This special Links for Life episode captures the energy of the HOPE Golf Classic at the Federal Club in Virginia. Host Tommy Thompson and co-host Pete Bowell welcome players and friends including Stuart Holt, John Atkinson, Steven McCarthy, Parker Thompson, and Isaac Nunn for memorable stories and reflections on golf and life. From miraculous chip-ins to hilarious mis-hits, listeners will hear how patience, humility, and joy on the course carry into everyday life.

What You’ll Take Away

• How golf strengthens family connections and friendships
• Patience and humility as lessons the game teaches on every round
• How to embrace unexpected moments and enjoy the game without pressure
• The lasting community impact of events like the HOPE Golf Classic

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Hope Church and the HOPE Golf Classic at hopechurchrva.com
• Subscribe to Links for Life for more inspiring golf conversations
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Timestamps (chapter markers)

(0:00) Intro

(6:24) Guest 1: Stuart Holt

(13:15) Pete & Tommy’s Favorite Golf Courses

(19:40) Guest 2: John Atkinson

(32:10) The Craziest Shot Tommy Has Seen

(33:36) Guest 3: Steven McCarthy

(41:21) Pete’s Favorite Shot and Golf Lesson

(46:33) Guest 4: Parker Thompson

(50:00) Guest 5: Isaac Nunn

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In this episode Tommy sits down with David Dwight to talk about golf as more than a pastime. Together they explore how the game reveals what’s happening inside us (our mindset, emotions, and even our character). Whether you’re battling a big number on the scorecard, walking the Old Course at St. Andrews, or teeing it up with three generations of family, this episode shows how golf can deepen self-awareness and joy while pointing to something bigger than the game itself.

Key themes you’ll hear:

• Why golf demands both mental and emotional discipline
• How ego and expectations impact performance and enjoyment
• The surprising ways golf exposes character and fosters growth
• Transcendent moments on the course (from Scotland to Pebble Beach)
• How golf strengthens relationships and bridges generations

Timestamps:

(0:00) The Unique Experience of Golf

(2:52) The Relationship Between Golf and Emotions

(6:05) The Mental Game of Golf

(9:05) Self-Awareness and Golf

(12:00) The Intersection of Mental and Emotional Challenges

(14:58) Ego and Honest Assessment in Golf

(17:50) The Role of Self-Control in Golf

(21:04) Enjoyment and Improvement Through Self-Awareness

(30:42) The Dual Nature of Self-Awareness

(31:12) Golf as a Source of Enjoyment

(35:47) Expectations vs. Reality in Golf

(37:59) Identity Beyond Golf

(39:05) Distortions and Perceptions in Golf

(41:51) Character Development Through Golf

(44:24) The Challenge and Transcendence of Golf

(51:29) The Unique Nature of Golf as a Family Game

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In this episode, Tommy sits down with Will Saunders to explore how golf can unite people in a pressure-free, inclusive way. Will shares the story of Unclubbed, Virginia’s largest social golf league, which grew from a simple Tuesday-night idea into a 1,200-member community where anyone can RSVP, play nine, and connect. Hear how Unclubbed fosters community, and how golf can be a fantastic platform for deepening relationships and growing as a person.

In This Episode

• Golf as a platform for meaningful conversation and connection
• Removing intimidation by prioritizing fun over competition
• Unclubbed’s journey from a 40-name spreadsheet to a thriving community
• Strengthening relationships in business, family, and faith through golf
• Practical ideas to let golf serve what matters most in your life

(0:00) Why Golf Brings People Together

(5:10) Will’s Journey into the Game

(7:09) Making Golf Accessible for Everyone

(10:32) The Tuesday Plan

(12:15) Unclubbed’s Growth to 1,200 Members

(14:11) Connection Over Competition

(18:33) Redefining Club Culture

(21:17) Unclubbed in Practice

(30:49) Golf as a Platform for Relationships and Growth

(36:52) Golf as a Mirror for Character

(40:43) How to Join Unclubbed

(43:46) Final Thoughts

Unclubbed — open, social golf league: https://unclubbedgolf.com/

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy and guest Joel Suggs, a recurrent co-host, discuss the profound topic of humility and its crucial role in everyday life and on the golf course. They explore how golf serves as a mirror to life, revealing key aspects of personal character and humility. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, including references to biblical figures and writings by Andrew Murray, they outline what humility is and isn’t. They emphasize humility as honest self-awareness, seeing oneself rightly in the context of the world and God, and freedom from posturing and people-pleasing. The podcast transitions into practical ways golf can teach and reflect humility, underscoring the mental and emotional disciplines that foster a humble spirit. The conversation aims to inspire listeners towards actions that grow humility, highlighting its transformative potential for greater freedom and joy.

