discover how to leverage your natural hand-eye co...
Jan 29, 2025•11 min•Ep. 209
Join Kathy as she dives deep into the world of self-confidence on and off the golf course. Discover the vivid analogy of a "Confidence Bubble" to understand how your internal dialogue shapes your self-assurance. Kathy unravels the differences between self-confidence and golf confidence, emphasizing the crucial role of self-talk in maintaining our confidence bubble. Whether you're prepping for the season or in the thick of competition, this episode offers invaluable insights on protecting and nur...
Jan 22, 2025•11 min•Ep. 208
