In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with former MMA coach and mindset expert, Patrick Sebastien, to explore the art of mental toughness — both inside and outside the ropes. 

Drawing from years in the fight world and his work with elite golfers, Patrick unpacks how adversity, flow states, and physical intensity combine to build unshakable confidence and resilience on the golf course.

You'll learn how to intentionally seek and use adversity to your advantage, train like an athlete to improve emotional control under pressure, and create your own blueprint for peak performance. Patrick and I dive deep into visualization, breathwork, and post-round reflection as essential tools to develop composure, focus, and self-belief when the stakes are high.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to reframe adversity as opportunity and bounce back fast after a blow-up hole (or business setback).
• Why flow states require struggle first, and how to use challenge to trigger "the zone."
• A simple gym-to-course formula: create controlled physical stress, then regulate it with breath so pressure feels familiar on the tee.
• The breath training + visualization sequence Patrick uses pre-round to build calm, focus, and confidence.
• How to design on-course pressure reps (mini challenges) so tournaments feel like just another rep.
• How an identity shift ("I am an athlete") unlocks consistency, intensity, and faster scoring gains.
• The expect/accept model: expect greatness, accept imperfection, and re-engage on the next shot.
• Ways to calibrate your arousal level (not too calm, not too hyped) to hit your personal performance sweet spot.

Whether you're chasing a club championship or your next business milestone, this episode will help you expect greatness — and perform like it.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Patrick Sebastien

Patrick Sebastien is a performance coach who helps golfers elevate their game through a holistic approach that blends physical conditioning, mental training, and strategic mastery. With over 20 years of experience teaching Muay Thai and MMA, 15 years as a personal trainer specializing in functional fitness, and 10 years guiding breath training and meditation, Patrick brings a unique perspective to golf performance optimization.

He began coaching in golf in 2022 after working with a Korn Ferry Tour player as a mental coach, and has since trained professionals, college athletes, and elite junior golfers, using his unique approach to physical and mental training for golf. Patrick specializes in preparing players to excel on and off the course by integrating strength, mobility, focus, and strategic awareness. 

Connect with Patrick:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Perseverance is the foundation of bounce-back ability.
• Adversity creates flow; no struggle, no growth.
• Great players train adversity before they face it.
• Physical stress builds emotional control.
• Fitness isn't optional—it's a performance multiplier.
• Breathwork bridges chaos and composure.
• Journaling post-round accelerates learning and awareness.
• You can't control results—but you can always control your process.
• Expect greatness, but accept imperfection.
• Visualization isn't fantasy—it's mental reps for success.
• Meditation sharpens calm, control, and clarity under pressure.
• True athletes embrace discomfort and keep expanding their limits.
• A champion's mindset is forged in the gym before it's displayed on the course.

Key Quotes:

• Adversity is a wake-up call. It's fuel, not failure.
• Flow only exists because of struggle.
• Train hard, fight easy. The harder your training, the easier your performance.
• Physical stress and mental stress present the same way. Learn to master one, and you master both.
• If you never fail, you're probably not trying hard enough.
• Expect greatness while accepting less than greatness.
• The further I went in martial arts, the more peaceful I became.
• You can't control what the course throws at you, but you can control how you respond.
• Golfers don't need to become bodybuilders—they need to become athletes.
• If you don't expect greatness, how will you ever achieve it?
• The champion's mindset is earned in the gym before it's displayed on the course.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Power of Perseverance
• 02:40 Embracing Adversity as Opportunity
• 05:49 Creating Adversity for Growth
• 08:43 The Role of Technology in Performance
• 11:40 Post-Round Reflections and Learning
• 14:33 The Importance of Identity in Success
• 17:43 Lessons from Competitive Fighting
• 20:26 Bouncing Back from Setbacks
• 23:29 Training with Intensity for Mental Edge
• 26:21 The Importance of Resistance Training
• 27:56 Pushing Through Limits and Mental Barriers
• 32:00 Transforming Golfers into Athletes
• 35:37 The Role of Meditation and Breath Training
• 41:02 Peak Performance Blueprint for Athletes
• 46:24 Expecting Greatness in Golf and Life

Every winter, it happens…

Your clubs collect dust, your swing feels distant, and that quiet voice creeps in: "What if I lose everything I worked for this season?"

But what most golfers lose in the off-season isn't their mechanics — it's their confidence.

• You stop swinging. 
• You stop visualizing. 
• You stop feeling like a golfer. 

And by the time spring rolls around, you're not just rusty — you're hesitant, uncertain, and disconnected from the player you were just a few months ago.

Here's the truth: confidence isn't built under sunshine and scorecards — it's built in the dark. It's built in the quiet reps no one sees, the small acts of discipline that nobody celebrates.

This winter, you have a choice: You can coast, like every other golfer who slides backward once the weather turns… or you can treat these months like Separation Season — your chance to build confidence, sharpen your edge, and step into spring already playing the best golf of your life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why most golfers lose confidence, not mechanics, in the off-season — and how to protect it.
• The four mental traps that create regression and how to beat each one.
• How to set a minimum effective dose for practice, fitness, and mindset work.
• The identity shift needed to think, train, and prepare like a golfer year-round.
• And how to design an off-season plan that builds momentum now — so you never have to "find your swing" again.

If you're ready to break the typical golf season pattern of two steps forward, three steps back, and breakthrough to play to your potential in 2026, this episode is for you.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence decays first. Touch a club and your routine multiple times per week to keep the "golfer" identity alive.
• Beat all-or-nothing with a minimum-effective-dose: short, repeatable sessions > heroic plans you won't sustain.
• Comfort creep is costly. Indulgence is fine; defaulting to comfort isn't. Keep micro-standards through the holidays.
• Excuses in a suit are still excuses. "I'll wait for better conditions" trains retreat, not resilience.
• Accountability accelerates. Coach, community, or check-ins — add a scoreboard and you'll show up.
• Lift the floor. Off-season is perfect for strength, mobility, and power so your worst days get better.
• Calendar = commitment. If it isn't blocked, it isn't real. Audit, schedule, and protect your reps.

Key Quotes:

• "Confidence isn't built in season — it's built in the dark."
• "Most golfers don't lose ground from weather; they lose it from mental drift."
• "All-or-nothing is perfectionism dressed up as logic."
• "Comfort is a habit. So is consistency. Choose which one you'll practice."
• "Excuses preserve the ego but poison momentum."
• "Raise the floor this winter — strength and identity travel."
• "If it's not on your calendar, it's not a priority. It's a wish."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The real off-season loss: confidence, not mechanics
• 04:10: "Separation Season" reframe and episode roadmap
• 10:37: The Thermostat Effect: identity sets your handicap
• 21:11: All-or-nothing thinking + Minimum-Effective-Dose fix
• 29:36: Five clarity questions & building your winter plan

Life got challenging off the course—and then those challenges spilled onto it. 

In this raw Q3 recap of my golf journey and goal to achieve a five-handicap by the end of the year, I share how radical honesty, asking for help, and doubling down on core habits protected my energy, clarified my priorities, and still led to meaningful golf progress. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How radical acceptance lowers emotional resistance and restores focus
• Why asking for help collapses the timeline for healing and improvement
• The core routine (fitness, meditation, journaling, rest) that safeguards performance
• How to recalibrate priorities without quitting your goals
• Using mental reps to keep swing feels sharp when course time is limited
• A practical reframe: "Let go to level up"
• How small technical changes (smoother takeaway) unlocked long-iron consistency

If you're juggling parenting, business, and a game you love, this one's for you.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

P.P.S On the art and science of acceptance.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist

Key Takeaways:

• Radical Acceptance > Resistance: Naming reality reduces friction and frees up energy for purposeful action.
• Vulnerability Is a Performance Tool: Sharing the hard stuff with trusted people lightens the load and clarifies next actions.
• Coaching Collapses Time: A coach provides perspective, helps release emotion, and speeds learning—on and off the course.
• Protect Your Energy Rituals: Cold plunge, meditation, journaling, strategic rest, and 3+ weekly workouts stabilize your mind.
• Recalibrate Without Quitting: Seasons change; adjust goals and inputs without abandoning the mission.
• Mental Reps Matter: Visualization and structured recall kept ball-striking sharp despite fewer rounds.
• Simple Tech Wins: A slower, smoother takeaway reduced hip stress and improved long-iron contact and driver consistency.

Key Quotes:

• "There is so much power in your vulnerability—and strength in asking for help."
• "Let go to level up; don't let the past dictate the present."
• "Acceptance, grace, and patience: that's the work."
• "Coaching collapses the timeline for healing, learning, and progress."
• "You're the author—recalibrate priorities with honesty and intention."
• "Fitness is the lowest-hanging fruit for a resilient mindset."
• "Reflection accelerates pattern recognition—and pattern recognition drives change."
  
  

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Journey of Vulnerability in Golf
• 02:53: Navigating Life's Challenges and Golf Progress
• 07:24: The Power of Reflection and Seeking Help
• 12:45: Embracing Acceptance, Grace, and Patience
• 19:15: The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth
• 24:22: Fitness and Self-Care as Foundations for Success
• 28:23: Looking Ahead: Golfing Goals and Future Aspirations

Meet Matt Doud, former caddie at Pebble Beach Golf Club in Carmel, CA, sub-five handicap golfer, and a Business Made Simple Coach in the Kansas City Metro Area.

In today's episode, we go inside the mind of Matt to unpack the insights and learning lessons he gleaned from caddying for all of these years. You'll learn about the critical mistakes most golfers make when it comes to course management, as well as how impactful errors in club selection can be.

Gulp - the latter one hit home for me.

We also discuss the mental approach necessary for a solid and consistent pre-shot routine, the role of identity in shaping who you are as a golfer (and the habits associated), and what you can do to find greater ease letting the past shot go as you focus on the present shot.

Start listening.

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Key Quotes:

• "Okay, you get 10 seconds to feel how you want to feel about that shot. And then you have got to let the fucking thing go."
• "If you wonder why you're stuck shooting low nineties or high eighties and you aspire to shoot scratch, here's an easy way to likely shave off quite a few strokes without affecting your swing or even talking about pre-shot post-shot routines or anything. It's just simple course management."
• "Accept the outcome of that shot no matter what it was - immediately accept a shot mentally and emotionally and then start the routine over for the next one."

More About Matt Doud

Matt Doud, a certified Business Made Simple coach, is an early-stage Co-founder and Fractional COO based in the Kansas City Metro Area. Having discovered his passion for advising and coaching during his time as a caddie at Pebble Beach Golf Club in Carmel, CA, Matt pursued opportunities to utilize these skills professionally. 

He began by leveraging his Economics and Business degree from Westmont College as a financial advisor in Portland, OR, before co-founding Pre-Approve Me, a residential mortgage software company, in 2013, where he served as COO.

Connect with Matt here.

Join our free and growing community of serious golfers chasing scratch: 

The (Aspiring) Scratch Golfer's Society.

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @paulsaltercoaching 
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 13:46 Matt's Golf Journey and Caddying at Pebble Beach
• 19:48 Managing the Margin of Error in Club Selection 
• 21:35 Choosing the Right Shot on Hole 11 at Spyglass Hill
• 26:31 Handling Tournament Pressure with Trust and Decisiveness
• 32:23 The Impact of Practicing the Short Game
• 36:10 Separating Self-Worth from Golf Scores
• 40:33 Combining Golf and Business Coaching

At some point, it's no longer a swing problem holding you back from shooting lower scores.

It's a mindset problem.

Many golfers I work with are hesitant to admit that emotional and mental hazards of their mind are, in fact, present in their game.

And, if they are humble enough to admit it on their own, they often think self-talk and logic are enough to defuse the anger, frustration, tension, and inability to maintain focus that plagues their round.

Sure, that may work - at a snail's pace (if at all).

But it will never get to the core of what's really catalyzing the collection of sabotaging behaviors keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of performance.

If you want to experience rapid, effective change in how you manage emotions and maintain a confident, calm, and focused demeanor on the course, hypnosis is your answer.

In today's episode, I'll first discuss what hypnosis is not, before detailing what it is, how it works, and how it can help you shoot lower scores.

Start listening. 

> > > P.S. If you're interested in learning more about how mindset coaching and hypnotherapy can help you get unstuck from the proverbial bunker of poor performance on the course and off the course, click here to schedule a coaching discovery call with me. 

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Want more detail and examples of how hypnosis is helping my clients shoot lower scores AND a free recorded hypnosis audio to help you play better?

Grab both of these free resources here.*

Key Quotes:

• "Hypnosis is a powerful tool for transformation that can change the reality and the trajectory of your life really fast."
• "When you're in this hypnotic state, you bypass all of that noise, negativity and nonsense."
• "Your brain's ability to adapt, change, rewire, form new neural pathways and connections as you accumulate new experiences and learn new information."
• "The subconscious mind influences 95% of behavior, and hypnosis provides a shortcut to accessing and transforming it."
• "Hypnosis allows golfers to bypass the critical judgmental voice of the conscious mind and directly connect with their subconscious, leading to rapid change and improved performance."

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset 
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

Meet Luke Barton, the Business Development Director for 360IT Partners who has a sub-four handicap. 

Luke's golf journey began by grabbing a bag of clubs that was left out with his neighbor's trash. It was this curiosity that sparked an incredible rise in his skill and a drop in his score as he began to play the game of golf. And, just last week, Luke carded his lowest score ever - a 69 at one of his local courses in Virginia Beach. 

In today's episode, we go inside the mind of Luke to learn and unpack the value he places in continuing to improve his mental game. Specifically, Luke digs into the importance of curiosity and preparation in course management strategy, and discusses the role of what we inevitably refer to as Big Driver Energy (BDE) and the ego off the tee box. 

He also highlights major mental game and physical game changes that helped him move from a high 80s player to a consistent low 70s player. 

Start Listening. 

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Key Quotes:

• "Investing in the mental game is crucial for success in golf."
• "Balancing ego and strategy is important to avoid counterproductive outcomes."
• "Curiosity and course management can greatly impact decision-making on the course."
• "Getting fitted for equipment can make a wildly large difference."

Learn more about Luke and his work at 360IT Partners. 

Join our free and growing community of serious golfers chasing scratch: 

The (Aspiring) Scratch Golfer's Society.

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

Subscribe to the Weekly Scratch Golfer's Playbook: 

Every Saturday morning, you'll get proven, actionable insight to overcome the emotional and mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance - in less than 5 minutes.

https://golfmindsetcoaching.com/scratch-golfers-playbook/ 

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up
• 03:03 Investing in the Mental Game
• 07:53 Balancing Ego and Strategy
• 11:43 Curiosity and Course Management
• 15:37 Taking Inventory: Physical and Mental State
• 23:37 Managing Pressure and Performing Well in Tournaments
• 26:15 Course Management and Strategy for Better Results
• 35:08 The Power of Asking for Help and Being Self-Aware
• 37:23 Cultivating a Calm and Focused Mindset for Better Golf Performance

Dr. Trevor Hirsch is a Titleist Performance Institute Medical Level 2 Certified Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Owner of Empower U PT & Performance, which specializes in adding years and yards to golfer's games.

In today's episode, we go inside the mind of Dr. Hirsch to learn more about the value of an off-the-course exercise regimen, as well as the specific types of exercises, movements, and muscle groups that should be prioritized to shoot lower scores consistently. 

We discuss injury prevention, specific exercises you should be doing (and not doing) to add years and yards to your game, the difference between mobility and flexibility work, the overlooked importance of the glute in your golf swing, and much more.

Start listening!

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Key Quotes:

• "The number one mistake golfers make is not exercising outside of golf. Golfers need to be athletes and work on strength and mobility."
• "Golf is a game you can play your entire life, but many golfers neglect exercise and don't view themselves as athletes."
• "The glutes and the core are the most active muscle groups in the golf swing."
• "Optimizing health through stress management, sleep, nutrition, and exercise is crucial for golfers."