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What happens when golf, growth, and God intersect? In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson reconnects with longtime friend Kevin Wirt, whose journey from the fairway to faith is nothing short of inspiring. From his first set of golf clubs at age seven to navigating the highs and lows of life, Kevin shares how the game of golf became both a spiritual refuge and a powerful parallel to his faith journey. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or someone searching for deeper meaning in your passions, Kevin’s story will challenge you to rethink the role your pursuits play in your life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about finding purpose beyond the green.

In this episode, Tommy hosts his long-time friend, Robert Wrenn. Wrenn, a well-known PGA Tour professional from Richmond, shares his journey from high school golf to Wake Forest, a successful PGA career, and his experiences in elite golf. They delve into the highs and lows of professional sports, the importance of reflection, humility, and learning from both successes and failures. Robert stresses the value of creating margin in life, reflecting on personal and professional experiences, and maintaining perspective. Additionally, Robert discusses his family's involvement in addiction recovery and the importance of lending support to others. The episode emphasizes the transferable skills and lessons from golf to all areas of life, highlighting the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous personal growth.

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Welcome back to Links for Life! In this exciting second episode, Tommy Thompson and Phil Owenby dive into powerful leadership lessons and the incredible connections forged through the game of golf. Phil is a true force in the golf industry — from his 15 years as General Manager at Kinloch Golf Club, the top-ranked course in Virginia, to his impactful work with the Dormie Network and Golf Business Network. Beyond his impressive career, Phil’s passion for mentorship and building a strong leadership culture shines through. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about career journeys, the art of leadership, and the life lessons learned on and off the green.

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Welcome to the very first episode of Links for Life, where golf, personal growth, and faith intersect in powerful and unexpected ways. In this inaugural episode, host Tommy Thompson welcomes PGA Master Professional Joel Suggs, whose unique approach to golf cuts straight to what really matters—lowering scores and embracing honesty, both in the game and in life. With a legacy spanning four generations of golf professionals, Joel brings a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom and redefines how we play.

So, grab your clubs and get ready for a conversation that will transform not just your game but your outlook on life. Let’s tee off on this exciting journey together!

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson sits down with Pete Hiskey, a lifelong golfer, ministry leader, and passionate advocate for connecting faith and golf.

Pete shares his multi-generational story in the game, from his family’s deep ties to the PGA Tour and his 24-year career with Ping Golf, to his calling to serve what he calls his “nation”—the golfers of the world. Together, they discuss the mission of Links Players, the legacy of the PGA Tour Chapel, and Pete’s newest venture, The Saltire House in St. Andrews, Scotland—a spiritual home for golfers from around the globe.

This episode is a story of purpose and calling, showing how one man’s love for golf became a way to live out faith, mentorship, and community across the world.

• How Pete Hiskey found his calling to reach the golf world
• The multi-generational Hiskey legacy in professional golf
• How Links Players connects faith and community at local clubs
• The history and impact of the PGA Tour Chapel
• What it means to live out the Great Commission in your own “nation”
• The vision behind The Saltire House in St. Andrews
• Mentorship and investing in the next generation
• Finding purpose and adventure in life’s second season
• Bringing faith to the fairways—how golf connects people and God

• Links Players: https://linksplayers.com
• The Saltire House: https://www.thesaltirehouse.org

(0:00) Intro

(10:32) Links Players and Community Building in Golf

(15:41) The PGA Tour Chapel and Its Legacy

(21:55) Defining Purpose and Mission in Golf and Life

(26:11) Connecting Golf and Faith

(29:57) Living Out the Great Commission

(32:03) Embracing Life’s Second Season

(36:13) Mentoring the Next Generation

(36:58) The Saltire House: A New Venture

(45:08) Golf Tips for All Levels

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In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with golf professional Justin Beard, Director of Golf at The Greenbrier Sporting Club, to talk about raising a junior golfer and keeping the game fun along the way.

Justin shares his journey in golf, his experience parenting a talented junior player, and the lessons he’s learned about confidence, humility, and perspective. Together, they explore how parents can create a healthy, pressure-free environment that helps kids enjoy the game for life.

From balancing competition and fun to knowing when to step back as a parent, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories for anyone navigating youth sports or simply looking to make golf a more meaningful family experience.

