"I suck" and "you suck" are likely the most common self-deprecating words spoken in golf. (depending on whether you speak in first person or second person) The words can spontaneously blurt out as a knee-jerk reaction to an errant shot. The phrase has become acceptable as a valid explanation for a golfer's poor performance. You can think that they are just two harmless words spoken to give yourself a kick in the butt. Or you might tell me that you really don’t MEAN it. Or everyone says it. Or it...
Jul 28, 2021•17 min•Ep. 28
This week, at The Open, the drama was all about Bryson DeChambeau and his driver and the “suck” heard round the world. There were so many valuable takeaways from the equipment drama, Cobra’s comments, and the apology that I sat down to record a podcast over the weekend and put it in the line up to share with you today. I heard three key sentences or words in interviews that revealed so much about Bryson’s mindset. I do not pretend to know ANYTHING about Bryson’s life or what he is thinking outsi...
Jul 21, 2021•19 min•Ep. 27
"Expectation is the root of all heartache" according to William Shakespeare. Even though he wasn't a golfer, I think most can relate to this quote at some point. Many people think that high expectations are the same as having high goals. The idea of lowering expectations doesn't mean you need to quit caring or trying. In this episode, I distinguish the difference between the two and when to know it is time to lower your expectations. I also share 3 areas where your expectations can lead to frust...
Jul 14, 2021•15 min•Ep. 26
If you want to grow in the game, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable. But, In general, most people are not willing to experience discomfort. I am not talking about the discomfort that comes from wearing shoes that are too small or playing with a physical injury. Nothing that inflicts pain. In this episode, I discuss the discomfort necessary for you to change as a golfer. I share 3 different kinds of discomfort that are not a problem and that you actually want to welcome as you evolve into...
Jul 07, 2021•19 min•Ep. 25
If you have felt like quitting the game of golf, you are not alone. Truly quitting golf would be selling your clubs and never playing again. This is really quitting. But there are subtle ways that you quit on yourself and your golf game...and they slow your progress. In this episode of Above Par, I discuss why we quit, where we quit and how to break the habit of quitting. If you are a serious golfer who is frustrated golfer more than you want. This is a mental game issue and this is where I come...
Jun 30, 2021•16 min•Ep. 24
This is the second part of the Confident Golfer series. In this podcast, I share the 3 traits of a self-confident golfers/person. Everyone is looking for more self-confidence, especially on the golf course. It is often thought that confidence only comes when we play well or score well. That is not the case. Self-confidence is a skill that you can practice and build. I promise it's available to you, and it starts with rehearsing the 3 traits I talk about in this episode. You can schedule a time t...
Jun 23, 2021•15 min•Ep. 23
Do you want a little more confidence on the golf course? Of course you do! It is the ultimate golf emotion. As Jason Dufner said " Confidence is KING". In this episode, I talk about the difference between self-confidence and confidence. I share how you can have confidence regardless of how you are hitting the ball. I discuss the effectiveness of positive affirmations and differentiate the difference between confidence and arrogance. This is the first of a two parts series....nest week I share th...
Jun 16, 2021•13 min•Ep. 22
If you ever find yourself stuck and not making improvements, it is worth look for scarcity thoughts. They are subtle...and you think they are facts but they hold you back and limit your growth as a golfer. In this episode, I shines a light on some common examples and give you ways to shift these thoughts so you an take your game to the next level. If you want guidance, jump on a free call with me HERE KathyHartWood.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Join the NEXT Workshop...
Jun 09, 2021•15 min•Ep. 21
No doubt, golf can be a frustrating game. There is nothing wrong with being angry until it affects your next shot or next few holes. You want to learn how to control your anger on the golf course so that you perform your best. In this episode, I discuss the main reasons anger occurs, how it builds in a round and how to categorize it. Also I share 4 action steps you can take to control your anger on the golf course. If you want more help in improving your performance by learning to THINK above pa...