About Dr. Trevor Hirsch

Dr. Trevor Hirsch founded Empower U PT & Performance in 2019 where they specialize in adding years and yards to golfer's games. He received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 

He is Titleist Performance Institute Medical Level 2 certified and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Empower U's mission is to empower active people to be their healthiest selves so they can perform their life's passions at the highest levels. Their vision is to build the optimal environment where passionate clinicians and clients can be their best selves while achieving their individual goals

Learn More: https://empoweruptp.com/

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YoutTube

Join our free and growing community of serious golfers chasing scratch: 

The (Aspiring) Scratch Golfer's Society.

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

Subscribe to the Weekly Scratch Golfer's Playbook: 

Every Saturday morning, you'll get proven, actionable insight to overcome the emotional and mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance - in less than 5 minutes.

https://golfmindsetcoaching.com/scratch-golfers-playbook/ 

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:10 The Importance of Physical Fitness for Golfers
• 08:48 Common Mistakes in Golfers' Exercise Routines
• 11:25 Customizing an Exercise Program for Golfers
• 14:35 Differentiating Off-Season and In-Season Training
• 21:14 Working with a Fitness Professional to Improve Golf Performance
• 23:17 Core and Glute Strength
• 27:11 Comprehensive Training Approach
• 32:43 Optimizing Health
• 36:14 Specific Exercises
• 39:19 The Value of a Team

If you've ever readied yourself for a shot by executing your entire pre-shot routine, yet, felt that at the last moment, something was "off," yet, hit the shot anyway…

You are guilty of the anyway shot.

And, this shot may be costing you as many as 6 - 10 (or more strokes) per round!

In today's episode, I detail the anyway shot: what it is, why it happens, how it effects your game, and actionable steps you can take to do it less often.

I also update you on the next round of nine holes I played, my continued swing progress, and where in the game of golf I feel I'm making strong strides.

Start Listening.

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Noteworthy Sound Bites:

"An anyway shot is any particular situation you find yourself in where you know that something is off. Something is not quite right, almost as if there is a crack in your metaphorical pre-shot routine armor. Yet, you hit the shot anyway."

"My estimate is you might hit at least five to 10 anyway shots throughout an entire 18-hole round. That could be five to 10 different strokes you could potentially save if you gather the courage, awareness, and composure to back off the ball any time something doesn't feel right."

"Can we identify a theme, trend, or pattern? Does it occur in particular situations where you have a lie that you haven't worked on much? Anytime you're hitting a shot where there's doubt, uncertainty, second-guessing, or just a general, 'I have no clue,' it's just an opportunity to make a note during your round on what you need to study and focus on away from the course."

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Anyway Swing

07:17 - The Cost of Anyway Shots

10:46 - Identifying Areas of Improvement

13:09 - Emotional Regulation and Pressure Management

15:57 - Overcoming the Fear of Judgment and Rejection

Join our free and growing community of serious golfers chasing scratch: 

The (Aspiring) Scratch Golfer's Society.

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

Subscribe to the Weekly Scratch Golfer's Playbook: 

Every Saturday morning, you'll get proven, actionable insight to overcome the emotional and mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance - in less than 5 minutes.

https://golfmindsetcoaching.com/scratch-golfers-playbook/ 

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

"If you shot a 65 [on 9 holes] and I'm a much better golfer, why the f&ck would I listen to you?"

If you're here for swing technique and to discuss the various equipment options and the latest golf tech available, this isn't the show for you.

In today's episode, I answer that question directly, update you on a frustrating (putting it kindly) practice round experience I had, and give you the details behind my second 9 holes. You'll meet my unexpected playing partner, Derek, and likely see a major part of yourself in how he introduced himself and talked about his golf game. 

Additionally, I'll dig deep into an often unexplored and shied-away aspect of the game that's inhibiting your swing (and ability to shoot low scores): your off-the-course emotional management.

If you have difficulty separating what's going on at work or at home from the course, this episode will serve as a powerful wake-up of awareness that helps you see and understand just how problematic things may be.

Start listening now. 

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

Join our free and growing community of serious golfers chasing scratch: 

The (Aspiring) Scratch Golfer's Society.

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

Subscribe to the Weekly Scratch Golfer's Playbook: 

Every Saturday morning, you'll get proven, actionable insight to overcome the emotional and mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance - in less than 5 minutes.

https://golfmindsetcoaching.com/scratch-golfers-playbook/ 

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: Tension and Guilt on the Golf Course
11:26 The Impact of Guilt on Performance
14:16 Emotional Awareness and Management
21:47 Overcoming Emotional Barriers with Self-Compassion
25:36 The Importance of Emotional Awareness in Others
32:24 Continuous Improvement on the Path to Becoming a Scratch Golfer
37:35 Conclusion: Emotional Awareness and Management in Golf and Life

"I felt an unnecessary urgency and sense of pressure to play quick and continued to feel like the foursome behind me was breathing down my neck the entire round."

That quote is from my post-round reflection.

This proved quite triggering and inevitably initiated a cascade of false urgency, anxiety, and frustration that contributed to nasty self-talk, stupid stories, and mistake after mistake on the course.

In this episode, I share a raw look into my mindset and emotions during my first round of 9 holes. You'll laugh, learn, and find it eerily relatable.

Start listening.

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

In the first full-length episode, I bring you up to speed on my golfing journey and share clarity on my goal and timeline to becoming a scratch golfer.

I'll briefly introduce you to my professional background, as well, before digging into what will ultimately serve as the foundation behind why you and I both begin shooting lower scores on the course.

I'll introduce you to the concept of a Destructive Mindset Program and begin to uncover the collection of common mental and emotional hazards of your mind that keep you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance.

If you've been curious as to when, how, and why your own mind may be holding you back from playing better golf consistently, this episode is for you.

Start listening. 

***

Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter.

This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. 

Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential.

Subscribe now.

***

For all things 1:1 Mental Game Coaching, Group Mental Game Coaching, and Speaking, visit me here: www.golfmindsetcoaching.com.

For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @scratchgolfermindset
• Twitter: @paulsaltercoach
• LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Evan Singer, Mental Coach and Host of The Par Train Podcast, for a conversation that blends golf, life, relationships, and fatherhood into one powerful masterclass on resilience, self-awareness, and asking for what you want. 

From transforming pain into purpose to managing stress on the course, Evan shares how to find clarity in what you truly want—whether in golf, business, or love—and how to use reflection as a performance supercharger. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why discomfort is often the catalyst for clarity and growth
• How to ask for what you want without fear or guilt
• The "full body yes" test for making aligned decisions
• A simple yet powerful framework for managing on-course stress
• How to build a reset routine after back-to-back bad holes
• The role of ruthless reflection in accelerating improvement
• What fatherhood teaches about perspective, presence, and priorities

This is a conversation about slowing down, embracing discomfort, and learning to "enjoy the ride" no matter what life throws your way.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Evan

Evan Singer is the co-founder and co-host of The Par Train podcast, a top-ranked golf and mindset show that blends sports psychology, personal growth, and on-course strategy. 

Drawing from years of mental performance coaching, personal development work, and his own journey through life's challenges, Evan helps golfers transform their mental approach to the game and life. He works with players of all skill levels to build resilience, improve focus, and enjoy the ride—no matter what obstacles come their way.

More about Evan and the Part Train Podcast here.

Connect with Evan on Instagram here. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Enjoying the ride isn't about everything going to plan—it's about embracing discomfort as part of the journey.
• Pain and setbacks are often the catalysts for clarity and change.
• Clarity comes from experimentation, not overthinking. Evan found love by treating dating like a learning process instead of a performance.
• Most people stay stuck in "what they don't want" instead of taking action toward what they do want.
• Asking for what you want—even if it's not on the "menu"—can radically change your experience.
• Stress thrives in ambiguity. It fades when you have something concrete to focus on, like a finish cue in your swing.
• Ruthless reflection (in golf and life) accelerates growth and learning.
• True fulfillment balances selfishness (knowing what you want) with selflessness (being present for others).
• Nervousness and excitement feel similar but come from different frames—fear is defensive, excitement is offensive.
• You must slow down to build awareness. Slowing down brings your thinking brain back online.

Key Quotes:

• "Some of my most painful experiences in life have single-handedly led me to the greatest things in my life."
• "When you start saying no to the wrong fits, you're signaling to the universe that you're ready for the right one."
• "You can't tell a soldier in Iraq to act like it's North Carolina—you have to accept where you are and work from there."
• "Stress fades when you strip away the noise and focus on a task you feel competent enough to do."
• "True happiness lives on the line between selfish and selfless—you need both to be your best."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Embracing the Journey: Finding Joy in Discomfort
• 10:47: The Power of Clarity: Understanding What You Truly Want
• 21:46: Asking for What You Want: The Art of Self-Advocacy
• 27:22: Selflessly Selfish: The Importance of Personal Needs
• 29:53: Understanding Excitement vs. Nervousness
• 36:34: Stress Management: Strategies for Success
• 43:06: Lessons from Fatherhood: Empathy and Growth

What if the reason you can't sleep the night before a big round—or why you can't stop obsessing over quarterly numbers—isn't about golf or business at all… 

…but about a childhood program that taught you love and belonging only come when you deliver results?

In this powerful solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I break down how childhood conditioning wires us to equate grades, trophies, and revenue with self-worth—and why that creates a boom-and-bust cycle of stress, burnout, and inconsistency on the course and in business. 

You'll learn how to detach from outcomes, reset expectations, and anchor to a relentless process so confidence rises, performance stabilizes, and results follow (in golf and life). If you're ready to trade scoreboard obsession for sustainable growth, this one's for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "results = worth" is a destructive mindset program—and how it formed
• How outcome attachment fuels burnout, anxiety, and relationship strain
• The difference between expectation and reality (and how that gap breeds doubt)
• The "law of lagging results" and how to think in 3–6 month horizons
• How to measure success by execution quality (process > outcome)
• How process mastery builds durable confidence that travels off the course

If you've ever walked off the 18th green or closed your laptop at midnight feeling like your score or your sales defined your worth as a person, this episode is for you. 

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist

Key Takeaways:

• Outcome attachment is learned early; many of us equate love/approval with winning or straight A's.
• When worth is tied to scorecards and sales, every dip triggers shame, fear, and urgency masked as "hustle."
• Expectation–reality gaps invite doubt; manage expectations to calm your nervous system and execute better.
• Golf and business have lagging results—today's outcomes reflect the last 3–6 months of execution.
• Process execution (pre-shot, practice, post-round) is the only victory fully in your control—and it compounds.
• Scoring your day by execution quality builds a bank account of evidence and genuine confidence.
• Detachment isn't apathy; it's a disciplined focus on controllables that ultimately produces better results.

Key Quotes:

• "Your results are feedback, not a verdict on your worth."
• "Detachment is discipline—it frees you to execute the process with clarity."
• "Manage expectations, and your emotions stop hijacking the wheel."
• "Today's score is the echo of the last 3–6 months of work."
• "If you want better results, measure what you can control: execution quality."
• "Confidence grows fastest when you tie it to consistency, not trophies."
• "You don't need bigger goals—you need a tighter process and fewer leaks."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Self-Worth
• 07:17: Understanding the Attachment to Results
• 13:59: The Consequences of Tying Self-Worth to Results
• 15:21: Strategies for Detaching Self-Worth from Results
• 23:08: Action Steps for Personal Growth

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with one of Europe's leading Performance Coaches and the Founder of Mind Caddie app, Karl Morris, to dive deep into why attention is the true currency of performance—both on the golf course and in life. 

We explore how to train your focus in a world full of distractions, the power of asking better questions to guide every shot, and how to gamify your mental training so you can measure and improve it. Karl shares practical tools for shifting from threat mode to opportunity mode, building resiliency through acceptance, and closing the gap between your range game and your on-course results. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why attention—not time—is your most valuable resource in golf
• How to use powerful, well-timed questions to sharpen focus instantly
• The "tick game" method to measure and improve your mental game
• How to shift from threat mode to opportunity mode on the course
• Practical strategies for staying present between shots
• Ways to bridge the gap between range performance and on-course execution
• How identity and intentionality shape your results and enjoyment

If you've ever struggled to stay present, manage your thoughts, or bring your best game to the course, this conversation is packed with strategies you can start using right away.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Karl

Karl Morris is one of Europe's leading performance coaches, with over 30 years of experience helping golfers at every level—from weekend players to multiple Major champions—unlock their potential. Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Karl specializes in mental game strategies that are easy to apply under pressure. 

He has worked with six Major winners, dozens of European Tour and PGA Tour professionals, and countless elite amateurs. As the founder of The Mind Factor and creator of the Mind Caddie app, Karl is dedicated to making mental performance training accessible, actionable, and results-driven for golfers worldwide.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Attention is the true currency of performance – In golf and in life, where you place your attention determines your results and your experience.
• Better questions create better focus – Asking "What does a good shot look like here?" can instantly direct your mind toward a clear, useful target.
• Gamifying your mental game builds consistency – The "tick game" creates a measurable way to track focus and commitment on every shot.
• Acceptance fuels resiliency – Being willing to deal with the reality of the game (good shots, okay shots, poor shots) allows you to bounce back faster.
• Golf is an opportunity, not a threat – Viewing each shot as a chance rather than a danger shifts physiology, mindset, and performance.

Key Quotes:

• "Attention is the currency of performance."
• "You don't have to believe what you think; there's a difference between having thoughts and deliberate thinking."
• "The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your questions."
• "Acceptance isn't being happy about a bad shot—it's being willing to deal with the reality of the game."
• "We're making it all up anyway—so make up something that serves you."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Attention as the Currency of Performance
• 02:57: The Power of Questions in Golf
• 05:51: Gamifying the Mental Game
• 08:42: Resiliency and Acceptance in Golf
• 11:38: The Role of Curiosity and Observation
• 14:32: Framework for Mental Training
• 17:31: The Four Quadrants of Mental Game
• 25:53: Understanding the In-Between Time in Golf
• 26:31: The Power of Presence: Tuning into the Senses
• 29:19: Mental Game: Training Attention Away from the Course
• 31:43: The Impact of Modern Distractions on Focus
• 36:30: Translating Range Skills to the Course
• 40:33: The Importance of Identity in Golf Performance
• 42:55: Gratitude: The Key to Enjoying the Game
• 44:54: Innovative Tools for Golf Improvement

Why is it so easy to bet on your favorite team, stocks, or fantasy league—yet so hard to bet on yourself? 

In this powerful solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I share why most people avoid going all in on themselves and the fears, excuses, and illusions of control that keep them stuck.

I open up about my own story of leaving a secure path at IMG Academy, walking away from 90% of my income at Renaissance Periodization, and investing $50,000 into a coach when I had nothing certain lined up—all because I was committed to betting on myself.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why people avoid betting on themselves and play small
• How illusions of control keep you stuck in fear and excuses
• The hidden cost of betting only on things outside your control
• Why responsibility, rejection, and uncertainty scare us—and how to face them
• How betting on yourself creates confidence, peace, and exponential growth
• The role of short-term sacrifice in creating long-term fulfillment
• Why modeling self-belief inspires and lifts everyone around you

This episode is a wake-up call: stop dimming your light, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and take the risk. Because the greatest bet you'll ever place—the one with the highest return—is the bet you place on yourself.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist

Key Takeaways:

• People prefer to bet on what they can't control because it gives them an excuse when things don't work out.
• Betting on yourself means full ownership—no one else to blame.
• Fear of judgment, rejection, and failure keeps most people from going all in.
• Responsibility is scary, but it's also the path to peace and fulfillment.
• My leap from RP coaching and a $50,000 investment was proof of betting on myself—and it paid off.
• Confidence and belief are built in action, not in waiting for certainty.
• Betting on yourself elevates everyone around you through your example.

Key Quotes:

• "You can't become better unless you bet on yourself."
• "When you bet on things beyond your control, you reinforce self-doubt."
• "Fear and confidence can coexist—you can be scared and certain at the same time."
• "The biggest risk isn't failing. It's never knowing what could have happened if you bet on yourself."
• "Money comes and goes. Focus and attention are the true currencies of high performance."
• "Stop dimming your light—you're teaching your kids it's okay to play small."
• "Every bet you place on yourself creates a ripple effect of belief, confidence, and growth."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Why We Bet on the Wrong Things
• 02:00: My Early Career at IMG Academy
• 04:30: Cold Calls & Finding RP
• 06:30: Building a Coaching Business
• 08:40: Walking Away from 90% of My Income
• 10:55: The $50,000 Bet That Changed Everything
• 12:30: Why We Avoid Betting on Ourselves
• 14:40: Two Paths: Conflict vs. Fulfillment
• 16:15: Rewiring Belief & Confidence
• 18:10: Fear and Confidence Can Coexist
• 20:15: The Hard Truth About Sacrifice
• 22:05: The Ripple Effect of Self-Belief
• 23:45: Final Challenge: Bet on Yourself

Tournament golf will test every ounce of your discipline, patience, and emotional control—and Michael Leonard has lived it. 

In this conversation, good friend and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, Michael Leonard, is back on the show to break down the real differences between the mental game and mindset training, the traits that separate consistent performers from the rest, and how to protect your energy when negativity surrounds you. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The key differences between the mental game of golf and true mindset training
• How to identify and eliminate self-talk that sabotages your performance
• Why protecting your energy is a prerequisite for tournament success
• The growth mindset traits every serious golfer must develop
• How to use your "dark side" and competitive drive as fuel for improvement
• Strategies for thriving in high-pressure, tournament conditions
• The #1 mistake golfers make when transitioning into competitive play

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Michael

Michael is the founder of Wicked Smart Golf, a brand and podcast dedicated to helping golfers shoot lower scores without overhauling their swings. 

A competitive amateur with hundreds of tournament rounds under his belt, Michael has authored a trilogy of golf improvement books covering breaking 90, breaking 80, and mastering tournament play. 

Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he simplifies the mental game, sharpens course management skills, and teaches players how to build the mindset needed to perform under pressure—on and off the course.

• Connect with him on Instagram.

• Watch him on YouTube.

• Purchase "Wicked Smart Golf" on Amazon.

• Subscribe to the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast. 

• Work with Michael.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset is how you think off the course. The mental game is how you execute on it.
• Self-talk, especially speaking in absolutes, directly shapes performance.
• Growth mindset starts with how you respond to others' success—use it as fuel.
• Purpose and competition keep men emotionally engaged and focused.
• Mentally tough golfers have self-discipline, challenge themselves, and "just keep going."
• Tournament golf requires planning, emotional regulation, and stimulus management.
• Stick to your routine. Under pressure, you fall to the level of your habits.
• The dark side—if understood—can be a powerful motivator.
• Complacency is the real enemy of progress.

Key Quotes:

• If you're not training mindset daily, it won't be there when you need it most.
• Self-talk isn't just words—it's wiring your subconscious for what happens next.
• Tournament golf exposes the gaps between preparation and performance.
• You fall to the level of your habits, not rise to your expectations.
• I don't want to retire. I want to die with nothing in the tank.
• Discipline eventually becomes identity—and that's where the breakthroughs happen.
• Sometimes you need to create an enemy to bring out your best.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Rebuilding Mindset After Loss
• 03:06: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf vs. Mindset
• 05:38: The Power of Self-Talk and Its Impact
• 08:50: Navigating Negative Influences in Golf
• 11:46: Embracing a Growth Mindset for Success
• 14:26: The Importance of Perseverance and Patience
• 17:27: Characteristics of Mentally Tough Individuals
• 20:18: The Role of Purpose in Motivation
• 24:58: The Purpose of Work and Life
• 26:05: Understanding Competitiveness
• 27:18: Defining Winning in Golf
• 28:14: Embracing the Dark Side
• 30:54: Using Enemies as Fuel
• 32:10: The Importance of Standing Out
• 33:13: Reflecting on Personal Growth
• 36:55: Common Misunderstandings in Tournament Golf
• 40:09: Staying Present in the Moment
• 41:26: Resources for Improvement

What do an NFL spitting incident and a sideline scuffle have to do with your scorecard? 

Everything—because they expose how quickly a Destructive Mindset Program (DMP) can hijack your brain and your behavior. 

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset, I break down the trigger → emotion → belief → behavior chain, discuss how it plays out on the course (and at work, and at home), and share how to dismantle these patterns so you stop self-sabotaging and finally play to your potential.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why triggers flip your brain "offline" and create tunnel vision
• The simple flowchart of every DMP: Trigger → Emotion → Belief → Behavior
• How anger, fear, or pressure quietly rewrite your self-talk mid-round
• Why "survive, not thrive" is your default—and how to reverse it
• Rapid reset tools (breathwork, presence, gratitude) you can use between shots
• The deeper identity-level work (mindset coaching + hypnosis) that rewires patterns

Listen now if you're done with two-steps-forward, three-steps-back rounds and ready to build beliefs and behaviors that hold under pressure.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• It's not "if," it's "when." Triggers will happen—build a plan for them.
• DMPs are learned. You fall back to what kept you "safe" before, even if it costs you now.
• Tunnel vision = trouble. Big emotions narrow attention and drive rash decisions.
• Scorecard sabotage is identity-level. Close to a breakthrough? Fear of success often fires a DMP.
• Awareness beats willpower. Map your trigger → emotion → belief → behavior sequence in writing.

Key Quotes:

• "When a trigger hits, an emotion hijacks the steering wheel of your decision-making."
• "Every DMP follows the same chain: trigger, emotion, belief, behavior—fast and unconscious."
• "Your brain is built to survive, not thrive; safety is familiar, not optimal."
• "On the course, you don't rise to your goals—you fall to your programs."
• "Awareness without action is trivia; awareness with a plan is transformation."
• "If you keep stopping what works right before the breakthrough, that's a DMP, not a discipline problem."
• "Success is a choice—once you retire the programs that keep choosing safety."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Irrational Behavior
• 02:53: Understanding Destructive Mindset Programs
• 05:36: Triggers and Emotional Responses
• 08:18: The Role of Learned Behavior
• 11:18: Relating Mindset to Golf and Poker
• 14:13: The Impact of Pressure and Expectations
• 16:55: Dismantling Destructive Mindset Programs
• 19:41: The Importance of Coaching
• 22:34: Conclusion and Future Directions

What if the very "stay positive" mindset you've been praised for is actually keeping you stuck? 

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I call out toxic positivity for what it is: emotional avoidance dressed up as optimism. 

We dig into why the golf world has gone too soft, how repressing anger and discomfort quietly drains your energy and focus, and why elite performers train themselves to operate when conditions are far from perfect.

You'll learn how to replace false cheer with authentic optimism—the relentless belief in yourself to handle hard things—using a simple three-step framework: Acknowledge, Accept, Act. We'll talk negativity bias, energy management, and why sitting with uncomfortable emotions turns them into teachers and fuel. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between toxic positivity and authentic optimism
• Why "be happy all the time" backfires on the course and at work
• How negativity bias hardwires you to scan for threats—and what to do about it
• The Acknowledge → Accept → Act playbook to perform under pressure
• How to use anger and discomfort as focused fuel, not dead weight

If you're ready to stop plastering a smile over struggle and finally play (and live) to your potential, this one's for you.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Toxic positivity = emotional avoidance. It looks noble but blocks growth, honesty, and results.
• Authentic optimism is belief + behavior. "This is hard—and I can handle it. Now act."
• Acknowledge, Accept, Act is the reset loop that turns emotions into execution.
• Negativity bias is real. Your brain defaults to threat-scanning; train optimism, presence, and focus deliberately.
• Operate when it's not perfect. Elite golfers perform amid discomfort, not after it disappears.

Key Quotes:

• "At its core, toxic positivity is emotional avoidance disguised as optimism."
• "Life isn't sunshine and rainbows—and neither is golf. Train for the valleys, not just the peaks."
• "Authentic optimism says: this hurts—and I can handle it. Then it moves."
• "Emotion is energy. Repress it and it leaks; face it and it fuels."
• "Write it down: Acknowledge. Accept. Act. That's how you play to your potential."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Understanding Toxic Positivity
• 04:15: The Dangers of Emotional Avoidance
• 09:16: The Reality of Negative Emotions
• 13:44: Why We Engage in Toxic Positivity
• 17:34: The Cost of Seeking Approval
• 21:01: The Importance of Acknowledgment and Acceptance
• 24:51: Authentic Optimism as a Solution

#90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side

In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus—longtime mental coach to Collin Morikawa and one of the leading experts in golf psychology and flow state training. 

We explore the often-overlooked layers of resilience, how to avoid complacency after success, and the tools to shift from fear to flow under pressure. Rick shares actionable strategies, cutting-edge technology insights, and practical routines you can apply both on and off the course to perform your best when it matters most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why resilience is just as important after success as it is after setbacks.
• The subtle difference between mental toughness and resilience—and why it matters.
• How to shift from a fear state to a flow state under pressure.
• The role of curiosity in replacing judgment and accelerating learning.
• How sensory triggers and breath work can prime you for peak performance.
• The measurable impact of technology on training focus and emotional regulation.
• Why outcome goals and process goals can—and should—work together.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Rick

Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is the Founder & CEO of Sessinghaus Performance Systems and Director of the FlowCode® Golf Academy. Holding a PhD in Applied Sports Psychology, Rick has been Collin Morikawa's mindset coach since Collin was eight—and continues to guide the two‑time major champion's mental game . 

Working at top golf and corporate academies, Rick specializes in training flow states, resilience, and performance routines to help golfers and high performers thrive under pressure.

Connect and work with Rick here. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is staying composed regardless of outcome—success can make you complacent, which requires just as much discipline to manage.
• Mental toughness is overrated. Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and curiosity are more sustainable mental skills.
• Flow happens when your perceived skill matches the challenge. Fear arises when you perceive the challenge as greater than your ability—even when it's not.
• You can train flow state through breathwork, anchoring routines, and sensory cues like music, temperature, or feel.
• Reflection—done without judgment—is essential. Curiosity > criticism.
• Technology like FocusCalm and Mendi can now measure brainwave activity and train real-time focus.
• Cold plunges and challenges off the course build resilience you can bring onto the course.
• It's okay to care about outcome—but learn to measure success through your process.
• You're good enough. That self-belief is the filter that colors every golf shot.

Key Quotes:

• Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about staying focused when things go well too.
• Curiosity over critical—that's our mantra for post-shot routines.
• Flow follows focus. You must train your attention to stay present.
• You're already good enough. Most golfers don't need more skill—they need more belief.
• Cold plunges aren't about golf—but they teach you how to do hard things. That transfers.
• Don't just do a routine because your coach told you to—make sure it gets you calm, confident, and committed.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Understanding Resilience
• 02:58: The Importance of Goal Setting
• 05:59: Curiosity Over Judgment
• 07:09: Resilience vs. Mental Toughness
• 08:56: The Mental Game vs. Mindset
• 10:53: Interferences in Performance
• 11:52: Flow State vs. Fear State
• 20:46: Engaging the Senses for Flow
• 23:15: Embracing the Present Moment
• 24:41: Building Resiliency Through Challenges
• 26:51: The Power of Sensory Anchors
• 29:07: Integrating Technology in Mental Training
• 34:42: Balancing Process and Outcome
• 39:16: The Dark Side of Performance
• 41:26: Affirming Self-Belief

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the theme of "good enough" and how it quietly sabotages your golf game, your business, and your life. 

While there are moments where good enough truly is enough, most of us fall into the trap of settling—choosing comfort over growth, validation over progress, and cruise control over chasing our true potential. 

Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons from both golf and life, I share how to break free from the "good enough" plateau and move toward being outstanding and even elite.

In this podcast, you'll learn:

• Why settling for "good enough" creates hidden frustration and incongruency
• How to recognize when you're coasting and mistaking a plateau for a peak
• The critical difference between being outstanding and staying outstanding
• Why fear of success, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are tied to "good enough"
• How to strategically choose where to accept "good enough" and where to go all in

If you're tired of settling, ready to raise your standards, and committed to stepping into the version of yourself you know you're capable of becoming—on the course and in life—then this is the episode you need to hear.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Good enough is comfortable—but comfort kills growth. Settling in golf, work, or relationships keeps you stuck in mediocrity.
• Raising your standards is the only way forward. What once worked won't take you to the next level.
• Outstanding requires imbalance. You can't be elite in every area—decide what matters most and accept good enough elsewhere.
• Fear of success fuels settling. Many golfers and professionals subconsciously hold back to avoid standing out, judgment, or failure.
• Honesty creates congruency. Be brutally honest with yourself and with others about where you want to be outstanding and where good enough is truly enough.

Key Quotes:

• "Good enough is comfortable, but it's also where dreams go to die."
• "If you want what the 5% have, you must be willing to do what the 95% are not."
• "Outstanding requires imbalance—you can't be elite in everything, and that's okay."
• "Scared is normal. Stuck is optional. Action is the antidote."
• "You can't talk the talk of outstanding while walking the walk of average."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset
• 01:41: The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Golf and Life
• 09:36: Raising Standards for Success
• 14:00: The Comfort of Good Enough vs. Potential
• 20:13: Honesty and Incongruency in Personal Growth
• 25:58: The Balance of Being Outstanding vs. Good Enough
• 34:15: Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with my mentor, world-renowned mindset and performance coach, Elliot Roe.

Together, we engage in a power discussion to unpack what truly separates high performers from the rest—how to release subconscious resistance, redefine balance, and access peak states on demand.

Elliot reveals why detachment from results is a prerequisite for sustained success, how subconscious childhood patterns quietly sabotage progress, and the science behind hypnosis as a tool for lasting transformation. He also dives into the relationship between identity, fear, and indecision—and how understanding these elements can elevate your performance on the course, in business, and in life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to balance ambition and detachment to perform your best under pressure.
• Why "invisible resistance" keeps you stuck—and how to finally remove it.
• The neuroscience of hypnosis and how it reprograms limiting beliefs.
• How identity and subconscious stories shape performance and self-worth.
• A simple exercise to reveal the habits separating you from elite performers.
• Why fear of success and fear of failure are two sides of the same coin.
• How presence—not anger or intensity—fuels true peak performance.

Whether you're chasing your next big win, breaking 80, or scaling your company, this conversation offers tactical frameworks and mindset shifts to help you remove the invisible brakes and unlock your true potential.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Elliot Roe

Elliot Roe is a leading expert in Mindset Optimization for High Performers and is the world's #1 Mindset Coach for poker players. His poker clients have won over $250,000,000 and nearly every major tournament title, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. Elliot's clientele also includes Olympic medalists, UFC Champions, Hollywood Actors, Business executives, and Wall Street traders. 

His unique mindset coaching system leverages the power of hypnotherapy to eliminate fears and breakthrough mental roadblocks, allowing you to operate in a state of peak performance every day.

Connect with Elliot:

• Mindset and Perofrmance Coaching
• On Twitter @elliotroe1
• Download the Primed Mind App

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Detachment drives performance: Balance isn't "soft"—it reduces emotional over-attachment to outcomes so you can execute under pressure.
• Build a non-variance win: Add a weekly pursuit (gym, BJJ, etc.) with incremental progress so your self-worth isn't hostage to poker/golf/markets.
• Calendar = truth: Audit your week. If sleep, family, training, and mindset work aren't scheduled, your goals are fantasy.
• Clear the landmines first: Use hypnosis/subconscious work to neutralize old emotional triggers so you're not "driving with the brakes on."
• Identity follows behavior: List what the best in your field do, mark what you're avoiding, and face those reps—belief grows after action.
• Indecision is ego-protection: Not deciding preserves the story "I'd win if I tried." Decide, act, and let data reshape the story.
• Presence beats anger: Elite performance (golf, trading, UFC, business) comes from calm focus and recovery skills—not rage or intensity.

