The Golfing Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to The Golfing Mind, where we delve into the psychological aspects behind golf's most iconic moments. In this episode, we turn our attention with a forensic look into the 2025 Masters Tournament, where Rory McIlroy achieved his long-awaited career Grand Slam, overcoming immense pressure and mental hurdles. McIlroy's journey to donning the green jacket was marked by resilience and mental fortitude. After 16 previous attempts, he finally triumphed at Augusta, defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff. His victory was not just a testament to his skill but also to his ability to confront and manage the psychological demands of the game. McIlroy employed a unique strategy to combat performance anxiety: visualising worst-case scenarios to prepare for any outcome mentally.​ Throughout the tournament, McIlroy maintained an intense focus, even choosing not to engage with his playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau, during the final round—a deliberate tactic advised by his sports psychologist, Bob Rotella, to stay immersed in his own game. This mental discipline allowed him to navigate the pressures of the course and the weight of expectations.​ Join us as we analyse the mental strategies that led to McIlroy's historic win and examine how other players in the field managed the psychological challenges of the Masters. www.siegergolf.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Welcome to this week's episode of The Golfing Mind, where we explore the intriguing question: why do some countries produce more world-class golfers than others? Today, we'll focus on the remarkable success of Scandinavian and American golfers and explore why the United Kingdom has produced fewer Major champions than one might expect. Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Denmark, have made significant strides in the golfing world. Sweden, for instance, has developed a robust structure and organization for golf, with well-established club training programs and a focus on developing the whole person rather than just the golfer.  In contrast, the United States has a long-standing tradition of producing world-class golfers. The extensive golf infrastructure, with a vast number of courses, provides ample opportunities for individuals to engage with the sport from a young age. The robust collegiate golf system offers structured programs, allowing talented players to develop their skills while pursuing higher education. Additionally, significant financial incentives, such as substantial prize money on the PGA Tour, attract top talent and motivate domestic players to excel. Turning our attention to the United Kingdom, it's noteworthy that while golf has deep historical roots here, the number of Major champions is relatively modest.  Let's see if we can find out why? https://www.siegergolf.com/online-courses A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text This week on The Golfing Mind, we spotlight the remarkable rise of Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer for the second consecutive year. In a sport where physical ability is matched only by mental fortitude, Scheffler stands out for his consistency and unparalleled psychological game. What makes him the best golfer in the world right now? We examine the five key factors behind his sustained dominance. This episode unpacks the mental strategies that set Scheffler apart, from his ability to stay calm under pressure to his relentless focus and resilience. How does he maintain peak performance on the most challenging courses? What role does his mindset play in managing expectations and thriving on the biggest stages? Through in-depth analysis, we uncover how Scheffler’s approach to pressure, preparation, and self-belief has propelled him to the top of the golfing world. Whether you’re an aspiring golfer or simply a fan of the game, this episode will provide invaluable insights into the mental strengths required to be the best. Join us as we explore how Scottie Scheffler exemplifies the perfect fusion of skill and mental resilience, making him a true inspiration for golfers everywhere.https://www.siegergolf.com/online-courses A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWhat do tour professionals have in common with the average club golfer? Not very much to be honest, and one thing they have in abundance is 'belief'. They put in the practice and believe they have the ability to make the shots down the stretch when under pressure. You never hear them say after a bad shot "Oh I just KNEW I was going to do that".We need to lay within our comfort zone with a positive outlook and belief, this episode looks at a couple of things you can do to help that happen. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWe have all witnessed shots which are quite simply amazing, they take our breath away and almost cause us to rub our eyes in disbelief. More often than not they happen on television whilst watching a tournament (frequently a major).  It is a popular question that golfers ask each other, and I too have been asked at many times I always give the same answer much to the surprise of those who asked me. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageIf you ask the average golfer what they would like to achieve this year, chances are they will say they would like to play better golf, in fact, there is not a golfer alive who would not like to be better. So why are so few golfers becoming better? Many will invest in technology gimmicks, gadgets and the odd lesson but still, no change is there something we're missing and if there is what is it? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThis week I thought I would reflect upon the recent Open Championship at St Andrew's. Mainly because I want to take a closer look at Cameron Smith's putting approach from a mental point of view, plus because I picked him or Victor Hovland to win the tournament.This hasn't promoted me to move to Las Vegas and become a bookmaker, but I do want to look at the factors I saw that I thought made them both good picks. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThe three questions I frequently get asked by listeners are the subject of this week's podcast. Not much more to say really. Enjoy!! A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comIt's that time of year when the Open Championship rolls around and experts make their predictions as to who may win.  Being played at St Andrew's adds a touch of legacy to the eventual winners' resume, so what does it take to lift the Claret Jug?  In this episode I reflect on the course itself and some thoughts and reflections with my good friend and fellow golf nut Matt Barr from Salisbury NC - but don't go rushing to the bookies just yet as we haven't picked the winner yet..........or have we?   :-)  A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThe professional tour has been thrown into turmoil by the emergence of the new Liv tour. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? In this week's podcast, I look at the potential upside and downside of the new tour and explore the possible consequences going forward of this new development. Nothing stays the same. However, things usually evolve organically to a better and more efficient model than before. I am not sure what the outcome will be in the long term, but I reflect on some things to ponder in this week's podcast. Though I suspect it is unnecessary, I should point out this is a wholly independent, unsponsored podcast, so I have no vested interest, and I'm only expressing my thoughts and opinions on this matter. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices