Think Above Par | Mental Golf & Mindset - podcast cover

Think Above Par | Mental Golf & Mindset

If you’re a serious golfer who knows you’re leaving shots out on the course, Think Above Par is your go-to podcast for mastering the mental game of golf. Hosted by Kathy Hart Wood—a former tour player, Top 50 Teacher, and Certified Mental Coach—you’ll discover practical strategies to strengthen your golf mindset, manage pressure, and play with more confidence.

Each episode breaks down why you underperform when it matters most and how to stop overthinking so you can trust your swing and compete at your best. Whether you struggle with performance anxiety, perfectionism, or negative self-talk, Kathy shares tools to help you unlock your talent and enjoy the game again.

Learn how to think above par so you can play below par. Subscribe now and start transforming your mental golf game today.

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Episodes

18 Proud: Redefining Success on the Golf Course

In this heartfelt episode, join Kathy as she dives deep into a personal story that reshaped her approach to golf and life. Inspired by a transformative triathlon experience, Kathy explores what it truly means to walk off the 18th green feeling proud—not because of the score, but because of how you handled yourself. Through the lens of vulnerability and courage, Kathy shares her journey from feeling defeated on the golf course to finding a new sense of pride and accomplishment. This episode is pa...

Jun 19, 202413 minEp. 177

How to Find More Satisfaction With the Game of Golf

Unlocking True Satisfaction in Golf In this episode, we dive deep into the elusive nature of satisfaction in golf. Inspired by insights from Justin Thomas and a revealing moment with Shane Lowry at the PGA, we explore why even top golfers often feel unfulfilled despite their achievements. By digging into the real meaning of satisfaction and focusing on what we can control, this episode aims to help you discover how to make your golf game more fulfilling, satisfying, and ultimately, more enjoyabl...

Jun 12, 202412 minEp. 176

Mental Prep for the First Tournament of the Season

In this episode, Kathy dives deep into managing competitive anxiety and nerves as you gear up for your first golf tournament after a break. She highlights the importance of maintaining a neutral perspective on the tournament, steering clear of self-doubt, and avoiding those pesky 'what-if' questions that can derail your focus. Kathy also shares top-notch advice on staying present, ensuring you don't tie your self-worth to your score, and prepping your mind to handle fears of judgment or failure....

Jun 05, 202412 minEp. 175

The Hidden Mental Game: 10 Phrases Impacting Your Golf

In this episode, Kathy dives deep into how 10 sneaky thoughts and emotions can mess with your golf performance. She breaks it down into three major areas: your swing mechanics, course management smarts, and, most importantly, mental management. With relatable examples, she shares how recognizing and conquering mental barriers like frustration, lack of trust, and impatience can take your game to the next level. Kathy’s got tips to help you think clearly and swing freely. Want more? Get all the go...

May 29, 202417 minEp. 174

3 Types of Golf Entitlement That Impact Your Results

Are you “golf entitled”? Kathy dives into that question in this episode. She explores the concept of 'golf entitlement' and how unrealistic expectations about course conditions, swing mechanics, and emotional experiences can sabotage your game. Learn how to manage your emotions and adjust your expectations for a healthier, more fulfilling golf experience. Listen to this episode as she uncovers the secrets to embracing both the highs and the lows on the course, and discover how showing up fully a...

May 22, 202415 minEp. 173

Unpacking Your Golf Story And How it Impacts Your Game

This episode is all about the stories we tell ourselves about our golf games and how those tales can either lift us up or weigh us down. Ever finish a round and then chat about it over lunch with your buddies? Those recaps, the ones you share or just replay in your head, they really shape how we feel about our game. This episode dives into recognizing when we're stuck in a negative loop, like blaming the wind or bad bounces, and how to flip the script. It's about seeing where we can take a bit m...

May 15, 202414 minEp. 172

Patterns of Golf Success: How You Do One Thing, You Do Everything

Ever noticed how the way you do things off the golf course kind of reflects how you play on it? That's what this podcast dives into, exploring the concept that your everyday habits and mindset don't just disappear when you're playing golf. It’s all about the idea that 'how you do one thing is how you do everything.' The host breaks down how common behaviors and patterns, like negative self-talk, dealing with emotions, and even procrastination, don’t just stay in one area of your life; they spill...

May 08, 202412 minEp. 171

From Anxiety to Victory: A Golfer's Self-Coaching Tale

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 KathyHartWood.com/book Private coaching starts with a Free Discovery Call here: Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com...

May 01, 202414 minEp. 170

Golf Experiences vs Golf Results

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 KathyHartWood.com/book Private coaching starts with a Free Discovery Call here: Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com...

Apr 24, 202413 minEp. 169

Inside the Masters: Quotes and Concepts to Use in Your Game

Hey there, golf aficionados! 🏌️‍♂️ The week of The Masters always serves up some juicy quotes, and boy, did we hit the jackpot this time! In this electrifying episode, Kathy handpicks some gems from the likes of Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, and Tyrell Hatton, showing how their insights sync perfectly with the mental game we love to chat about. Get ready to unlock the secrets of mental pivoting, self-belief, and dealing with those pesky negative thoughts as Kathy dishes out practical tips inspir...

Apr 17, 202414 minEp. 168

How to Know When You Played Too Much Golf

In this episode of Above Par, Kathy delves into the often-asked question among golf enthusiasts: 'How much golf is too much?' Starting with an anecdote from a member of The Above Par Academy, who feels she's playing too much due to back pain, the discussion broadens to physical discomfort as a clear indicator of overdoing the sport. Kathy explores various perspectives on the concept of 'too much golf,' highlighting that it's subjective and varies from one individual to another. The conversation ...

Apr 10, 202413 minEp. 167

Navigating Golf After Illness, Injury, or Loss:

This episode is all about overcoming the challenges life throws your way, especially when they mess with your golf game. Ever noticed how tough it is to hit the green when your head's not in the game due to illness, injury, or maybe loss or heartbreak? Kathy dives into this connection between our mental and physical game, sharing personal anecdotes and client stories that hit right at home. You'll get solid advice on how to cut yourself some slack and adjust your expectations, so you don't end u...

Apr 03, 202411 minEp. 166

How the Word "Only" Negatively Impacts Your Golf

In this podcast episode, we explore the detrimental impact of the word 'only' within the realms of golf and daily life, shedding light on how it signifies inadequacy and fosters self-criticism. Insights are shared from the Think Above Par Academy, where members delve into strategies for managing their mental and emotional states to enhance their performance on the golf course. A case study is presented, illustrating the emotional distress experienced by a golfer who felt disappointed by their pe...

Mar 27, 20249 minEp. 165

The Art of Emotional Control in Golf

In this episode, Kathy delves deep into the pivotal role of mastering your mental state in the game of golf. Listeners are urged to purposefully cultivate useful emotions, a key factor in performing to your potential. She unpacks potent strategies for priming emotional intentions prior to teeing off, exploring how various emotions can sway gameplay outcomes. Moreover, she offers pragmatic guidance on sustaining a desired emotional equilibrium both on the course and in everyday life. Tune in and ...

Mar 20, 202413 minEp. 164

Short-Term Memory in Golf: The Goldfish Approach

Ever heard of being a 'goldfish' in golf? It's not just about the short game – it's about having a memory as fleeting as a fish's! Kathy delves deep into this concept, revealing how a short memory for unfavorable shots or rounds can skyrocket your performance to new heights. Clinging to those negative golf memories? It's time to toss them aside. Kathy explains how these memories can be the anchor weighing down your game, shattering confidence and belief in your own abilities. But fear not, dear ...

Mar 13, 202411 minEp. 163

4 Ways to Create More Certainty on the Golf Course

Calm, Certain and Confident or the 3 C’s are preferred emotions that enable you to swing freely and think clearly on the golf course. But what exactly does it mean to create or feel certain? In this episode, I differentiate between certainty and confidence. It starts with defining what you CAN”T be certain about. Once you surrender to that, you can then focus on what you can be certain about. I share with you 4 different areas to create more certainty including club selection, an expectation exe...

Mar 06, 202414 minEp. 162

The Power of Self-Coaching in Golf

If you ever feel ike you are at the affect of the game of golf, you want to listen to this episode. Kathy discusses the importance of learning how to self-coach. Self-coaching is not about correcting your swing but managing the mind on the golf course and dealing with thoughts and emotions in different situations. The key to self-coaching is self-awareness, noticing and understanding your thoughts, feelings, and actions on and off the golf course. Kathy shares that being able to self-coach can l...

Feb 28, 202412 minEp. 161

Discovering Your Golf Self

Do you want to make some significant strides in your mental golf this year? It starts with a little self-discovery and honesty. In this podcast episode, Kathy discusses the importance of self-discovery in improving golf skills and performance. She delves into how one can better understand themselves on a deeper level through journaling and how this can contribute to personal growth and self-improvement. She expounds on the approach of writing down thoughts as a tool to build better mental prepar...

Feb 21, 202413 minEp. 160

The Mindset of Course Management with Dudley Hart

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 KathyHartWood.com/book Private coaching starts with a Free Discovery Call here: Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com...