Key Quotes:

• "If you know what to do and can't bring yourself to do it, you don't need a strategy coach—you need a mindset coach."
• "Balance isn't a weakness. It's a performance enhancer."
• "You can't separate who you are off the course from who shows up on the course."
• "Indecision is ego protection—it lets you believe you'd succeed if you tried."
• "Fear of failure and fear of success both whisper the same lie: I'm not enough."
• "Our work as coaches is to file down the edges of the cube until it rolls smoothly—until you're in flow."
• "You are not your issues. They're learned patterns—and they can be unlearned."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Importance of Balance for High Performers
• 07:01 Finding Clarity in Life Balance
• 16:08 Overcoming Invisible Barriers to Success
• 20:15 Understanding Hypnosis and Its Impact on Performance
• 23:43 Overcoming Invisible Resistance
• 26:29 Identifying Decision Points for Success
• 29:48 The Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Success
• 34:57 Smoothing the Edges: High Performance Coaching
• 38:05 The Continuous Pursuit of Evolution
• 41:49 Being vs. Doing: The Essence of Performance
• 45:10 The Role of Anger in High Performance

#88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, DECADE creator Scott Fawcett pulls back the curtain on the mental, emotional, and strategic demands of Q-School. 

He shares what it really takes to perform when your season—and possibly your career—hangs in the balance, from avoiding over-grinding in the weeks before to keeping composure on the final hole. 

Scott draws on decades of playing, caddying, and coaching experience to reveal the routines, mindset shifts, and course management tactics that separate those who earn their status from those who fall short.

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why over-preparing before Q-School can drain your best performance
• How to maintain discipline and stick to your strategy under intense pressure
• Simple course management rules that keep big numbers off your card
• How to handle the financial and emotional pressures of chasing your card
• The role meditation and mental training play in sustaining focus over multiple rounds
• Why caddying can sharpen your decision-making and mental game
• How to replicate your best habits from great rounds when it matters most

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Scott

Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game. 

With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores. 

His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge.

Scott's journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy. 

Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here.

Connect with Scott on Instagram here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Meditation isn't about no thoughts—it's about catching thought loops before they spiral.
• Mindset training is learning why you don't do what you know you should; mental game is learning what and how to think.
• Grinding before a tournament depletes your mental energy—less is more leading up to Q School.
• Tiger's real edge wasn't just skill—it was discipline, presence, and treating every shot the same.
• Routine > Novelty: Eat the same lunch, wear the same shirt—save mental energy for where it matters.
• Every shot must be attacked like your target is the flag—own your discipline and trust the process.
• Teaching or caddying for others sharpens your own mindset and awareness faster than anything else.
• Winning isn't about score—it's about growing through process and discipline.

Key Quotes:

• I thought meditation was about having no thoughts—turns out it's about recognizing your thoughts before they own you.
• If you abandon your strategy because of your score… you've quit. You didn't walk off the course, but you quit.
• Your work should be done before you get to Q School. If you're not playing great, get your mental energy right.
• Meditation is like losing 100 pounds without seeing progress for a year—pointless until it suddenly clicks.
• The best thing I ever did for my game was caddy for Will Zalatoris
• You don't need more talent. You need more patience, more trust, and more discipline.
• No NEW-trition on game day. Don't change a damn thing when it's time to perform.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Mindset and Meditation: The Journey Begins
• 02:53: The Power of Thought Patterns
• 05:43: Meditation in Golf: A Personal Experience
• 08:39: The Role of Music and Rhythm in Performance
• 11:40: Mindset vs. Mental Game: Understanding the Difference
• 14:21: Q School: The Make or Break Experience
• 17:29: Emotional Dynamics of Competing
• 20:10: Mental Preparation for Q School
• 23:05: The Importance of Balance and Rest
• 26:01: Slowing Down: The Key to Success
• 28:42: Practice with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity
• 34:49: The Importance of Pre-Shot Routines
• 37:18: Navigating Pressure in Golf
• 40:27: The Role of Money in Golf Careers
• 45:52: Defining Winning and Success
• 51:32: Key Advice for Q School Preparation

If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you.

Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines.

We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that's costing you distance, consistency, and recovery
• The most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don't need to be flexible!)
• How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilience
• What "movement modality" really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golf
• Simple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using today
• How barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shots
• A quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injury
• The surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your game
• How to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Lauren

Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf's online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best. 

In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program.

Learn more about and connect with Lauren here. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awareness
• Connecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stress
• Small, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performs
• Your feet are a key part of your swing—train them!
• Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep quality
• Yoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential

Key Quotes:

• I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better.
• Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side.
• Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care.
• You don't always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers
• 03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga
• 06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance
• 08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga
• 11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey
• 14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery
• 18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga
• 20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers
• 30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga
• 33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice
• 35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers

In this powerhouse episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by LPGA professional and mindset expert Debbie O'Connell to dive deep into what mindset really means—and how it differs from the mental game of golf.

If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you're bringing emotional baggage from life onto the course, this episode will feel like it was made for you.

Debbie and I discuss how your subconscious beliefs, emotions, and early life programming shape your identity as a golfer—and how shifting these beliefs can spark massive breakthroughs both on and off the course. From self-sabotage to self-worth, from fear to flow state, we cover it all.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• The key difference between mental game strategies and true mindset training
• Why emotional reactions on the course are often rooted in childhood patterns
• How to unearth and release limiting beliefs that create performance plateaus
• What it really takes to break through your "internal thermostat" and shoot lower scores
• How your identity shapes your results—and how to rewrite it
• The role of flow state, presence, and emotional regulation in consistent performance
• How golf is a mirror of your life—and how growth in one reflects in the other

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Debbie

Want to attend Debbie's three-day live event next month?

Text "YES" to 727-339-0106 

Then, text "FLOW" for her free flow state eBook. 

Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible's 10-lesson series "Game Time Golf Positive." She has also had multiple appearances on the Golf Channel, and has hosted numerous golf-oriented radio shows as well as the television show "Par Fore the Course."

Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, "Golf Positive! Live Positive!" which offers insight and practical solutions to help one achieve their goals both on and off the golf course.

As an advocate for teenage development and self-esteem, Debbie speaks in several local schools teaching skills to improve self-confidence and personal empowerment. Her positive energy and enthusiasm made her an easy choice to be the lead LPGA Professional for the LPGA Leadership Academy, whose mission is to teach teenage girls leadership skills and strategies through the game of golf. Debbie also co-hosted Instructional Golf Days in association with Anthony Robbins "Unleash the Power Within" programs.

Debbie holds certifications in John Maxwell Speaking, Training, Coaching; Strategic Intervention; DISC Training; and a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with minors in broadcasting and business from Western Kentucky University.

Connect with Debbie on her website.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset goes beyond routines. It's not just about pre-shot breathing or staying positive—it's about rewiring how you think, feel, and respond under pressure.
• You bring your whole self to the course. Your fears, beliefs, and emotional patterns show up in your swing, decision-making, and reactions.
• Fear drives self-sabotage. Fear of success, fear of failure, and fear of judgment all contribute to rushing, over-trying, and tightening up.
• Flow state is possible—and trainable. You can learn to access deeper focus and bypass conscious interference, creating effortless, confident swings.
• The subconscious is irrational. It's like a five-year-old running the show—until you learn to reprogram it.
• Reactions are patterns. Responses are power. You can train yourself to respond with calm, clarity, and curiosity—even after OB or three-putts.
• Change your identity, change your score. If you don't believe you're someone who can shoot in the 60s, your subconscious will keep the score higher.

Key Quotes:

• "We bring our whole selves to the game of golf."
• "The mental game is a checklist. Mindset is who you become."
• "Your subconscious doesn't care if it makes sense. It just wants to protect you."
• "The conscious mind is the goal-setter. The subconscious is the goal-getter."
• "Golf is just a mirror of your personal development journey."
• "You're either in the driver's seat of your life—or blaming someone else from the passenger side."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Energy Exchange
• 01:09: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf
• 03:10: The Depth of Mindset in Golf
• 04:55: Exploring Emotional Connections in Golf
• 08:18: The Impact of Mindset on Performance
• 10:28: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
• 10:56: The Role of Fear in Personal Growth
• 14:02: The Importance of Identity in Performance
• 21:57: Building Mental Toughness
• 31:53: The Power of Positivity
• 42:25: Taking Ownership of Your Story

In this solo episode, I break down a common but costly mistake most golfers make: confusing mental game strategies with mindset training. 

Though both live between your ears, they are wildly different—and both are required to break through the frustration plateau and play to your full potential.

I'll discuss how mental game strategies—like breath work, visualization, and pre-shot routines—are powerful, but only surface-level tools. If your identity is riddled with self-doubt, fear of judgment, or an "I'm not good enough" belief system, no amount of deep breathing can save your scorecard.

This episode is packed with real talk, powerful analogies (like club vs. swing and the shattered mindset vase), and a surprising case for the one habit that will skyrocket your mindset faster than anything else: fitness.

In this podcast, you'll learn:

• The key difference between the golf mental game and mindset training
• Why mental game tactics are necessary but not sufficient
• How identity-level beliefs sabotage your performance
• The real reason you skip steps you know you need to take
• Why knowledge alone isn't power—only action is
• How exercise is the ultimate mindset training tool
• Why lasting change requires going beneath the surface

Whether you're stuck in a cycle of two steps forward, three steps back—or ready to go beyond surface fixes—this episode will show you exactly what's been missing from your training and how to reclaim control of your results.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Mental game strategies are like clubs—you need the right one for each shot.
• Mindset training is your swing foundation—if that's broken, no club can help.
• You can't breathe your way out of a belief that you're not good enough.
• Dopamine-chasing golf hacks feel productive but keep you stuck.
• Your subconscious deploys sabotage when success feels unsafe.
• Lasting change requires addressing the root, not the symptoms.
• Fitness is the fastest, most effective way to train your mindset daily.

Key Quotes:

• "You can't breathe your way out of a belief system that's been running your life."
• "The best pre-shot routine in the world won't fix a fractured identity."
• "Mindset training answers the question: Why don't I do what I know I need to do?"
• "Mental game training is like club selection. Mindset is your swing."
• "Reading feels productive—but without action, it's just dopamine."
• "Fitness is intentional discomfort—it's the gym where mental toughness is built."
• "If you want to expand, you have to expand—starting with how much discomfort you can handle."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Why "Mindset" Matters More Than "Mental Game"
• 02:25: The Hidden Mistake Keeping You Stuck
• 04:52: What the Mental Game Really Is
• 07:09: Mental Game Tactics: Helpful but Limited
• 09:17: What Mindset Training Actually Targets
• 10:44: Why You Don't Do What You Know You Should
• 13:08: Club vs. Swing: A Game-Changing Analogy
• 15:12: Mind Over Feelings in Life and Golf
• 18:01: The Dopamine Trap of Mental Game Tips
• 20:32: Why Affirmations Alone Won't Save You
• 22:20: How Fear Sabotages You from the Inside
• 24:18: Using Hypnosis to Rewire Beliefs
• 26:25: The Vase Analogy: Rebuilding Your Identity
• 28:36: The #1 Way to Train Your Mindset
• 29:49: Discomfort Is the Gateway to Growth
• 32:01: Fit Body, Strong Mind: Why It Matters
• 34:13: Final Thoughts + Your Next Action Step

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by elite swing coach Joe Park to demystify the path to a consistent, efficient, and powerful golf swing.

Joe shares lessons from his decades of coaching—from helping high handicappers break 90 to training his sons as they pursue the PGA Tour. You'll hear how small changes to grip, tempo, and practice structure can completely transform your swing—and why you must practice to forget.

Joe breaks down his five golf swing fundamentals, explains why most golfers fail by chasing complexity, and outlines how to design and forge a swing that holds up under pressure. This episode blends mechanics, mindset, and the subtle art of self-coaching in a way that will resonate with golfers of all levels.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• The five core fundamentals Joe Park teaches to build a repeatable, powerful swing.
• Why grip is the most overlooked yet essential element in fixing slices and shaping shots.
• How to practice with intention by exaggerating drills to create long-lasting improvements.
• The key differences between single-digit handicaps and scratch players — and how to bridge the gap.
• Why "swing faster" might be the most underrated advice for gaining distance.
• How to balance mechanics and mindset for lasting results on the course.
• What most golfers get wrong on the range — and how to finally take your "range game" to the course.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Joe

Joe is a Master Teaching Pro with over 30 years of experience helping golfers better understand their golf swing through science, physics, and better thinking.

Located in Scottsdale Arizona, Joe moved w/ his family from Minnesota so that their two sons Bobby and Joey Park could play and practice in warmer weather.

They turned pro here at just 15 and 17 years old at the..WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN PRE QUALIFIER and eight years later are still chasing the dream of the PGA Tour and heading to Qschool this year. 

Learn more about Joe and get his newly released eBook, "Five Fundamentals: How To Make A Golf Swing" here. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• A good grip isn't natural — it's learned. Get it right, and you instantly solve 80% of your ball flight issues.
• Joe's "Five Fundamentals" begin with grip and move through takeaway, transition, impact, and follow-through.
• Most golfers swing too slowly in the backswing, leading to rushed transitions and reduced power.
• You can't practice mechanics and performance under pressure at the same time. Structure practice around exaggeration then application.
• Self-awareness and honest feedback are non-negotiable if you want to improve.
• Distance is simple: swing faster — and give yourself permission to do so.
• Golfers must learn to be less risky on the course. Play smart. Avoid blow-up holes.

Key Quotes:

• "Fundamentals never go out of style."
• "We practice to forget."
• "Intentional exaggeration is what changes your baseline."
• "A slinky doesn't snap unless it's been stretched."
• "You don't need more shots — you need fewer mistakes."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Joe Park's Golf Journey
• 03:10: The Five Fundamentals of Golf
• 06:04: Understanding the Golf Swing Mechanics
• 08:58: The Importance of Mental Game in Golf
• 11:59: Transitioning from Amateur to Professional
• 15:10: Mastering the Short Game
• 18:02: The Path to Becoming a Scratch Golfer
• 21:01: Developing a Pre-Shot Routine
• 24:00: Drills and Practice Techniques
• 26:57: Final Thoughts on Golf Mastery
• 31:00: The Art of Intentional Practice
• 34:08: Embracing Discomfort for Growth
• 36:53: Balancing Mechanics and Mindset
• 41:04: The Importance of a Structured Approach
• 44:59: Finding the Right Coach
• 50:00: Risk Management in Golf and Life

In today's episode, I get raw and unfiltered about the last 90 days of my mission to lower my handicap to a 5.0. 

I'll share the mindset evolutions, swing changes, and deliberate practice that have fueled my progress—and the mental battles that nearly derailed it.

I'll open up about embracing the darker side of performance, using frustration and anger as fuel, and challenging the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as golfers. Plus, you'll hear about exciting upcoming guests and why true transformation requires killing off the old version of yourself.

In this podcast, you'll learn:

• How to use deliberate practice to create breakthrough improvements
• Why confronting the dark side of your mindset can unlock new performance levels
• The role of identity shifts in sustaining progress
• How fitness and exercise build mental resilience
• Strategies to stay present when you start a round hot
• Why "creating fuel from nothing" can give you a competitive edge
• The importance of embracing discomfort to accelerate your growth

If you're tired of surface-level pep talks and ready to confront what's really holding you back, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, play bolder, and evolve faster.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• The stories you tell yourself about why you play—fun, camaraderie, no expectations—can become convenient excuses that hold you back from real growth.
• Reconnecting with your competitive fire and embracing your "dark side" can be the catalyst to break through plateaus and fuel consistent focus.
• Identity transformation isn't optional; you must let go of old patterns and self-perceptions to unlock the next level of performance.
• Structured, deliberate practice—short game reps, pre-shot routine work, and focused time under tension—creates the foundation for sustainable improvement.
• Overconfidence and mental time travel after early success in a round often lead to mistakes; learning to stay present shot by shot is crucial.
• Your fitness routine is a training ground for mental resilience—building the discipline to confront discomfort in the gym directly translates to composure on the course.
• Creating internal narratives, rivalries, and micro-competitions can sharpen your edge and help you maintain a higher level of intensity and accountability.