Jun 02, 2021•18 min•Ep. 20
Not too long ago, using visualization on the golf course was a new-age tactic. With Phil Mickelson's win in the 2021 PGA Championship, the benefits of visualization are in the spotlight. There are a couple of different ways to use visualization in golf. In this episode, I share them with you along with best practices if this is new to you. I also discuss two amazing studies that prove the power of visualization. In addition, I add a few tactics that I encourage my clients to try to help them qui...
May 26, 2021•14 min•Ep. 19
Perfectionism can seem noble...valued...a sign you care and that you want to excel. But in fact it is driven from fear. Perfectionistic golfers (PG) think if they swing, play, score perfectly they get a pass on the fears, and judgement and shame. That is a lot of pressure to put on your swing or putting stroke, or flip shot. And then there is the anxiety that comes with perfectionism If you are a PG, and underperforming, this is your work. It's not your swing. Learn more at KathyHartWood.com Joi...
May 19, 2021•16 min•Ep. 18
Do you mess up a few shots or holes due to lack of concentration? Well, this episode is going to shed light on three reasons you lose your concentration. And hang in there to the end where you learn an easy tactic to use on the course to regain your focus and finish your round strong. You can learn more about working with Kathy one to one at KathyHartWood.com Or join the Masterclass at MasterYourGolfBrain.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Join the NEXT Workshop Here Mast...
May 12, 2021•14 min
You have a decent round going, feel like your are in a groove and then...one bad shot and it all turns around. If you have ever felt like you had momentum, lost it and struggled to regain it, this episode is for you. I explain how you create momentum and how you keep it going, regardless of how you are playing. Feeling like you have momentum is certainly easier when you are playing well but I share how to avoid losing all your momentum during tough rounds. MasterYourGolfBrain.com KathyHartWood.c...
May 05, 2021•17 min•Ep. 16
Whether it is the first match of th season or you have a “big” tournament ahead, you can start to feel your nerves build the closer you get to the first round. What once seemed like a great idea filled with excitement, is now an event overflowing with angst, anxiety and stress. The good news is that nothing has gone wrong. This is how the brain rolls. It is designed to warn you when you are in danger. While playing in a golf tourney doesn’t create physical danger, there is a potential emotional ...
Apr 28, 2021•15 min•Ep. 15
Your definition of the word "competitive" influences how you show up on the golf course. It shapes your level of competitiveness. A healthy level allows you to perform your best on a more consistent basis. In this episode, I share with you how to look for signs that your level of competitiveness is not serving you and allowing you to use all of your talent. You learn about red flags when your desire to win is too high or too low. Learn more about how to work with me at KathyHartWood.coom Master ...
Apr 21, 2021•15 min•Ep. 14
When you head to the golf course for a tournament or golf event, the more mentally prepared you are the better shot you have of taking more of your talent to the course. And being prepared means anticipating areas that might be an issue for you. In this episode, I share with you the steps to take to mentally prepare for a golf round. This is part of the process I teach my clients in private coaching and in The Golf Brain Masterclass. I show you how to clean up your thoughts so you are prepared t...
Apr 14, 2021•17 min•Ep. 13
There is a difference between "trying hard" and "trying TOO hard". In this episode, I explain the difference and how it affects your score and results. I also share some ways to identify when you are trying too hard. Often people think that if you don't try HARD than you don't care or that you have given up. I talk about how there is something in the middle and share how to get better results by "trying...just not TOO hard." Learn More at KathyHartWood.com MasterYourGolfBrain.com Join my golf gr...
Apr 07, 2021•14 min•Ep. 12
It is challenging in golf not to focus on your results whether a shot, a putt for birdie or your score. You want to quit focusing on your golf results. In this episode, I share with you on how focusing on your results does NOT help you perform better. I discuss how you can't control your results in golf and how, if you try to, it works against you. I share a few things that you CAN control in your game so that you can start taking more talent out to the course. https://MasterYourGolfBrain.com ht...
Mar 31, 2021•16 min•Ep. 11
The conversations you have on the golf course matter to your performance. You might blame your game or skill on your poor performance when the answer is really the topic of conversation and the time you give yourself to think. In this episode, I share what NOT to talk about and what good players talk about. I also discuss how to handle people in your group who talk too much or about topics that are not ideal. At the end of this episode, I share a VERY embarrassing story of a time I caddied ont h...
Mar 24, 2021•17 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, I share with you 4 different ways to know if it is time to work on your mental game. I explain how you likely notice that you're getting in the way of playing to your potential and the typical plan to fixing it. There is a simple way to start working on your golf brain and I share with you how to get started today. There are two ways, as of this episode, to work with me and one is in my Golf Brain Masterclass that is opening soon. I share with participants the simple foundation ...
Mar 17, 2021•15 min•Ep. 9
How we describe our shots in golf can directly and indirectly affect our performance. In this episode, I share with you how your description of your score and your shots puts unnecessary pressure on your game. Instead of focusing on the results, I talk about a new way of describing your golf shots and your score that helps you perform better. Get on the waitlist for The Golf Brain Masterclass here: KathyHartWood.com/waitlist Watch on YouTube HERE Learn More at KathyHartWood.com Continue your men...
Mar 10, 2021•14 min•Ep. 8
Let's talk about those other people on the golf course and how they affect your golf. Worrying about what other people say or think on the golf course (and off) can greatly impact how you show up. In this episode, I show you a few different visuals and way to think so you can have more control in those situations that include other people and what they think about you - or what you think they think :) Watch on YouTube HERE Learn More at KathyHartWood.com Continue your mental journey at Your Ment...
Mar 03, 2021•16 min•Ep. 7
In this episode, I share with you how to discover the beliefs you have about different parts of your golf and how they affect your performance. I show where to look for these beliefs, why they can be a problem and how they impact your round. Finally , once you find some beliefs that are holding you back, I share three options you have and the one that creates better golf results. You can download a Belief Worksheet at KathyHartWood.com/beliefs More information visit: KathyHartWood.com Podcast we...
Feb 24, 2021•14 min•Ep. 6
In this episode, I talk about golf anxiety and why it shows up so much in golf. I share common areas to look for it and how it shows up in your game. Once you notice the nervousness, you have 4 options on how to handle it. I share them with you in this episode along with 3 step to take before your next round. You do not want to miss this episode. Learn More at KathyHartWood.com Link to 6 Easy Mental Tips is MasterYourGolfBrain.com/six Watch on YouTube HERE Continue your mental journey at Your Me...
Feb 17, 2021•21 min•Ep. 5
Do you want to understand your golf results? In this episode, I explain where your results come form with a simple formula that you can use to start understanding more about you and your golf game. Watch on YouTube HERE Learn More at KathyHartWood.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Join the NEXT Workshop Here Mastering Your Golf Brain - A Guide to Self-Coaching Mastering Your Golf Brain - The Workbook Mental Golf Journal - A Range for Your Brain Are all available at Kathy...
Feb 10, 2021•17 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, I share with you the ultimate mindset goal if you want to take more of your talent to the golf course. I introduce a simple formula that is the foundation for taking back control of your brain and a couple of steps to get you started. Watch on YouTube here Learn more at KathyHartWood.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Join the NEXT Workshop Here Mastering Your Golf Brain - A Guide to Self-Coaching Mastering Your Golf Brain - The Workbook Mental Golf Journ...
Feb 03, 2021•16 min•Ep. 3
Join me on the podcast this week to discover why golf is so mental. I share with you why it is important to clarify the terms "mental" and "mental game" so that you can more powerfully apply them to your game. I also discuss what is REALLY happening in your brain when you step on the course and why you at times you feel a bit out of control. Watch on YouTube here You can learn more at KathyHartWood.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Join the NEXT Workshop Here Mastering Y...
Feb 03, 2021•13 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to Above Par, a podcast for serious golfers where I show you how to think Above Par so you can play below par. My name is Kathy Hart Wood. I am a former Tour Player, certified Life Coach, and Top 50 Teacher. In this episode, I share with you a bit about myself, my story and what you can expect from this podcast. Hint: If you feel like you are underperforming on the golf course, you are in the right spot. Take a listen and join me. I'm going to help you get more out of your game. Watch on...
Jan 27, 2021•1 min•Ep. 1