• Golf should be a fun experience for kids, not a source of pressure
• Parents serve best as “guardrails,” not drill sergeants
• Winning doesn’t define a young golfer’s worth
• Confidence and humility can coexist
• Encouragement is more effective than criticism
• Patience and perspective are essential in youth sports
• The journey is about experiences, not just results
• Golf can strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories

0:00 Introduction

4:05 The Ryder Cup Experience with His Son

8:55 Justin’s Journey in Golf

14:34 The Importance of Humility and Confidence

17:49 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf

22:44 Coaching, Confidence, and Character

28:15 Parenting as Guardrails

31:26 Encouragement Over Pressure

35:20 Lessons from a Summer of Competition

38:44 The ROI of Golf and Family Time

43:44 Introducing Kids to Golf the Right Way

50:10 Keeping Golf Fun and Creative for Kids

54:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

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In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe share their biggest takeaways from attending the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. Watching legends like Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els, and Freddie Jacobson up close offered a masterclass in calm focus, emotional control, and smart play. They discuss how the pros manage pressure, recover from mistakes, and approach every shot with intention—lessons that apply far beyond the course.

From slowing down under pressure to keeping ego out of decision-making, this conversation explores what makes Champions Tour players so consistent and how those same habits can improve both your golf game and your everyday life.

Takeaways

• Champions Tour players model calm confidence and emotional control.
• Every shot matters, but no single shot should matter too much.
• Slowing down helps regulate focus and performance under pressure.
• Physical posture and pace can calm the mind and prevent emotional spirals.
• The pros know when to play smart and when to take calculated risks.
• The same mindset that improves golf can help us navigate work and relationships.

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In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe unpack one of the most surprising realities in golf: most golfers never actually get better. Handicaps stay the same for years, even decades — not because people aren’t trying, but because most golfers don’t know how to practice in ways that lead to real improvement.

This episode dives deep into the art of practicing well. Tommy and Joe explore why so much effort gets wasted, what effective practice actually looks like, and how intention, experimentation, and honest self-assessment can transform both your game and your enjoyment of it. They break down practical strategies for range sessions, short game work, overcoming weaknesses, and building an off-season plan that sets up a breakthrough season ahead.

Whether you're new to practice or you’ve been stuck at the same scoring plateau, this episode gives you a clear, encouraging roadmap for how to finally start improving.

• Most golfers fail to improve because they practice the same habits without intention.
• Effective practice is purposeful, targeted, and fun enough to keep you engaged.
• Gamifying practice boosts focus and accelerates learning.
• Experimenting with ball flight and feel on the range teaches more than grinding stock shots.
• Short game practice is essential — yet it’s the least practiced part of the game.
• Honest self-assessment helps you identify what’s actually holding you back.
• An off-season plan turns “winter rust” into real progress.
• Balancing strengths and weaknesses keeps practice structured and sustainable.
• Improvement comes from rhythm, reflection, and the courage to face what’s sabotaging your game.
• Better practice in golf mirrors better practice in life — clarity and intention matter everywhere.

Use this to determine where your practice should go:

• Putting
• Chipping
• Sand play
• Pitching
• Half wedges (40–70 yards)
• Irons
• Fairway woods / hybrids
• Driver

Framework referenced by Tommy:

• Communication
• Finances
• Marriage / relationships
• Parenting
• Health
• Work / vocation
• Personal growth
• Emotional life
• Spiritual life
• Rhythms / rest

00:00 The Challenge of Improvement in Golf

02:42 The Importance of Effective Practice

05:48 Mindset and Intentionality in Practice

08:53 Making Practice Fun and Engaging

11:49 The Role of Intention in Practice Sessions

14:50 Experimentation and Learning on the Range

17:45 Short Game as the Key to Golf Success

28:03 Mastering the Short Game

30:50 Developing an Off-Season Plan

33:32 Self-Assessment for Improvement

38:47 Embracing Frustration in Practice

42:50 Identifying and Overcoming Sabotaging Weaknesses

47:44 Balancing Perfectionism and Progress

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In this episode, Tommy and Joe walk through a wide range of golf games—both team-based and solo—that make golf more fun while also sharpening your skills. From classics like Nassau, Wolf, Skins and Bingo Bango Bongo to creative solo formats like forward-tee rounds, back-tee rounds and reverse scrambles, these games help sharpen strategy, create pressure, practice smarter, and bring creativity back to the course.

They also explore how mixing up formats reveals weaknesses, builds confidence, and keeps golf fresh and enjoyable. Whether you're playing with friends or testing yourself alone, these games give you structure, focus, and a way to practice the mental game in real time.

(0:00) Intro

(3:15) Golf Games Glossary

(11:53) The Benefit of Golf Games

(13:33) Nassau

(18:24) Wolf

(26:19) Skins

(28:29) Bingo Bango Bongo

(34:13) 3 Sixes

(36:10) Getting Creative with Formats

(39:09) Solo Games

(40:00) Playing from the Forward Tees

(45:09) Playing from the Back Tees

(47:11) Self-Scramble / Best Ball

(52:29) Reverse Scramble

(54:53) Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe break down one of the simplest but most powerful frameworks for playing better golf: the four-box cycle of Think, Play, Memory, and Refresh. Adapted from the book Be a Player by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott (Vision54), the framework turns every shot into a repeatable rhythm that helps golfers manage emotions, make smarter decisions, and execute with clarity.

Tommy explains how each “box” creates structure around the chaos of a golf round. Joe shares how the model is helping him eliminate overthinking and separate decisions from execution. Together, they highlight how this cycle not only improves performance on the course — it also maps beautifully onto rhythms of daily life.

0:00 Intro

16:14 Introducing the four-box performance framework

20:16 Overview of Think, Play, Memory, Refresh

26:34 The Think Box

46:35 The Play Box

1:05:40 The Memory Box

1:16:11 The Refresh Box

1:23:55 Applying the four boxes to daily life

• There’s genius in this framework — it simplifies everything.
• Each box is its own action, helping you avoid blending thinking and execution.
• The cycle repeats every shot, giving you a clean reset.
• The Memory Box keeps you from dragging emotions into the next shot.
• The Refresh Box is where rhythm, joy, and presence return.
• This same cycle maps onto daily life: plan, act, reflect, rest.

• Be a Player by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott
• Vision54

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First tee jitters are a shared experience for golfers at every level, yet many players don’t understand why they happen or how to handle them. In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy Thompson and Joe Wise explore the reality of first tee nerves, why they show up even in casual rounds, and why trying to eliminate them often makes things worse.

Through personal stories—from casual rounds to tournament play—Tommy explains that nerves aren’t something to overcome, but something to play through. He introduces a simple framework centered on acknowledging nerves, slowing the body through intentional breathing, and giving extra attention to the think box before stepping into a normal, unchanged pre-shot routine. The episode emphasizes that managing nerves is about regulating the body, not overthinking the shot, and that first tee shots can actually become some of the best shots of the day when approached with clarity and consistency.

• First tee jitters happen to everyone, from beginners to experienced tournament players
• Nerves often come from caring, wanting to do well, or trying to impress others
• Trying to fight or eliminate nerves usually makes them stronger
• Acknowledging nerves helps reduce their power
• The goal is not to remove nerves, but to learn how to play through them
• The think box is where extra time should be spent preparing the body, not overthinking the shot
• Slowing your breathing helps calm tension, regulate tempo, and improve focus
• Once you enter the play box, your pre-shot routine should stay exactly the same
• Rushing to “get it over with” often leads to poor first tee shots
• With proper preparation, first tee shots can be some of the most focused and solid shots of the round

00:00 First Tee Jitters and Why They Happen

02:59 Personal First Tee Stories and Early Golf Experiences

05:50 The Psychology Behind Nerves and Performance

09:12 Learning to Play Through Pressure

12:07 Why You Shouldn’t Fight Nerves

14:53 Breathing Techniques to Calm the Body

17:51 The Think Box and Pre-Shot Preparation

20:50 Why First Tee Shots Can Be Your Best Shots

28:02 Final Thoughts on Managing Nerves and Letting It Fly

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Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jose Alvarez joins Links for Life to reflect on his journey from pitching for the Atlanta Braves to competing in elite events like the Pro Rivals Open and serving in golf ministry through Links Players International. After a 16 year professional baseball career, including multiple seasons in the MLB, Jose shares what success taught him and what it couldn’t, exploring identity beyond performance, the pursuit of lasting fulfillment, and how faith ultimately reshaped his sense of purpose. Through stories from professional sports, competitive golf, and decades of mentoring athletes, this conversation highlights how golf became a powerful avenue for meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and life changing conversations on and off the course.

00:00 The pursuit of happiness in sports

03:03 From MLB pitching to golf and ministry

05:53 Competing in the Pro Rivals Open

09:12 Finding purpose beyond winning

12:04 Faith and family as the foundation

18:05 Forgiveness and overcoming adversity

24:02 The illusion of success in professional sports

30:02 Life lessons revealed through golf

39:12 The Refresh Box and conversations on the course

44:00 Identity beyond performance

49:03 Links Players

55:04 Golf tips, mindset, and faith in action

Links Players - https://linksplayers.com

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In this episode of Links for Life, the hosts explore what golfers can learn by simply paying attention to professional golfers and how those lessons translate far beyond the scorecard. From unrushed routines to emotional control and focused decision making, the conversation highlights how the best players approach the game with intention, discipline, and self awareness. Rather than copying swings, the episode invites listeners to observe how pros think, prepare, and respond under pressure, then apply those principles to both golf and life.