Key Quotes:

• "You can't change unless you change."
• "To achieve the light, you have to be able to handle the darkness."
• "Winning is so addictive—and I'm finally giving myself permission to crave it again."
• "Reps on reps on reps. That's how you rewire your identity."
• "Fitness is the gateway to mental toughness. You can't build grit without confronting discomfort."
• "I had to kill the Q1 version of me to evolve into the Q2 version—and I'll do it again."
• "What you're doing now isn't working. If you want to change, you need to change."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Updates
• 02:49: Reflections on Personal Growth and Mindset
• 05:40: The Journey of Q2: Performance and Challenges
• 08:45: Mindset Evolution and Competitive Spirit
• 11:24: Technical Adjustments and Coaching Changes
• 14:24: Equipment Upgrades and Fitness Regimen
• 17:08: Looking Ahead: Goals for Q3

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined once again by mental game coach and friend, Josh Nichols, for a deep and powerful conversation on the emotional and mental toll competitive golf can take—and how to overcome it.

Josh opens up about the burnout he experienced during the peak of his competitive career, the pivotal mindset shift that helped him release control, and why the addition of one important relationship completely changed how he viewed golf—and life. 

We explore the roots of golf burnout, the dangers of mismanaged expectations, and how learning to "see things as they are" is the gateway to emotional resiliency and freedom on the course.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• What golf burnout really looks and feels like—and how to spot the signs early
• Why "letting go" is one of the most powerful performance enhancers
• The true meaning of mental toughness (and what it's not)
• How focusing on the wrong metrics keeps you stuck and frustrated
• The role of coaching in creating clarity, saving energy, and accelerating growth
• How to build mindfulness into your day without a 60-minute ritual
• The danger of letting one hole define your entire round

If you've been pushing, forcing, and death-gripping your game into submission with little to show for it, this conversation is for you.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Josh Nichols

Josh Nichols is a Golf Psychology Coach, and has been playing competitive amateur golfer for over 20 years. Josh run's his own business, Foundations Mental Performance, where he works with individuals all over the world on their golf psychology as a way to help them play better golf and get more enjoyment out of the game.

• Host of The Mental Golf Show
• Author of The Mental Regrip Newsletter
• Twitter/X: @joshlukenichols
• Instagram: joshlukenichols

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Golf burnout stems from repeatedly falling short of unrealistic expectations.
• Adding meaningful relationships can bring balance and unexpectedly improve your game.
• Letting go of control frees up the energy and mindset needed to perform at your best.
• Most golfers wait too long to hire a coach—and pay for it in time, energy, and results.
• True mental toughness means staying neutral and grounded when chaos arises.
• The need to start strong often leads to unnecessary pressure and energy drain.
• Mindfulness doesn't require an hour—just five intentional minutes and presence throughout your day.

Key Quotes:

• "As you let go, you're more okay to let the game go—while you're playing better."
• "Burnout is not meeting your expectations over and over again."
• "You're not working on golf psychology—you're working on yourself."
• "Blind optimism is not toughness. Acceptance of reality is."
• "Hiring a coach frees you up to do your best work—and shortens your timeline to success."
• "The word 'need' always hides fear behind it."
• "See things as they are—that's the mindset that grounds everything."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Background
• 03:12: The Psychology of Golf and Coaching Philosophy
• 06:10: The Importance of Balance in Life and Golf
• 08:52: Understanding Golf Burnout
• 11:57: The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Challenges
• 15:00: The Impact of Relationships on Performance
• 18:07: Proactive vs. Reactive Coaching Decisions
• 24:06: The Value of Expert Guidance
• 27:02: Understanding Mental Toughness
• 30:35: The Importance of Focus
• 32:57: Mindfulness Practices for Golfers
• 38:18: Common Mental Mistakes in Golf
• 44:18: Seeing Things as They Are

Fear is the most common force keeping golfers—and people—stuck. 

But here's the truth: you're not actually afraid of missing the putt, chunking the chip, or topping your drive. 

You're afraid of what it means about you. 

• Of being judged. 
• Rejected. 
• No longer welcome. 

In this solo episode, I break down the hidden cost of living in fear and the subtle yet life-changing difference between feeling scared and being fearful. I also discuss timeless wisdom from the Stoics, actionable tools to diffuse fear, and a powerful exercise to help you move forward, on and off the course.

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why "fear" is a survival state—and why it's keeping you stuck
• The difference between being scared and being afraid
• The 3 primal fears that still drive modern-day self-sabotage
• How fear hijacks your imagination and narrows your focus
• Why standing out—even in a Saturday foursome—can trigger intense fear
• How to use action as a tool to break free from fear's grip
• What Tim Ferriss' "Fear-Setting" exercise can teach you about worst-case scenarios

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game
• Nerves or Readiness? How to Reframe Your Body's Physical Reaction on (and off) the Golf Course

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Fear is a state of being; scared is a temporary emotion. Understanding this distinction can unlock courageous action.
• All fear traces back to three primal drivers: judgment, abandonment, and rejection.
• Fear hijacks your nervous system and narrows your focus to the worst-case scenario.
• You don't fear the shot—you fear what it might mean about your worth or belonging.
• Action is the antidote to fear—it interrupts paralysis and builds self-trust.
• Avoiding fear feels safe, but it keeps you stuck and drains your energy.
• Hypnotherapy can help uncover and release the root causes of irrational fear.

Key Quotes:

• "Be scared. You can't help that. But don't be afraid." – William Faulkner
• "Fear is a choice. It does not serve you."
• "Feeling scared is normal—it means you care."
• "Golf is a mirror of your personal development journey."
• "Standing out is scary because it threatens your sense of belonging."
• "Suffer more often in imagination than in reality." – Seneca
• "Avoiding fear keeps you safe. Leaning into fear helps you grow."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Understanding Fear: The Core of Our Challenges
• 08:14: Types of Fear: The Fear Jar Explained
• 14:34: The Cost of Fear: Stagnation vs. Growth
• 23:04: Action Over Fear: Strategies for Overcoming
• 28:49: Conclusion: Embracing Fear for Personal Growth

In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well.

Shaun's background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that's rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How discipline and daily structure from Shaun's military background translate to golf and business success
• The difference between mobility, flexibility, and stability—and why most golfers get it wrong
• What golf fitness really means, and how to tailor your workouts to your specific swing, body type, and performance goals
• Why strength is your ultimate insurance policy against injury
• The critical importance of power and speed training—and how to implement them safely and effectively
• How better fitness directly fuels your mental stamina, clarity, and confidence during every round

Whether you're recovering from injury, struggling to break 80, or want to future-proof your body for decades of better golf, this episode lays out the exact roadmap to do so. Shaun delivers clear, actionable insight on how to train smarter, not harder—and how your body is your greatest golf asset when properly trained.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Shaun

Shaun is a golf fitness coach with over 15 years of personal training experience, including nearly a decade as a gym owner and the past five years specialising in coaching golfers. He believes in assessing, not guessing, to create personalised programs tailored to each golfer's unique needs and goals. 

His expertise lies in improving strength, mobility, and performance on the course, helping clients eliminate back pain, hit longer drives, and build consistent training habits. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Shaun delivers results by cutting through the fluff and focusing on what works so clients spend the least amount of time in the gym possible for the best results on course!

• Work with Shaun
• Follow Shaun on Instagram - @shaun.diachkoff 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Discipline creates identity. Shaun shares how military habits like structure and routine create consistency, build momentum, and ultimately forge a new identity—on or off the course.
• Mobility vs. flexibility. Know the difference. Flexibility is muscle length. Mobility is joint function. Most golfers confuse the two.
• Stability is strength. You can't build power without stability. Unilateral work like split squats and lunges balances your body and reduces swing faults.
• Power vs. speed training. Power is potential. Speed is expression. Both require different protocols in the gym—and both matter to golf.
• Low back pain? Look elsewhere. Most back pain isn't from the back itself—it's a consequence of limited mobility in the hips or thoracic spine.
• Fitness fuels mental energy. A fitter body reduces fatigue, improves focus, and boosts resilience—so you don't fall apart late in your round.

Key Quotes:

• What was once impossible becomes inevitable.
• Small hinges swing big doors.
• Fitness is the gateway to personal development.
• Stability is strength. And strength is injury prevention.
• You can't outscore your body.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Impact of Military Discipline on Life
• 02:57 Building Momentum Through Daily Habits
• 06:02 The Importance of Morning Routines
• 09:00 Understanding Golf Fitness
• 12:02 Common Misconceptions in Golf Training
• 14:58 The Role of Mobility, Flexibility, and Stability
• 17:50 The Connection Between Fitness and Golf Performance
• 26:50 Balancing Strength and Stability in Golf
• 32:51 The Importance of Mobility and Range of Motion
• 33:11 Understanding Speed vs. Power Training
• 40:14 Mental Benefits of Speed and Power Training
• 45:17 Addressing Chronic Back Pain in Golfers

In this powerful and enlightening episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by Steven Yellin, creator of the Fluid Motion Factor and one of the leading voices in understanding the neuroscience of performance in golf. 

Together, we dive deep into the mind-body connection, the neurophysiological conditions required for a fluid golf swing, and why most golfers unknowingly sabotage their own performance—especially when it matters most.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why your prefrontal cortex (the CEO of your brain) needs to go offline during the swing
• What it really means to have a quiet mind before pulling the trigger
• How to check your "threshold of wholeness" with a simple shoulder test
• The truth about consistency and how to stop recreating what you already own
• What the "rules of the bank" are—and how violating them leads to inconsistent performance
• How to train like a pro by focusing on quality of space, not quantity of reps
• How the depth of your thoughts determines access to the body's deepest intelligence

Whether you're an elite amateur or a weekend warrior, this episode will radically reshape how you think about practice, performance, and pressure. Steven's insights are a masterclass in mastering the mind-body connection and unlocking the swing you already have—on command.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Steven

Steve Yellin is a renowned golf instructor, author, and the creator of the Fluid Motion Factor, a revolutionary approach to optimizing performance in golf and other sports. With a background in both competitive golf and deep studies into the mechanics of peak performance, Yellin's work bridges the gap between technical training and the ability to access one's best swing under pressure.

His Fluid Motion Factor system has helped elite golfers, including PGA and LPGA Tour players, unlock their natural ability by eliminating interference in their mind-body connection. Instead of relying on mechanical swing thoughts, Yellin teaches golfers how to tap into a fluid state of motion, leading to greater consistency and confidence on the course.

• Purchase his book, "Simplicity: The Fluid Motion Factor Program"
• Follow Steven on Instagram - @steven_yellin

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• The quality of the space before the swing determines the quality of the swing.
• You're not broken—you're just violating the rules of the bank.
  
  
• Wholeness is a threshold state of mind where motion flows without interference.
  You don't need new swing thoughts—you need a new relationship with the ones you already have.
• Practicing the swing isn't as powerful as practicing access to your best swings.

Key Quotes:

• You're not recreating the swing—you're trying to access what you already own.
• When the prefrontal cortex goes offline, the swing goes online.
• Do less. The most powerful message I can give any golfer.
• It's not what you're thinking. It's how you're thinking it.
• Fear is the killer in a golf swing.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Understanding the Golf Swing Mechanics
• 03:06 Achieving a Quiet Mind for Fluid Motion
• 07:26 Accessing Muscle Memory and Wholeness
• 13:33 Quality of Space Before the Swing
• 20:41 The Role of Experience and Fear in Performance
• 24:08 Mind-Body Connection in Golf
• 31:50 Maintaining Consistency During a Round
• 39:18 Building a Strong Foundation for Improvement
• 42:06 The Power of Simplicity in Golf

I showed up to my first member-guest at Tampa Palms sick, under-prepared, and running on caffeine, ibuprofen, and grit—and still found a way to win our flight and taste the shootout. 

In this raw recap, I walk you through the chaos (slow play, no warm-up, rules hiccups), the lows (bunker disasters), and the highs (clutch sand save on the final hole). You'll hear exactly how I managed energy, self-talk, and strategy when my plan went to zero—and how those same mindset levers translate to your next round and your business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to manage expectations and energy when your prep falls apart
• The mindset shift that helped me play calm golf while feeling physically awful
• How to simplify focus and stay composed through delays, chaos, and pressure
• What poor communication (and one painful scoring mistake) taught me about teamwork
• The mental difference between avoiding a weakness and training through it
• Why gratitude is the fastest way to reset mid-round and regain confidence
• How emotional awareness off the course—like parenting guilt or stress—affects your game and composure on it

Buckle up for an exciting, relatable ride navigating plenty of highs and lows during an epic Member-Guest weekend. 

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist

Key Takeaways:

• Control the controllables, shrink the focus. Limited energy forced me to narrow attention to a few keys—hydration, tempo, target.
• Gratitude regulates performance. A 60-second gratitude reset shifted me from frustration to neutral and sparked a strong finish.
• Communication is strategy. Score-checking and slowing down on tap-ins would've saved a hole; over-communicate under stress.
• Bunker avoidance isn't a plan. Weakness avoidance became a liability; targeted reps + one committed technique are mandatory.
• Course management beats ego. Long irons and conservative lines kept us in play and in matches—even without driver.
• Blissful boredom wins. Treat each shot as routine; remove drama to keep execution steady through delays and chaos.
• Team > hero shot. Celebrate partners' contributions as much as your clutch moments; it strengthens trust when it matters.

Key Quotes:

• "I had zero energy—so I spent it on the only three things that moved the needle."
• "Gratitude was my reset button; it pulled me from anger back to neutral."
• "Avoiding a weakness is not a strategy—it's a ticking time bomb."
• "When the day goes sideways, shrink the goal to one shot and one breath."
• "Over-communicate scores under pressure; assumptions are expensive."
• "Blissful boredom is a superpower—routine drains the drama out of big moments."
• "Winning our flight wasn't one swing; it was two teammates honoring their roles."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Build-Up to the Member Guest Event
• 02:36: Experiencing the Member Guest Event
• 05:27: Navigating Challenges and Expectations
• 08:35: Reflections on Performance and Resilience
• 11:16: The Final Matches and Lessons Learned
• 13:57: The Shootout Experience and Takeaways

Today, I'm joined by Justin Tang - one of THE distinguished golf instructors you should be following and learning from.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How elite golfers cultivate focus, confidence, and a mastery mindset.
• Why acceptance and emotional flexibility are key to playing your best.
• How peripheral vision affects brain waves and performance.
• Why most golfers practice the wrong way—and how to fix it.
• The one-ball challenge—a mental toughness test that will change how you play.
• How to detach from expectations and emotional reactions on the course.
• Why playing golf should be a celebration of relationships and experiences.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Justin

Justin Tang is a distinguished golf instructor based in Singapore, renowned for his holistic approach to golf coaching that integrates technical proficiency with mental and physical conditioning. 

He began his professional teaching career in 2005 at Keppel Club, Singapore's oldest golf course, and currently serves as a club professional at Tanah Merah Country Club, one of Singapore's premier golf establishments.

He's also the co-host of The Flag Hunters Podcast with our good friend Jesse Perryman.

Learn more about Justin here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Swing: The mental game isn't optional. It's the foundation for success.
• What You Consume Shapes Your Thoughts: Social media, negativity, and poor influences affect your game more than you realize.
• Practice Must Simulate Pressure: If your practice isn't harder than competition, you're not preparing properly.
• Detach from Outcomes, Stay Present: Golf is unpredictable—accept it, embrace it, and play freely.
• Success is Built on Objectivity, Not Emotion: Learn to evaluate your shots with facts, not feelings.
• Play More, Practice Smarter: A perfect swing isn't the answer—playing in real conditions builds skill and adaptability.
• Your Why Matters More Than Your How: Understand why you play, and your path to success becomes clearer.