Feb 14, 202414 minEp. 159

6 Ways to Build Your Mental Golf Skills in the Off Season

Do not wait to work on your mental skills when the season kick off, or before your first tournament. You do not have to have a club in your hand to work on mental skills that will benefit your golf game. There are 6 different mental skills to practice in the off season which include: spotting negative thinking, pivoting from negative emotions, refraining from arguing with reality, setting daily intentions, practicing decision-making, and enhancing mindfulness. Don’t wait…listen to this episode t...

Feb 07, 202413 minEp. 158

How to Trust Your Swing

Do you just wish you could trust your swing? Trust your green reading? Trust your club selections? Sometimes you can get annoyed with yourself after a poor swing and snap, "just trust it!" If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Kathy talks about what you CAN trust in golf and your swing. She shares how you break trust and how you build trust. It starts off the course. You build it in your every day life. And then you apply it to your golf. Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com Join ...

Jan 31, 202412 minEp. 157

Golf Success Leaves Clues

In this episode, Kathy discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in order to improve your golf game. She emphasizes focusing on the mental part of the game, playing golf with people who have a positive impact, and the negative effects of surrounding oneself with negative individuals. Kathy further elaborates the importance of playing golf with better and confident players to learn and grow. She also stresses on practicing with focused individuals with good habits and...

Jan 24, 202411 minEp. 156

7 Traits For Building a Strong Mental Golf Game

In this podcast episode, Kathy explores the importance of mental strength when it comes to golf and even life in general. She discusses seven essential traits to build a strong mental game: awareness, vulnerability, consistency, dedication, resilience, grace and having support from a coach or a community. These traits can notably influence how well you perform on the golf course and how you manage real-life challenges. Kathy also encourages listeners to ponder which of these traits they might be...

Jan 17, 202410 minEp. 155

How to Master Your Golf Brain in 2024 with Michael Leonard and Wicked Smart Golf

This is an interview of Kathy as a guest of the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast with Michael Leonard. In this episode ,she emphasizes the importance of managing your brain to improve performance. She also explains how to shift from negative self-talk to a positive mindset, how to practice mind management, and why one should believe in themselves before seeing results. She suggests that off-season golfers should focus on managing their mind, developing awareness of their self-dialogue, and minimizing n...

Jan 10, 202449 minEp. 154

The Impact of Golf on Your Life and Life on Your Golf

In this episode, Kathy encourages you to kickstart the new year by exploring how golf and life are inextricably intertwined and how they affect each other. By exploring how time, money, relationships, and emotions invested in golf affect other areas of life, and vice versa, listeners can gain insights on the balance they currently have. Kathy lays emphasis on the need to manage thoughts and emotions intentionally and also highlights how our personality traits show up in our golf game and in our ...

Jan 03, 202412 minEp. 153

Revolutionizing Green Reading: The Slopegraide App and Jeff Mocini

Jeff Mocini discusses an iPhone/iPad app called Slope Graide for putting. Slope Grade trains users on all aspects of putting, including start line, speed on different grade speeds to green reading, and visualization of break . The app dynamically creates topographic models of greens aided by the LiDAR scanner in Pro and Pro Max devices, enabling a better understanding of the slope and roll. To tackle time constraints during practice rounds, the app has a course mode featuring green models from o...

Dec 21, 202315 minEp. 152

The 6 Biggest Mental Shifts That Transformed My Golf and Life

In this episode of 'Above Par,' Kathy shares six mental shifts that improved her golf game and overall life: recognizing thoughts are optional, understanding that thoughts create emotions, realizing feeling emotions isn't a sign of weakness, comprehending discomfort leads to growth, believing in something before seeing it, and treating confidence as a skill that can be developed. These realizations proved pivotal, teaching her to take control of her mental state both on and off the golf course. ...

Dec 13, 202314 minEp. 151

Golf Effort and Intention

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 KathyHartWood.com/book Private coaching starts with a Free Discovery Call here: Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com...

Dec 06, 20237 minEp. 150

Being Hard on Yourself Vs Finding Small Golf Wins

If you are a high achiever, played other competitive sports or are in the habit of beating yourself up for not reaching your goals or falling short of your expectations, this episode is for you. When I encourage people to find the small wins in golf or life, it can seem like you are giving yourself an out or a pass for not succeeding. It can seem more useful to beat yourself up for a bit, feel down and show that you are not happy with your performance. In this episode, I want to share with you t...

Nov 29, 202312 minEp. 149

How to Find the Wins After a Challenging Golf Season

Even if you had a crappy or challenging golf season, it is hard but important for you to find the wins. In this episode, you discover how to properly go through the process of evaluating not only your round but your season. You can look at your season from a mechanical, mental as well as course management perspective. This process helps you create a plan for the next season. And even if you are not playing and your season is over, Kathy shares how to practice your mental skills all year. To work...

Nov 22, 202317 minEp. 148
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