• Observing professional golfers reveals habits that matter more than mechanics
• Taking your time creates better focus and calmer decisions
• Unrushed routines lead to freedom, not restriction
• Emotional control is a skill that can be practiced
• Giving full attention to one shot at a time changes outcomes
• Playing your own game leads to greater confidence and enjoyment
• Discipline and consistency create space to perform freely
• Integrating heart, mind, and body improves both golf and life
• Small adjustments in focus can produce meaningful improvement

(0:00) Observing the Pros and What They Actually Teach Us

(10:16) Why Taking Your Time Changes Everything

(20:54) Unrushed Focus and the Rhythm of Rest

(28:08) Discipline and the Freedom of Routine

(35:23) Managing Emotions Like the Pros

(47:54) Giving Each Shot the Attention It Deserves

(59:18) Playing Your Own Game and Embracing Individuality

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In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson sits down with Maggie Will, a three time LPGA Tour winner, to talk about what excellence actually costs in golf and in life.

Maggie shares her story of discovering golf at a young age, committing to the discipline required to reach the highest level, and learning how excellence evolves across different seasons. The conversation explores the difference between excellence and perfectionism, why self discipline matters more than external pressure, and how gratitude fuels passion over the long haul.

This episode goes far beyond golf technique. It is a thoughtful conversation about growth, leadership, coaching, and choosing to live with intention in whatever arena matters most to you.

• The cost of pursuing excellence
• Excellence versus perfectionism
• Discipline and self discipline
• Doing the extra over the ordinary
• Gratitude as a source of motivation
• Coaching and inspiring growth in others
• Practicing under real conditions
• Sustaining excellence through changing seasons

(0:00) Intro and Maggie’s Story

(8:59) The Cost of Pursuing Excellence

(17:51) Excellence Versus Perfectionism

(26:51) Discipline and Doing the Extra

(39:13) Coaching and Motivating Others

(50:05) Sustaining Excellence Over Time

(1:00:00) Practical Golf Advice for Improvement

How do you play a smart round of golf while still pushing your game forward?

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson reflects on a frustrating short-game moment and the question it raised, how do you accept the game you have today while still building the game you want?

The conversation explores the tension every golfer feels, playing safe to protect your score versus taking intentional risks that help you grow. Through personal stories and practical examples, Tommy walks through why improvement doesn’t come from hero shots or playing scared, but from thoughtful practice, honest self-assessment, and taking small, intentional steps forward.

• Playing the game you have while building the game you want
• When playing smart helps and when it holds you back
• Why range confidence doesn’t always show up on the course
• Learning from bad shots instead of getting stuck in frustration
• The difference between reckless risk and purposeful growth
• How to practice with intention and bring it onto the course

• You can’t grow your game if you never try new shots on the course
• Playing smart all the time can quietly cap your ceiling
• Improvement happens in small, intentional steps
• Practice builds skill, but course reps build trust
• Bad shots aren’t failures if they teach you something
• Focus on one area of improvement at a time

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction to Golf Improvement

(2:08) The Challenge of Finesse Shots

(5:41) Understanding Limits in Golf

(9:44) The Game You Have vs. The Game You Want

(22:37) Building the Game You Want

(36:23) Practical Takeaways for Golfers

Pick one part of your game you want to improve this season. Practice it intentionally, then look for low-risk moments to try it on the course. Expect some frustration, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

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How do you pursue improvement in golf without letting expectations steal the joy of playing?

In this episode of Links for Life, Joe and Tommy explore the tension between wanting to grow and actually enjoying the game. They unpack the difference between goals and expectations, process and outcome, and how pressure slowly replaces joy when performance becomes the focus. A powerful conversation on learning how to grow without losing the love of the game.

(0:00) Growth vs enjoyment 

(3:00) How goals shape the round  

(5:52) Process vs outcome  

(9:12) Trusting the process  

(11:56) Finding joy in improvement  

(14:55) Practice vs performance  

(17:49) Defining success beyond score  

(20:55) Staying engaged in the round  

(23:52) Finishing strong  

(26:55) Setting better goals  

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In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy is joined again by Joel Suggs for a deep conversation on ego, pride, identity, and humility.

Together, they explore how the words we use, the identities we claim, and the expectations we carry quietly shape our experience on the golf course and in life.

This episode isn’t about swing mechanics. It’s about learning to accept facts, release false identities, and find freedom from ego driven frustration.

(0:00) Introduction and episode overview

(0:36) Humility and golf

(1:06) Ego and pride in the game

(2:31) Pride, insecurity, and self image

(5:09) Ego vs pride and why language matters

(8:32) Personal experiences with ego on the course

(12:10) Identity and performance

(16:27) Self perception and pressure

(20:56) Philosophy of ego and identity

(30:00) Humility and accepting facts

(40:15) Language shapes belief

(50:02) Practical tools for managing ego

(55:26) Final thoughts and closing wisdom

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Pressure is something every golfer faces, but learning how to handle it is what separates average rounds from your best ones. In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with Robert Wrenn, former PGA Tour winner and 1987 Buick Open champion, to talk honestly about what pressure really is and how to play better when it shows up.

Drawing from 16 years on the PGA Tour, Robert explains why pressure is largely self-imposed, how elite players think differently in high-stakes moments, and why preparation, commitment, and reflection matter more than talent alone. The conversation moves through course management, visualization, breathing, and post-round reflection, while also connecting golf pressure to life, leadership, and growth.

This episode is practical, grounded, and focused on repeatable habits that help golfers perform closer to their potential when it matters most.

(0:00) Intro

(3:30) Pressure Is Self-Imposed

(5:21) Mindset Under Pressure

(15:14) Game Planning and Process

(23:56) Visualization and Commitment

(27:30) Reflection and Improvement

(36:39) Embracing Pressure

(59:27) Final Thoughts

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What does golf coaching actually look like?

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with golf coach Brian Coleman to talk about the difference between lessons and coaching, why most golfers plateau, and what long term improvement really requires.

Brian shares his journey from aviation to golf, why he left a stable career to pursue coaching, and how he structures development with a new student. They discuss clarity, identity, nervous system regulation, and why “I just want to get better” is not specific enough to build a plan.

This conversation is not about quick fixes. It’s about the process behind becoming better golfers.

(0:00) Intro

(2:02) Brian’s Journey Into Golf and Aviation

(15:18) Lessons Versus Coaching and the Quick Fix Problem

(24:40) What Long Term Golf Improvement Actually Requires

(35:05) How Brian Builds a Plan With a New Student

(41:08) Identity, Letting Go, and Growth

(46:44) Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Learn more about Brian Coleman’s golf coaching at:

https://golfcolemans.com

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Many golfers start playing because the game is fun. But over time something shifts. Golf becomes work. The scorecard becomes the focus. And the joy that originally drew us to the game slowly fades.

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play, to explore how the science of play can reshape the way we approach golf.

Mia shares the story behind the research of her grandfather, Dr. Stuart Brown, whose work helped establish play as a fundamental human need and led to the creation of the National Institute for Play. Together they explore how play affects learning, performance, creativity, and how golfers can reconnect with the reason they started playing in the first place.

The conversation also looks at how reframing success in golf can lead to deeper learning, greater presence, and often better performance.

Play personalities include:

1. Competitor
2. Explorer
3. Mover
4. Dreamer
5. Creator
6. Joker
7. Storyteller
8. Director

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction to the Power of Play

(3:20) Mia Sundstrom’s Background and the Origins of the National Institute for Play

(7:42) What Play Really Means and Common Misconceptions

(10:06) Play as Both a State and a Personality Trait

(12:53) Understanding Play Personalities

(16:09) Applying Play Styles to Golf

(22:24) Reframing the Way We Approach the Game

(28:53) How Play Can Improve Golf Performance

(33:27) Flow, Relaxation, and Being Fully Present

(37:26) How to Discover Your Own Play Personality

(39:22) Reframing Success and Enjoyment in Golf

(41:16) Resources and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Learn More About the National Institute for Play: https://nifplay.org

Anger might be the single most universal struggle in golf, and most of us are carrying more of it than we realize. In this episode Tommy digs into where golf anger actually comes from, why the way we handle it on the course is probably the same way we handle it everywhere else, and what you can actually do about it before it steals another round. Honest, practical, and a lot more useful than just telling yourself to calm down.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why golf is one of the best mirrors for the anger we carry everywhere else in life
• The three faces of anger on a golf course: visible rage, brooding, and the dangerous kind nobody around you ever sees
• The real root causes: humiliation, thinking we're better than we are, the desire for control, and using golf to escape problems it was never meant to fix
• Why internalizing anger is often more destructive than expressing it
• Tiger's ten foot rule and other practical ways to address and release anger without dragging it through the rest of your round
• Why asking your playing partner a question about themselves is one of the most effective anger tools on the course
• How to tell the difference between managing the symptom and actually addressing what is going on underneath