Key Quotes:

• "You think the thoughts you consume—be careful what you feed your mind." 
• "The best players don't beat themselves; they stay present, focused, and in control." 
• "To gain control, you have to lose control. You can't force success." 
• "Every round has setbacks. The difference between great and average players is how they respond." 
• "Golf is not black and white—it's 50 shades of green." 
• "The scorecard only has a box for a number, not a narrative. Stop trying to control the story." 
• "The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Power of Early Mornings
• 02:57 Introspection Amidst Chaos
• 05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Focus
• 08:56 Understanding Self 1 and Self 2
• 11:58 The Journey of Continuous Learning
• 14:57 Embracing Challenges with Curiosity
• 18:04 The Importance of Acceptance in Golf
• 20:56 Practicing Mindset for Performance
• 23:54 Training for Real-World Scenarios
• 31:07 The Commonality Among Tour Golfers
• 34:43 The Mental Game of Golf
• 37:24 Surrendering to the Process
• 40:10 Objective Evaluation of Performance
• 42:50 The Joy of Golf and Relationships
• 46:55 The Balance of Practice and Play

In this solo episode, I discuss how unaddressed emotional energy leaks quietly sabotage your golf game—and your life. Using a powerful analogy of driving with a leaky fuel tank, I'll help you connect the dots between repressed emotions, mental fatigue, poor performance, and inconsistent results.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• Why repressed emotions like guilt, shame, and frustration silently drain your energy
• The difference between small vs. large and conscious vs. unconscious energy leaks
• How poor energy management prevents habit formation and consistent play
• Why vague effort and indecision are subtle but costly forms of sabotage
• What your body and performance are telling you about your emotional state
• How breathwork, journaling, and hypnosis help release stored emotional tension
• Why managing your energy is the foundation for success in golf—and in life

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code "salter" at checkout to save 10%.

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Emotion is energy in motion; repressed emotions silently drain your fuel tank before you even reach the first tee.
• You can't outperform your energetic budget—when you're depleted, you fall back on old habits, not rise to your goals.
• Small energy leaks (like skipping warmups or doom scrolling) compound into massive performance drops over time.
• Large emotional leaks stem from unresolved trauma, guilt, grief, or shame that often go unnoticed but massively impact performance.
• Most golfers don't lack information—they lack energy and emotional regulation to follow through.
• Behavior change and habit formation require a large upfront energy investment—impossible when you're already drained.
• Protecting your energy isn't optional—it's the foundation for becoming the golfer and person you're capable of being.

Key Quotes:

• "Emotion is energy in motion. And if you don't process it, it doesn't disappear—it just quietly drains you."
• "You don't have a mindset problem. You have an energy problem."
• "When you're running on empty, you don't rise to the occasion—you fall back to your habits."
• "Lack of intentionality and unresolved emotion are two of the biggest fuel leaks in your game and your life."
• "The version of you that plays to your potential needs energy to come online. Protect your energy like your life depends on it."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Energy Leak Analogy
• 05:02: Understanding Emotional Energy
• 10:05: The Impact of Repressed Emotions
• 14:49: Identifying Energy Leaks
• 20:00: Strategies for Energy Management
• 25:03: The Importance of Intentionality
• 30:05: Conclusion and Call to Action

#76: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Bob Winters (The Confidence Doctor): Building Confidence and Playing Mistake-Free Golf

In this powerful episode, I sit down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters - affectionately known as The Confidence Doctor - to explore how true confidence is built, sustained, and reclaimed after setbacks.

Dr. Winters explains why confidence isn't something you're born with - it's something you build through competence, commitment, and mental resilience. He breaks down the difference between confidence, arrogance, and false bravado, and why confidence without skill is just noise. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why confidence is earned—not inherited
• The difference between real confidence, arrogance, and bravado
• How to recover from slumps, setbacks, and embarrassing mistakes
• Why your physiology changes your psychology (and your performance)
• The two mindset trophies you must win before every round
• How to stop hitting "anyway" shots and start committing with clarity
• What Hakuna Matata and I can handle this have in common

If you want to win your club championship, break 80, or just stop getting in your own way, this episode is a must-listen (and re-listen).

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Dr. Bob

Dr. Robert K. Winters, affectionately known as "Dr. Bob," is an internationally renowned sports psychologist, author, and professional speaker with over 45 years of experience in the field of sports performance. 

He holds a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology from the University of Virginia, along with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ball State University. Dr. Winters has dedicated his career to understanding the psychological components of athletic excellence, focusing on confidence development and mental toughness. 

He has worked with a diverse range of athletes, including PGA and LPGA Tour professionals, collegiate teams, and junior athletes

• Purchase "The 10 Commandments of Mindpower Golf"
• Connect on Instagram - @dr.bobwinters 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence is not arrogance—it's earned through competence and repetition
• Your environment, not your DNA, builds early confidence
• Commit 100% to your plan—especially when it matters most
• Real confidence doesn't need external validation
• Your body language influences your brain: walk like a winner
• Persistence > talent. Confidence is a self-fulfilling prophecy

Key Quotes:

• Confidence is the mental and emotional strength to resist doubt, worry, and anxiety—and still move forward.
• The moment you change your mind, you change your game
• If you're always looking for others' approval, you'll always be searching.
• You don't fake it 'til you make it. You do it until you become it.
• Average is a crowded place. Greatness is lonely—and worth it.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Journey to Confidence
• 06:05 Defining Confidence vs. Arrogance
• 12:04 The Importance of Standing Out
• 15:57 Cultivating Confidence
• 24:08 Bouncing Back from Mistakes
• 29:02 Hakuna Matata: Embracing a Positive Mindset
• 31:14 The Connection Between Fitness and Confidence
• 38:11 Commitment: The Foundation of Confidence
• 44:47 Quality Over Quantity: The Right Practice
• 52:40 Creating Confidence Through Commitment

In this solo episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked performance multipliers in both golf and life: intentionality. 

Drawing from dozens of recent coaching calls, I explore how a lack of intentionality silently sabotages your progress and reveals hidden fears, limiting beliefs, and patterns of self-protection.

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why lack of intention isn't laziness—it's a defense mechanism rooted in fear.
• How fear of both failure and success cause self-sabotage during rounds.
• Why intention is the bridge between present-moment focus and flow state.
• The mental cost of vague effort and how it keeps you stuck.
• How beliefs like "I'm not good enough" or "I don't deserve success" drive inconsistent play.
• The power of micro-intentions for golfers who struggle with focus or ADHD.
• What elite golfers and high performers do differently when it comes to intentionality.

Be intentional while you listen - get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Lack of intention is not a time or discipline issue; it's rooted in deep-seated beliefs about worthiness, capability, and fear.
• Playing without clear intention protects the ego from failure but also blocks growth and consistency.
• Fear of success often drives self-sabotage just as much as fear of failure, especially after a strong front nine or great round.
• Avoiding structure or skipping a pre-shot routine is a defense mechanism to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths.
• Intentionality requires presence, self-trust, and emotional discipline—it's a choice to lead yourself instead of react.
• Clear intention creates the mental and emotional conditions needed for flow state and peak performance.
• Common resistance to slowing down stems from false beliefs like "more effort equals better results" or "if I'm not doing, I'm falling behind."

Key Quotes:

• "Lack of intention isn't a behavior problem—it's a belief problem."
• "Intentionality is the conscious act of directing your attention, energy, and effort—on purpose, with purpose."
• "Vague effort is your ego's favorite hiding place."
• "Trying to play 'free' without structure or routine is just another form of avoidance."
• "Without intention, you reinforce who you used to be."
• "Your subconscious is always intentional—even when you're not."
• "Intentionality is an act of self-trust. It says, 'I'm here to grow and to own my round.'"

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Episode Highlights
• 05:38: The Importance of Intentionality in Golf and Life
• 18:00: Understanding the Fear Behind Lack of Intentionality
• 30:03: Strategies for Overcoming Intentionality Challenges
• 36:46: Conclusion and Call to Action

 #74: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Joseph Parent: Unconditional Confidence, Remaining on the Offensive, and How to Go Low with the PAR Method

In this powerful and enlightening episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Joseph Parent, author of Zen Golf and one of the most respected minds in golf psychology. 

Together, we break down the mental collapse Rory McIlroy experienced at Augusta, why players in the lead shift from offensive to defensive mindsets, and how to overcome the urge to "protect" a lead that doesn't actually exist.

Dr. Parent unpacks the roots of time-traveling thoughts, teaches how to return to presence with the "Love the Way It Leaves" mindset, and shares his proven PAR method: Preparation, Action, and Response to Results. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why shifting from offensive to defensive play derails your round
• How "protecting a lead" is a mental trap
• What real focus and commitment look like on a shot
• How to let go of the past (and future) and return to presence
• Why most players collapse in Amen Corner — and how to prevent it
• The PAR method to respond to good and bad shots alike
• How to build unconditional confidence regardless of current performance

Whether you're a 20 handicap or chasing scratch, this episode will radically shift how you view confidence, pressure, and progress.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Dr. Joseph Parent

Dr. Joe Parent is a renowned expert in Performance Psychology and has coached the mental game in golf, business, and life for over 40 years. Dr. Parent has worked with major champions, many other top golf professionals, and amateurs at every level. He has the singular distinction of coaching both a man (Vijay Singh) and a woman (Cristie Kerr) to #1 in the World Golf Ranking. Golf Digest magazine honored Dr. Parent in their list of "Top Mental Game Experts" in the world.

• Learn more about Dr. Joe and purchase "Zen Golf" here.
• Connect with Dr. Joe on Instagram - @drjoeparent.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• You don't "have" the lead — you only have your next shot. Treat each one with the same intention.
• Offense wins in golf. Shifting to "protect" a score leads to tentative swings and poor decisions.
• Commitment is clarity. A vague shot plan leads to vague swings. Clear images = clear results.
• Most bad shots stem from mental interference, not swing flaws — especially under pressure.
• Return to presence by letting go. Your body is always here. It's your mind that time travels.
• "Love the way it leaves." Focus on your process, not the outcome.
• Unconditional confidence means trusting your skills even when results aren't there yet.

Key Quotes:

• "You're not holding the lead. You're just holding onto an idea that doesn't exist yet."
• "Golfers say, 'If I can just par in…' — that's when the mind shifts into protection mode and everything tightens."
• "A vague image produces a vague swing. Clarity of image is clarity of action."
• "If you're not present on 15, your body's already in the bar on 19."
• "You never calm up. You calm down. So stop trying to be up-tight and start getting down-settled."
• "Focus on loving the way it leaves. That's all you can control."
• "When you're out of your own way, your true skill level shows up."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Rory McIlroy's Performance at the Masters
• 09:07: The Defensive Mindset in Golf
• 14:01: Maintaining an Offensive Mindset
• 19:00: Being Present in the Moment
• 23:09: Caveman Lessons: The Roots of Fear and Awareness
• 26:04: The PAR Approach: Preparation, Action, and Response
• 30:20: Focusing on Process Over Outcome
• 32:33: Understanding Unconditional Confidence
• 35:15: Cultivating Unconditional Confidence
• 38:41: Practicing Mindfulness Off the Course
• 42:30: Common Misconceptions About Mindfulness
• 44:32: The Billboard Message: Take Golf Seriously, Not Yourself
• 45:37: Patience and Humor in the Journey to Improvement

Today, I'm sharing a recap of my experience and learning lessons from participating in my first-ever Member-Member Tournament. 

In this episode, I take you inside my very first member-member tournament at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club—a 63-hole gauntlet of match play, missteps, and mindset mastery.

You'll hear firsthand stories of:

• hitting 12 fairways on day one (and what fell apart after that)
• navigating USGA match play rules I hadn't previously known
• the temptation to confront cheating—and how I chose to respond
• coaching my partner through his mental spiral mid-round
• laughing off bad shots to stay in the fight
• and how I learned to protect my energy from angry, frustrated playing partners

If you're serious about developing mental toughness, emotional resiliency, and learning to perform under pressure, you'll take away more than a few insights from this candid tournament recap. 

I walk through what went well, what didn't, and the tangible mindset and skill improvements I'm now laser-focused on. And of course, I share how this entire experience translates beyond the course, too.

This one's packed with real stories, practical lessons, and reminders to keep showing up, even when the conditions—and competition—get tough.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Click here to learn more about nerves versus readiness. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Tournament Golf Exposes the Truth: The added pressure, emotion, and unpredictability of match play reveal where your mindset and game are truly at—and where they need to grow.
• Stay in the Fight—Always: Even after a bad shot or penalty, you're only one great swing away from turning the hole around. Never mentally check out.
• Control What You Can Control: You can't police every rule or correct every shady scorecard. What you can control is your attitude, effort, and energy.
• Your Emotional State Is Contagious: Whether it's your playing partner melting down or opponents bickering, you must protect your energy and stay anchored in your process.
• Audit Your Self-Talk and Body Language: The way you speak to yourself after a mistake either drains or fuels your next shot. Choose awareness over autopilot.
• Routine Is Your Reset Button: A consistent pre-shot routine was the anchor during high-pressure moments. When things go sideways, your routine keeps you grounded.

Key Quotes:

• "You are not judge, jury, and executioner out there. Control your ball—and your response."
• "Even when I hit a ball OB, I stayed in the fight. I didn't skip my routine. I didn't give up."
• "Every missed shot is just an invitation to execute the next one better."
• "Tournament golf just hits different—and I fucking loved it."
• "You can't afford to leak energy worrying about things beyond your control."
• "Pat's opponent lived rent-free in his head—and it cost him the round. Don't give away your power."
• "I may not have played my best golf, but mentally, I showed up like a pro. And that's the foundation of what's coming next."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Member Member Weekend
• 05:03: First Impressions and Initial Experiences
• 10:58: Learning the Rules of Match Play
• 15:01: Mental Resilience and Self-Talk
• 20:34: Tournament Golf: The Thrill of Competition
• 24:47: Navigating the Course Challenges
• 27:28: Lessons from Competitive Play
• 29:45: Staying Committed to the Process
• 32:14: Managing Emotions and Energy on the Course
• 35:49: The Importance of Team Dynamics
• 38:18: Reclaiming Your Power
• 40:05: Identifying Areas for Improvement
• 44:54: Reflecting on the Experience

#72: [Inside the Mind] Gary Christian: Cultivating A Competitive Edge and the Intangibles of Winning Golf

Today, I'm joined by Gary Christian, the oldest professional golfer to ever earn his PGA Tour Card - at age 40!

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How Gary overcame setbacks, self-doubt, and financial struggles to reach the PGA Tour.
• Why not having a plan B can be the key to success.
• The importance of mental training and how it changed his career.
• How course strategy and emotional resilience separate great players from average ones.
• What club golfers can learn from PGA Tour pros about decision-making.
• The biggest mindset mistake single-digit golfers still make.
• Why every golfer needs a "why" and how to find yours.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Gary

Gary Christian is an English professional golfer who worked his way up through the ranks of golf with relentless perseverance and mental toughness. 

Born in England, Christian played collegiate golf at Auburn University, where he honed his skills before turning professional. He spent years playing on mini-tours, including the Hooters Tour and the Nationwide Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour), before finally earning his PGA Tour card in 2011 at the age of 40. 

His story is a testament to perseverance, demonstrating that success in golf is as much about resilience and mindset as it is about talent.

Learn more about Gary here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Your Mindset is the Ultimate Competitive Edge: Physical skill has a ceiling, but mental strength has unlimited potential.
• Commitment Over Interest: If you have a backup plan, you'll eventually take it. Go all in.
• Hard Work Alone Isn't Enough: If hard work was all that mattered, everyone would succeed. Smart, intentional work is the key.
• Embrace Discomfort: The conditions no one else wants to practice in are the ones that will make you stronger.
• Stay in the Fight: PGA Tour players don't beat themselves—they grind, they make smart decisions, and they give themselves chances.
• One Shot at a Time: Whether you're hitting a triple bogey or an eagle, give every shot your full attention and commitment.
• Make Mental Training a Priority: If you want to see real improvement, spend as much time training your mind as you do your swing.

Key Quotes:

• "I didn't have a plan B, and that made all the difference." 
• "Golf is about turning fives into fours, not chasing birdies." 
• "Your swing can only get so good, but your mindset can always improve." 
• "I wanted to see how good I could get, without any excuses in the way." 
• "The best players don't beat themselves—they stay in the round, and let their game show up." 
• "Mindset training doesn't just help your golf game, it helps your life." 
• "Winning is about resilience, not perfection." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Darkest Moment: A Golfer's Struggle
• 03:06 The Journey of Commitment and No Plan B
• 06:05 Mental Toughness: The Competitive Edge
• 08:54 The Importance of Mental Training
• 11:57 Shifting Focus: From Physical to Mental
• 15:10 Understanding the Mental Game
• 18:08 The Power of Commitment in Golf
• 20:59 Lessons from the Journey: No Regrets
• 24:06 The Role of Mental Training in Success
• 26:53 Finding Balance: Mental Health and Focus
• 31:43 The Journey Begins: From Humble Beginnings to Golf Aspirations
• 35:04 Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Professional Golf
• 39:31 The Mental Game: Building Resilience and Focus
• 45:25 Achieving the Dream: Earning the PGA Tour Card
• 50:27 Lessons from the Tour: Mindset of a Successful Golfer

Today, I'm sharing a replay of my conversation on The Mental Golf Show with Josh Nichols. 

This conversation originally went live on July 25, 2024.

Together, we unpack how subconscious beliefs, emotional baggage, and unhelpful mental patterns sabotage consistency—and how hypnotherapy provides a rapid path to lasting change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The real difference between talk therapy and hypnotherapy
• Why "scarcity of time" is ruining your focus and enjoyment
• How visualization mistakes (not just success) can improve performance
• Why fear of success may be quietly sabotaging your game
• How old rules you agreed to long ago are still running your life
• Why emotional regulation is the key to unlocking fast change
• How to reframe golf as part of life—not something competing against it

If you've ever struggled with fear of failure, the pressure to perform, time scarcity, or self-sabotage on the course, this conversation will hit home. 

You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how the subconscious mind impacts your game—and what you can do about it.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Hypnosis isn't mind control—it's deep relaxation with a goal.
• Fear of failure often masks a deeper fear of success.
• Scarcity of time leads to rushed, low-quality rounds.
• You can rewire emotional reactions like frustration and anger—they're learned.
• Visualization is most effective when it includes mistakes and recovery.
• Talk therapy can be helpful—but hypnotherapy often produces faster results.
• Your belief in what you're worthy of is the ceiling for your golf performance.

Key Quotes:

• "Hypnosis is meditation with a goal." 
• "Fear of failure is often really fear of success in disguise." 
• "You don't need more swing tips—you need to address what's going on between the ears." 
• "Your subconscious doesn't care if you're successful. It cares if you're safe." 
• "If you want to make visualization work, you have to include mistakes." 
• "Anger might have served you as a young golfer—but now it holds you back."
• "Golf is part of life—not something competing against it."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Background
• 03:02: The Role of Nutrition in Golf Performance
• 05:58: Scarcity Mentality in Golf
• 08:46: Balancing Life and Golf
• 12:07: Understanding Hypnotherapy
• 14:57: Hypnotherapy vs. Traditional Therapy
• 27:15: The Value of Traditional Talk Therapy
• 30:05: The Speed of Change: Hypnotherapy vs. Traditional Methods
• 33:17: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
• 37:23: Fear of Failure and Its Impact on Performance
• 41:44: The Fear of Success: A Hidden Barrier
• 45:56: Visualization Techniques for Golf Improvement
• 49:52: Continuous Growth and the Journey of Self-Discovery
• 52:56: Setting Ambitious Goals and Embracing the Process

#70 [Inside the Mind] Jody Martins: Progress versus Perfection, Reframing Failure, and Staying Focused Amid Countelss Distractions

Today, I'm joined by Mental Performance Coach and Host of The Performance Formula Podcast, Jody Martins. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How to create a meaningful morning routine that sets the tone for your day.
• Why copying someone else's routine—like Tiger or Bryson—isn't the answer.
• The difference between striving for progress vs. striving for perfection.
• Practical strategies to break free from negative self-talk during a round.
• The power of mindfulness and micro-moments to re-center your focus.
• How to reframe failure as feedback and an essential step toward mastery.
• How to develop a "smart bomb" focus to stay on track amid external distractions.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Jody

From the earliest days as a coach, Jody has had a deep fascination with performance. His coaching journey started as a cricket coach and very early on he realised that performance is not just about having good skills and fitness.

He learned that the mind (thought and feelings) or rather lack of mind during performance is a far greater indicator of performance.

Now he partners with athletes who want to understand themselves and in doing so, design and build the lifestyle and processes that allow them to show up as their best consistently.

• www.jodymartins.co 
• @realjodymartins
• @performanceformulapodcast

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Anchor Your Routine in Purpose: A morning routine becomes easy to maintain when it's meaningful. Connect your habits to your long-term goals, like improving focus or building resilience.
• Perfection Is the Enemy of Growth: Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for consistent improvement. Learn from your mistakes rather than fearing them.
• Fail Beautifully, Learn Relentlessly: View failure as feedback. Each missed shot or poor round holds valuable lessons if you're willing to reflect.
• Redirect Your Focus with the W.I.N. Acronym: When distractions arise, ask yourself: "What's Important Next?" This helps you stay grounded and present for your next shot.
• Self-Awareness Builds Confidence: Notice negative self-talk and consciously shift to neutral or positive thinking. Practicing mindfulness helps you catch and redirect unhelpful thoughts.
• Choose Your Experience on the Course: Decide how you want to feel during your round—calm, focused, or joyful—and set the intention to create that experience, regardless of your score.
• Small Moments of Stillness Lead to Big Changes: Incorporate micro-moments of stillness—like focusing on your breath or tuning into the sound of the wind—to reset your mind and stay present.

Key Quotes:

• "Routine becomes easier when it's tied to something bigger than yourself." 
• "Perfectionism breeds mediocrity. Progress is the real pursuit." 
• "The inner game drives the outer game." 
• "Choose the experience you want to have before you step onto the course."
• "Failure isn't final—it's feedback." 
• "Self-awareness is like upgrading your smart bomb—it improves your accuracy in life." 
• "Neutrality in your thoughts helps you build positive momentum over time." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Morning Routines and Their Impact
• 09:49 The Pursuit of Perfection vs. Growth Mindset
• 20:12 Choosing Your Experience in Sports
• 25:13 The Journey to Self-Awareness
• 29:05 Meditation and Focus: A Path to Clarity
• 35:41 Harnessing the Mind: Strategies for Course Correction
• 42:34 What's Important Next: A Focused Approach to Performance

In this raw, vulnerable solo episode, I peel back the curtain on my golf journey over the past 90 days - and let's just say, things haven't gone quite as planned.

On December 31, 2024, I set a bold goal: drop my handicap from 22.7 to a 5 by the end of the year. Fast-forward to today, and my current handicap sits at 21.7. 

Not the kind of progress I envisioned. In fact, the word that best sums up Q1 is humbled.

Between welcoming a newborn, a growing business, and mismanaged expectations, I'll share how speed training backfired, how destructive mindset programs resurfaced, and how forcing progress only stalled it. 

You'll hear what went wrong, what I've learned, and the adjustments I'm making moving into Q2. 

If you're a golfer who feels stuck, frustrated, or like your game is plateauing despite your best effort, this episode will hit home.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why my swing progress took a massive step backward—and how I'm fixing it
• How pressure, ego, and urgency sabotaged my speed training and mindset
• The value of consistent coaching, structured practice, and reflection
• A powerful mindset reframe using the inchworm and bell curve analogy
• How to shift from performance panic to long-term progress
• Why Q2 will be all about rounds under pressure, tournaments, and trust

Whether you're trying to break 80 or win your club championship, this is a must-listen reminder that growth isn't always linear, and every setback is a setup for a major breakthrough.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Progress Isn't Linear — But Persistence Pays Off: Despite only dropping one stroke in Q1, I stayed committed to the long game, using setbacks as stepping stones. The key isn't fast progress — it's sustained effort and course correction
• Speed Without Structure Is Destructive: Speed training backfired when I prioritized velocity over fundamentals, leading to swing breakdowns. You must earn the right to add speed by mastering quality contact and path first.
• Pressure and Urgency Can Kill Progress: Unchecked pressure and the need to "hurry up and improve" created mental chaos. Slowing down — in swing tempo and in expectations — became a critical growth edge.
• Your Worst Scores Tell the Truth: What separates good from great isn't how low your best is — it's how bad your worst gets. Understanding, managing, and improving your bad rounds is what creates real transformation.
• Consistency Comes from Identity, Not Just Effort: Sustainable improvement comes when your actions align with your identity — how you talk to yourself, what you believe you deserve, and how you show up when no one is watching.

Key Quotes:

• "You can't change unless you change."
• "It's not about how much effort you put in — it's about putting in the right effort."
• "False urgency and rushing created more damage than any lack of effort ever could."
• "I broke my swing down chasing a number — not a skill."
• "Convenient practice isn't always effective practice. I chose what felt good instead of what was necessary."
• "Progress requires pressure. You need time under tension to grow."
• "Speed training without strong fundamentals is like building a house on sand."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to the Golf Journey
• 03:00: Reflecting on 90 Days of Progress
• 09:54: The Importance of Fundamentals
• 18:00: Lessons from Speed Training
• 24:01: Ruthless Reflection and Mindset Work
• 30:10: Embracing Challenges and Future Goals

What if your next low round isn't hiding in a swing tip—but in boring, repeatable fundamentals? 

In this conversation, I'm joined by my golf coach, Director of Golf at Tampa Bay Country Club, Kevin Kenny.

Kevin has won a PGA chapter or section event in five different decades. And, after shoulder surgery and seven months off, Kevin returned and shot 73—powered by meticulous pre-shot routines, alignment, posture, and belief. 

We dig into mental clutter vs. clarity, how to "watch the ball" instead of the monitor, why short game is the ultimate pressure valve, and how to compete with conviction decade after decade. You'll leave with a simple, durable framework to practice all winter, manage match play smarter, and build unconditional confidence on command.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The five fundamentals Kevin hammers (aim, grip, posture, turn back, turn through).
• A simple "find the root cause" process after any miss.
• The target-first focus shift that cleans up mental clutter fast.
• Why short-game mastery lowers scores and frees up your iron play.
• How to practice in the off-season without hitting a ball.
• Smarter match-play tactics (pars win, don't beat yourself).
• The mindset behind sustained winning across your 20s–60s.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Kevin Kenny

Affectionately known as "KK," Kevin is the longtime Head Golf Professional at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. A staple in the Tampa golf community for more than two decades, KK has built a reputation for his deep technical knowledge, approachable coaching style, and commitment to helping players of all levels fall in love with the game.

Under his leadership, Tampa Palms has become one of the premier golf experiences in the region—known not just for the course itself, but for the culture of respect, camaraderie, and continuous improvement he's cultivated among members and staff alike.

Whether he's mentoring his team, helping juniors develop sound fundamentals, or guiding seasoned players through course management and mindset work, KK's influence extends far beyond swing mechanics. His passion for the game, attention to detail, and focus on growth make him one of the most respected and beloved figures in Florida golf.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Fundamentals are the real secret: grip, aim, posture, and rotation.
• Believe in what you're doing before you do it—confidence creates competence.
• Every golfer has their own swing; find yours and own it.
• Watch your shots. Reflect, don't react. Learn from every miss.
• Golf is a math contest—it's not about how, it's about how many.
• The best short games win tournaments, not perfect swings.
• Focus on targets, not trouble—your body follows your mind.
• Get your life in order off the course if you expect to play well on it.
• Match play rewards boring, consistent golf—avoid beating yourself.
• Mental clutter kills performance. Create your own reset routine to refocus.

Key Quotes:

• "Golf is a math contest. It's not how—it's how many."
• "Everybody thinks there's a secret. The secret is fundamentals."
• "Believe before you perform. You don't get confident first—you choose confidence."
• "Watch it until it lands. Find the root cause—often it's alignment."
• "Short game takes the heat off your approach shots."
• "On the course, focus on the target, not the trouble."
• "In match play, don't beat yourself. A bunch of boring pars wins."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Comeback Story: Overcoming Adversity in Golf
• 02:59 Mastering the Fundamentals: The Key to Consistent Play
• 05:48 Mental Preparation: The Power of Visualization and Intentionality
• 08:38 Managing Expectations: The Importance of Short Game and Course Management
• 11:22 Mental Clutter: Clearing the Mind for Better Performance
• 14:15 Focus and Intent: Strategies for Staying Present on the Course
• 25:16 The Journey of a Golfer: Decades of Success
• 27:33 The Power of Belief and Fundamentals in Golf
• 33:21 The Importance of Short Game Mastery
• 38:17 Golf as a Math Contest: The Strategy Behind Scoring
• 43:24 Words of Wisdom for Match Play Competitors

#68: [Inside the Mind] Leo Herrera III: Staying Connected, Reframing Nerves, and Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I welcome Leo Herrera III, known as "The Connected Golfer," to discuss how presence, confidence, and staying connected to yourself and the game can elevate your performance on and off the golf course. 

Leo shares how his journey in competitive sports and martial arts shaped his quiet confidence and explains the mindset practices, meditation, and self-talk techniques that fuel his game. 

From his unique connected pre-shot routine to thriving under pressure, Leo offers invaluable insights to help you unlock your limitless potential.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How competitive sports and martial arts shaped Leo's confidence and mindset.
• Why presence and body language are key to cultivating confidence on the course.
• The role of meditation, visualization, and grounding in maintaining connection.
• How to reframe nerves and pressure as opportunities for growth and creation.
• The power of positive self-talk and how it can shape your reality.
• How Leo's "connected dance" enhances his focus, rhythm, and performance.
• Actionable steps to develop confidence and maintain connection in your game.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Leo

• https://theconnectedgolfer.com/about/
• @theconnectedgolfer

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Presence Is Power: Cultivate presence through body language, self-belief, and mindfulness to exude quiet confidence on the course.
• Positive Self-Talk Is a Weapon: Speak as if you are already the golfer you aspire to be, and watch how your words shape your reality.
• Pressure Is a Privilege: Reframe nerves as opportunities to create and embrace the energy as a sign you're alive and ready.
• Daily Practices Build Connection: Meditation, grounding, breathwork, and visualization help you stay connected to your potential.
• Prepare for Big Moments: The pressure-filled situations you prepare for today will shape your ability to perform tomorrow.
• Stay Authentic: Develop your unique pre-shot routine or mindset practices that feel natural and empower you to perform.
• Embrace Limitless Growth: You are capable of far more than you realize—stay connected to your inner potential and let it guide you.

Key Quotes:

• "Presence is felt without needing to say anything—it's energy, confidence, and poise."
• "If you're not connected to yourself, you'll never see what you're truly capable of."
• "Pressure is a privilege; it's an opportunity to create and become more."
• "The words you use are a commandment to the universe as to what you want."
• "Stay connected by developing a relationship with your inner world—inner empires create outer empires."
• "When the pressure hits, use breathwork to channel energy and stay present."
• "You'll never reach your full potential, but that's the beauty of being limitless."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Journey of Confidence
• 02:55: Cultivating Presence and Energy
• 06:10: Flipping the Switch: Performance Under Pressure
• 09:00: Embracing High-Pressure Situations
• 12:06: The Power of Preparation and Self-Talk
• 15:00: Staying Connected to Source Energy
• 18:11: Daily Routines for Inner Connection
• 20:49: The Path to Authenticity and Performance
• 24:04: The Importance of Patience in Growth
• 26:47: Positive Self-Talk as a Tool for Success
• 30:07: The Connected Pre-Shot Routine
• 32:53: Goals and the Flow State in Golf

You're getting very, very sleepy…

When I snap my fingers, you'll cluck like a chicken…

Okay - not so fast.