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro: why anger is the most universal struggle in golf

(3:28) Golf as a mirror for the anger we carry everywhere

(9:24) The three faces of anger on a golf course

(11:30) Symptoms vs the deeper issue

(15:12) The root causes: humiliation, pride, and unrealistic expectations

(20:51) When you use golf to escape life and it backfires

(32:32) Practical ways to address and release anger on the course

(40:10) Addressing the heart issue not just the symptoms

(47:30) Where to start if anger is wrecking your game

Tommy sits down with PGA Tour winner Robert Wrenn, who played in the 1988 Masters after winning the 1987 Buick Open by seven strokes, to share what it was actually like to experience Augusta National from inside the ropes. Robert co-led the tournament after round one, shot the low round of the day, and was later paired with Jack Nicklaus in the final round, and he holds nothing back. This is the kind of conversation you only get from someone who has actually walked those fairways under the pressure of tournament play.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Robert's solo practice rounds at Augusta before tournament week, playing the course alone with full access and no crowds
• His 88-year-old grandmother walking the front nine and watching the back nine from a cabin with a cocktail
• Getting an impromptu lesson from Davis Love Sr. on the Augusta practice tee the week of the tournament
• The birdie on 18 in round one that tied him for the lead and earned him a piece of Masters crystal
• Being paired with Jack Nicklaus in the final round and the story that had the whole group laughing on the 11th green
• The hidden design details Augusta National doesn't want you to figure out, from grass grain direction to Alister Mackenzie's visual tricks
• His one tip for playing Augusta National and why knowing your lines matters more there than anywhere else

(0:00) Intro

(3:26) Earning the Masters invitation

(6:27) Solo practice rounds at Augusta

(11:38) Family, the locker room, and the atmosphere

(14:37) Getting a lesson from Davis Love Sr.

(19:31) Round one: co-leading after shooting 69

(22:41) Paired with Jack Nicklaus in the final round

(25:07) Hidden design details of Augusta National

(53:54) Robert's one tip for playing Augusta

Resources / Next Steps: Share this one with a golfer who loves the Masters. It's one you'll want to listen to every year during Masters Week.

Why does the Masters feel different from every other sporting event?

For many people who have attended the tournament at Augusta National, the experience exceeds even the highest expectations. The course is immaculate, the atmosphere is calm, and the hospitality feels intentional in ways that are rare in modern sports.

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy Thompson sits down with author John Sabino to explore what makes the Masters so special and the ideas behind his book, The Augusta Principles.

John explains that the project began with a simple question he asked himself after leaving the Masters one year. Why can the world not be more like the Masters?

From that question came a study of the principles that define Augusta National. These include attention to detail, respect for tradition, thoughtful use of technology, limited commercialization, and a commitment to improving the patron experience every year.

John also shares the personal story behind the book. After being diagnosed with leukemia, he stepped away from his business career and began researching the history and leadership of Augusta National. The project became both a research journey and part of his recovery. Augusta National has spent nearly a century refining the experience of the Masters. The conversation explores how those principles extend beyond golf and into business and leadership.

(0:00) Why the Masters experience feels different

(2:48) John Sabino’s first Masters and the origin of the book

(7:00) A leukemia diagnosis and the journey to writing the book

(12:08) What makes Augusta National such a unique place

(15:58) Continuous improvement and attention to detail

(21:15) Business examples that reflect the Augusta principles

(27:29) Favorite Masters memories and practice round traditions

(34:14) Civility and trust in the culture of the Masters

(36:05) Counterintuitive decisions such as low prices and limited commercialization

Tommy sits down with Wally Armstrong, who spent ten years on the PGA Tour, tied for fifth at his rookie Masters, and went on to help start both Links Players and College Golf Fellowship. Wally walks through the full arc of his life, from caddying for Gary Player to writing The Mulligan with Ken Blanchard to the moment in 2004 that finally taught him how to walk with Jesus instead of working for him. It's part golf history, part ministry origin story, part invitation into a more present kind of faith.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Wally's path from the Indiana cornfields and an alcoholic home to captain of the Florida golf team
• Becoming a "chaplain without a prayer" and getting led to Christ before he even realized it
• The origin of the PGA Tour Bible Study and the players who came to faith through it
• Tying for fifth in his rookie Masters after mapping every green by hand
• Why he calls Jesus the greatest mulligan of all time, and how Ken Blanchard helped shape the book
• The empty chair story and the simple practice that ended 34 years of trying to earn God's approval
• Two practical golf tips from Wally on ball position and keeping your swing on plane
• Why he's still planning twenty years out at age eighty
• 
  

Timestamps: 

(0:00) Cold open and welcome

(2:04) Introducing Wally Armstrong

(6:10) Growing up in Indiana

(8:06) Florida golf and the FCA chaplaincy

(10:25) The chaplain without a prayer

(13:08) Caddying for Dave Reagan and Gary Player

(15:21) Eight rounds of Q School and finishing fifth

(22:24) Mapping Augusta for a rookie top five

(28:01) Family life on tour in the seventies and eighties

(29:20) Founding the Links Letter and Links Players

(33:36) Starting College Golf Fellowship

(37:11) Writing The Mulligan with Ken Blanchard

(42:31) The empty chair and the transforming friendship

(47:42) Practicing the Presence of Jesus

(52:24) The Course Less Played and building your bag

(57:32) Refire don't retire at age eighty

(1:00:18) Wally's two golf tips for amateurs

(1:03:27) Where to connect with Wally

Resources / Next Steps:

• Visit Wally's site at wallyarmstronggolf.com
• Pick up The Mulligan, In His Grip, and The Practice of the Presence of Jesus
• Learn about Links Players and find a club fellowship near you
• Become a member of the Mulligan Club, free, all you need is a need for a mulligan

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In this episode, Tommy sits down with Kris Lynch, founder of Golf Yourself Healthy and host of the Golf Yourself Happy podcast, for one of the most personal conversations Links for Life has hosted. Kris shares the story of his son Innes, who was born still in February 2023, and how that loss became the inspiration behind a platform helping golfers use the game as a path to mental and emotional health. This is a tender, honest episode about grief, golf as therapy, and the choice to embrace the rough instead of running from it.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Kris's journey from Scotland to London to Wales and his complicated early relationship with golf
• Why Kris took redundancy from an 11-year banking career to go full-time on his coaching platform
• The story of his son Innes and the surge of inspiration that founded Golf Yourself Healthy
• The Scottish Gaelic meaning of Innes and the symbolism behind the Golf Yourself Healthy logo
• The tagline "embrace the rough and cherish the fairway" and what it really means
• A PGA study on golf elitism that showed half of UK golfers don't identify as golfers
• The HAPPY framework, habits, acceptance, presence, purpose, and your call to action
• Tommy and Kris on the good hard story and why we often climb someone else's ladder

Timestamps: 

(0:00) Intro & Kris' Story

(24:08) Embrace the rough, cherish the fairway

(31:32) Living an integrated life

(40:52) Founding Golf Yourself Healthy

(48:47) The HAPPY framework explained

(52:42) How to connect with Kris

Resources / Next Steps:

• Visit Kris at golfyourselfhealthy.com
• Follow the Golf Yourself Happy podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
• Email Kris directly at chris@golfyourselfhealthy.com to connect or explore coaching
• Pick up Treasures in the Dark by Katherine Wolf, referenced in the conversation

Loren Roberts is one of the most decorated players in Champions Tour history, with eight PGA Tour wins and 13 more on the senior circuit, and Tommy Thompson sat down with him for one of the most personal conversations Links for Life has ever had. Loren walks through his unlikely path to the tour, the 1994 US Open playoff against Ernie Els that still sticks with him, and the faith commitment that reframed everything, including two putts, same prayer, two very different outcomes. He also shares what he sees most average golfers doing wrong on the greens, and the one drill that fixes it.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• How Loren got into golf later than most and almost became a club pro instead
• The story of selling shares of himself to ten club members to fund his first year on tour
• What it felt like to receive the Bay Hill trophy from Arnold Palmer, twice
• The three-way US Open playoff against Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie, and the prayer Loren said over that final putt
• Why representing his country in the Ryder Cup made him more emotional than any tournament win
• His number one putting tip, focused on speed over line, and the one-hand drill that unlocks it

(0:00) Intro

(4:17) Starting golf late, road to tour

(10:36) The Bay Hill win that changed everything

(18:42) Faith on tour and the Bible study community

(22:00) Same prayer, two putts, two outcomes

(27:07) The Ryder Cup and playing for your country

(39:46) Putting tip and the one-hand drill

(44:42) Faith, forgiveness, and a closing life lesson

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