In today's episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, we're we're diving deep into the world of hypnosis - what it is, what it isn't, and why it's a powerful tool for someone like you looking to unlock your potential on - and off - the course.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The truth about hypnosis and how it differs from stage hypnosis.
• Why 95% of your beliefs were formed before age seven - and how to rewire them.
• The role of theta brainwaves and neuroplasticity in lasting transformation.
• How hypnosis can enhance confidence, focus, and emotional resilience on the course.
• How hypnosis helps golfers eliminate fear, self-doubt, and mental blocks.
• The difference between guided hypnosis, self-hypnosis, and 1-on-1 hypnotherapy.

If you've ever struggled with nerves, inconsistency, or mental barriers in your game, this episode is for you. Hypnosis is not mind control - it's a natural state that allows you to reshape limiting beliefs, eliminate self-sabotage, and tap into your best golf.

Tune in and discover how hypnosis can help you play to your potential both on and off the course!

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Your subconscious controls 95% of your behavior. Most beliefs about worthiness, success, and ability were formed before age seven.
• Hypnosis is NOT stage hypnosis. It's a natural state of deep relaxation, similar to being lost in a book or in the zone on the course.
• Your brain is designed to change. Neuroplasticity means you can rewire your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors through hypnosis.
• Theta brainwaves unlock transformation. Hypnosis helps you access this state, allowing for deep mental reprogramming.
• Hypnosis is not mind control - it's a natural state that allows you to reshape limiting beliefs, eliminate self-sabotage, and tap into your best golf.
• Hypnosis diffuses negative emotional triggers. It helps you let go of past failures and perform with confidence in high-pressure situations.
• Mastering your energy is key to peak performance. Emotional resilience and mental control give you a competitive edge on and off the course.

Key Quotes:

• "Everything you have right now is a reflection of what you believe you're worthy and capable of."
• "Your subconscious isn't trying to sabotage you—it's trying to keep you safe."
• "Golf hypnosis helps you shift from unconscious reaction to conscious response."
• "Master your energy, and you master your life."
• "Neuroplasticity means your brain is always capable of change—you just need to access the right state."
• "Fear of success is just as real as fear of failure—your subconscious resists the unknown."
• "Hypnosis helps golfers break through mental blocks and play to their potential with ease."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Foundation of Beliefs and Hypnosis
• 07:05: Understanding Hypnosis: Myths and Realities
• 12:58: The Science Behind Hypnosis: Neuroplasticity and Theta Waves
• 24:07: The Role of the Subconscious Mind
• 39:12: Types of Hypnosis and Their Applications

Title: #66: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: Risk Management, Responding v. Reacting, and Emotional Detachment

Today, I'm joined by Scott Fawcett, the Founder of Decade Golf. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why golf and poker share the same mathematical decision-making process.
• How expectation management eliminates frustration and improves decision-making.
• The role of risk management and when aggressive play actually makes sense.
• How bogey avoidance, not birdie chasing, is the key to lower scores.
• The power of pre-shot commitment and structured decision-making.
• Why elite golfers use a structured process to make every decision.
• The importance of meditation and mental discipline in staying focused under pressure.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Scott

Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game. 

With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores. 

His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge.

Scott's journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy. 

Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here.

Connect with Scott on Instagram here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Golf is a Math Game: Like poker, golf is about making the highest percentage decisions over time—not playing emotionally or aggressively.
• Expect the Inevitable: Bad shots will happen. If you expect them, you'll react logically instead of emotionally.
• Avoiding Bogeys > Chasing Birdies: The best players focus on limiting mistakes rather than hunting for low-percentage birdie opportunities.
• Commit Fully to Every Shot: If you don't fully commit to a target, you're adding unnecessary variance to your game.
• Shape Your Driver One Way: Stop trying to hit both draws and fades off the tee—own one consistent shot shape.
• Lag Putting is Underrated: The biggest scoring leaks come from poor lag putting. Improve from 20-40 feet to eliminate unnecessary three-putts.
• Stay Emotionally Detached: The best golfers remain logical under pressure and don't let emotions dictate decisions.

Key Quotes:

• "Golf and poker aren't just similar—they're identical." 
• "Every decision you make is a math-based decision, whether you realize it or not." 
• "If you expect bad shots, you won't react emotionally when they happen." 
• "Trying to force birdies will only lead to higher scores." 
• "Your opponent in golf is the course, and it plays perfect game theory every time." 
• "Winning is more fun than fun is fun—play smarter, not riskier." 
• "The key to golf is not being great—it's making fewer mistakes than everyone else." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Challenges
• 06:00 Mathematics in Golf and Decision Making
• 12:21 Detachment from Outcomes and Emotional Control
• 24:33 Risk Management and Bogey Avoidance
• 33:19 Understanding Risk and Reward in Golf
• 38:29 Common Mistakes of Single-Digit Handicappers
• 46:58 Mindset and Recovery: Lessons from Injuries
• 53:55 Learning from Mistakes: The Tiger Five
• 01:00:33 Key Principles for Golf Success

You will only rise to the level of success, money, and happiness you believe you deserve.

That belief dictates how you perform under pressure, how much success you can experience, and whether you self-sabotage when you're outside your comfort zone.

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the power of beliefs, explaining how your internal thermostat—your self-worth—regulates your success in golf and life. 

If you're stuck in a cycle of playing below your potential, struggling to maintain progress, or find yourself folding under tournament pressure, it's likely because of deep-seated limiting beliefs that need to be rewired.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your beliefs set your limits for success
• How to assess where your internal thermostat is set
• When, how, and why your beliefs are formed
• The four categories of beliefs you possess and how you can find their origin
• Action steps you can take today to unlearn the limiting beliefs holding you back

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Your Beliefs Set Your Limits: You won't outperform the level of success you subconsciously believe you deserve.
• The Upper Limit Problem: Achieving more success than you're used to triggers self-sabotage to bring you back to your comfort zone.
• Your Psychological Thermostat: Just like a home's temperature control, your subconscious keeps your success within a familiar range.
• Self-Sabotage Shows Up in Your Game: Blowing a lead, missing easy putts under pressure, or tightening up on the back nine are signs of belief-driven resistance.
• Your Beliefs Are Learned, Not Fixed: Most of your core beliefs about success, failure, and self-worth were formed before age seven.
• You Can Rewire Your Beliefs: With awareness and deliberate work, you can upgrade your belief system to match your goals.
• Hypnotherapy is a Powerful Tool: By accessing the subconscious, you can rapidly rewrite limiting beliefs and accelerate growth.

Key Quotes:

• "You will only rise to the level of success you believe you are worthy of."
• "Self-sabotage isn't random—it's your subconscious keeping you in your comfort zone."
• "If you don't truly believe you can break 80, you'll always find a way to stay stuck."
• "Your beliefs aren't your own—they were shaped by your environment long before you had a choice."
• "The subconscious mind craves predictability, even if it means repeating destructive patterns."
• "The moment you achieve success beyond your belief system, your thermostat kicks in to cool you down."
• "You can rewire your mind to support your goals, but first, you have to recognize the patterns keeping you stuck."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: The Power of Beliefs
• 07:03: Understanding the Upper Limit Problem
• 13:51: Beliefs and Their Origins
• 20:53: Unlearning Limiting Beliefs
• 26:06: The Path to Transformation

Title: #64: [Inside the Mind] Gary Waters: Resistance as an Alarm Bell, the Power of Language, and Tidying Up Your History

Today, I'm joined by High-Performance Mindset Coach Gary Waters. 

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why resistance is an "alarm bell for awakening" rather than something to avoid.
• How our subconscious programming creates mental roadblocks during high-pressure moments.
• How to identify and let go of limiting beliefs that hold you back on the course.
• Why self-acceptance is key to playing with freedom and joy.
• The power of language in shaping your perception and your performance.
• How to tidy up your history and step out of regret, shame, and guilt.
• Simple but powerful gratitude practices to cultivate inner peace and resilience.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Gary

Gary specialises in helping you to set yourself free from inner suffering by mastering your relationship with yourself, others, and life.

Gary works with entrepreneurs, athletes, businesses, busy parents and everyone in between. He shares insights into a completely different way of thinking, leading to a life changing shift in perspective. This has a transformative effect on all aspects of life, including personal fulfilment, increasing levels of performance and business success.

Rather than focusing on short term temporary fixes, Gary specialises in identifying the root cause of problems which dissolves them permanently, allowing you to live a limitless life.

Learn more about Gary here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Resistance is a Gift: Instead of avoiding discomfort, lean into it—it reveals where you have the opportunity to grow and free yourself.
• Embrace Non-Judgmental Curiosity: When mistakes happen, don't judge—get curious. Ask yourself why and what you can learn from the moment.
• You Are Worthy Now: Your worth isn't tied to your score or performance. You're inherently worthy and capable of self-love and acceptance.
• Past Mistakes Don't Define You: Stop dragging history into the present. Mistakes happened, but they don't determine who you are today.
• Drop the Backpack of Emotional Weight: Unresolved emotions from the past weigh you down. Work to resolve and process these to free up mental energy.
• Language Creates Your Reality: Be mindful of how you speak to yourself. Words like "must" and "should" create pressure—replace them with empowering language.
• Gratitude Fuels Resilience: A daily gratitude practice helps shift your focus from lack to abundance and provides grounding in challenging moments.

Key Quotes:

• "Resistance is just showing us where we're not free—it's a gift."
• "The mind uses history to predict the future—but it keeps you from the present." 
• "We're not chasing a result—we're chasing a feeling."
• "What happened happened and couldn't have happened any other way—because it didn't." 
• "Your worth hasn't gone anywhere—it's always been with you." 
• "We often seek external validation, but the love and acceptance we're looking for is already within us." 
• "Your words create your world—choose them wisely." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Nature of Resistance
• 03:05 Understanding Performance Anxiety
• 05:51 The Journey of Self-Discovery
• 09:00 The Power of Language and Perception
• 11:49 Exploring Inner Pressure and Expectations
• 15:00 The Quest for Self-Acceptance
• 18:03 Revealing the Love Within
• 22:45 The Nature of Suffering and Acceptance
• 29:58 Forgiveness and Self-Compassion
• 36:40 Practicing Gratitude and Visualization

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I explore the relationship between emotions, energy, and performance, both on and off the golf course. 

I'll introduce you to the concept of "emotional constipation" and explain how unresolved emotions can create internal resistance that holds you back.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why emotions are simply energy in motion and how they impact your body.
• How emotional stagnation can drain your energy and limit performance.
• The connection between emotional awareness and unlocking peak performance.
• The importance of recognizing emotions in real-time and their physical manifestations.
• How energy frequencies affect your mindset, decisions, and golf game.
• Simple strategies to process, release, and shift your emotions for better results.
• How mastering your emotions leads to greater self-awareness, control, and consistency on the course.

If you've ever felt stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by frustration during a round, this episode will shift your perspective. 

Tune in to discover how managing your emotional energy can be the key to unlocking your potential in golf and beyond.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Emotions Are Energy in Motion: Every emotion you feel is a form of energy that moves through your body. Learning to work with this energy rather than suppress it leads to better performance and overall well-being.
• Unprocessed Emotions Drain Energy: When emotions aren't acknowledged or expressed, they create internal energy blocks that weigh you down and can even manifest as physical pain.
• Your Emotional State Affects Your Golf Game: Suppressed frustration, anger, or anxiety doesn't just disappear—it shows up in your swing, decision-making, and overall performance on the course.
• Energy is Neither Good nor Bad—It's How You React That Matters: Emotions themselves are neutral. Your response to them determines whether they fuel your success or hold you back.
• Awareness is the First Step Toward Mastery: Developing an emotional vocabulary, recognizing how emotions feel in your body, and understanding your triggers help you gain control over your energy.
• Slowing Down is the Shortcut to Emotional Mastery: Practicing silence, reflection, and intentional awareness allows you to regulate emotions, making you more resilient and present under pressure.
• Mastering Emotional Energy Leads to Peak Performance: When you control your energy, you control your mind. And when you control your mind, you control your ability to execute in golf, business, and life.

Key Quotes:

• "Emotions are simply energy in motion. The way you manage that energy determines your success."
• "If you feel stuck in your game, in your progress, or in life, chances are you're emotionally constipated."
• "Your thoughts begin it, your emotions amplify it, and your actions create momentum. Your results are simply an expression of that emotional energy."
• "Unprocessed emotions don't just disappear. They show up in your body as tension, pain, or even chronic injury."
• "When emotions remain unmanaged or repressed, they create energy blocks that drain you physically and mentally."
• "Golf isn't just a technical game—it's an emotional and energetic one. You need to master your emotions to master your game."
• "Slowing down, reflecting, and listening to your emotions gives you the power to transform them into fuel for growth."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Emotional Constipation
• 03:03: Understanding Emotions and Energy
• 06:06: The Role of Energy in Transformation
• 08:57: Identifying and Managing Emotions
• 12:02: The Science of Energy and Emotions
• 14:57: Vibrational Frequencies and Emotional States
• 18:09: The Connection Between Mind and Body
• 21:02: Awareness and Emotional Mastery
• 23:46: The Impact of Repressed Emotions
• 26:45: Practical Steps for Emotional Awareness
• 30:08: The Impermanence of Emotions
• 32:52: Mastering Your Energy for Life
• 35:56: Conclusion and Reflection

Title: #62: [Inside the Mind] Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure

Today, I'm joined by Justin Klemballa, the Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, and one of Golf Digest's best young teachers in America.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• Why "aim small, miss small" may not always serve you in golf (this part of the conversation fascinated me!)
• The role of presence and adaptability in your pre-shot routine.
• How to reframe failure to build confidence and momentum.
• Why focusing too much on your full swing may be holding you back.
• The secret to improving your golf game by mastering your short game.
• Practical ways to lower your scores by adjusting your expectations.
• How to build a mindset that thrives under pressure using self-belief.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Justin

Justin Klemballa is entering his 10th season as Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ. 

He's the 2023 PGA Southwest Section Teacher of the Year and is ranked by Golf Digest as Best in State at number 11 in Arizona. Golf Digest also ranks him as one of the Best Young Teachers in America.

• Follow Justin on Instagram.
• Learn from Justin on YouTube.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of past mistakes and future outcomes—your job is to hit the current shot as well as you can.
• Presence Over Perfection: Your pre-shot routine should anchor you in the moment without rigid repetition that leads to overthinking.
• Expand Your Target, Reduce Your Stress: Instead of aiming for tiny, high-pressure targets, widen your focus to reduce anxiety and stay fluid.
• Short Game is Key: Invest more time in improving your shots within 100 yards—it's the quickest way to lower your score.
• Fairway Bunker Practice: Practicing in fairway bunkers improves your contact and ball striking on grass significantly.
• Daily Confidence Deposits: Revisit your best shots and great rounds to build belief in your abilities, especially after mistakes.
• Let Play Be Your Teacher: Approach practice with curiosity and experimentation rather than fear of mistakes.

Key Quotes:

• "Your goal is to make the current shot as great as you possibly can." "Consistency is not achievable—progress is." 
• "Your pre-shot routine should help you flow, not control." 
• "Hitting a bad shot doesn't mean you're broken." 
• "Lay your head on the pillow and replay your great holes." 
• "The ball isn't your bullseye—the ground in front of it is." 
• "You're practicing something every time you play—make sure it's helpful self-talk." 
•  

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Power of Presence in Golf
• 02:57 Developing a Pre-Shot Routine
• 06:02 The Myth of Consistency in Golf
• 09:00 Understanding Pressure Points for Golfers
• 11:51 The Importance of Short Game
• 15:04 Rethinking Target Selection
• 17:57 The Role of Play in Learning
• 20:54 Embracing Imperfection in Golf
• 26:44 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
• 31:17 Shifting Mindsets in Golf Instruction
• 36:05 The Importance of Ground Contact in Golf
• 41:34 Building Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement