Explore every episode of the podcast The Unstuck High Performer Podcast - Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching for High-Performers
Dive into the complete episode list for The Unstuck High Performer Podcast - Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching for High-Performers. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
#105: My First Member-Guest Experience - A Recap
27 oct. 2025
00:42:43
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.
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.
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
#104: [Inside the Mind] Kevin Kenny: Golf is a Math Contest and the Secret to Shooting Lower Scores Consistently
23 oct. 2025
00:56:11
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.
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.
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.
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
#103: The Myth of Balance: Why High Performers Need Alignment
21 oct. 2025
00:29:32
High performers don’t need “balance”—they need alignment.
In this solo episode, I’ll challenge the cultural myth of work-life balance and reframe success around energetic alignment: being ruthless with honesty about what you truly want, communicating clearly with yourself and others, and rhythms that fuel—rather than drain—your focus.
I break down the neuroscience of burnout (why your prefrontal cortex goes offline, limbic system spikes, and motivation flatlines), show how misalignment creates chaos on the course and in business, and offer a practical path: define your wants, design your week around them, and protect one non-work outlet to speed subconscious integration.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “balance” often sabotages high performers—and what to pursue instead
How chronic stress rewires the brain and quietly kills decision-making
A simple question that unlocks clarity and alignment (“What do I want?”)
How honest communication becomes the foundation for sustainable ambition
A practical dashboard model for dialing priorities up or down by season
Why a non-industry hobby accelerates learning and prevents burnout
How to translate alignment into lower scores, stronger leadership, and more joy
The goal isn’t equal time everywhere; it’s intentional energy where it matters most—so you can compete hard, recover well, and feel fulfilled.
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.
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.
“Chronic stress turns your prefrontal cortex down and your limbic system up.”
“Ask yourself all day long: What do I want? Then design around that answer.”
“Every breakthrough begins with honest communication—starting with you.”
“You can have it all—just not all at 100 at the same time.”
“The goal isn’t dividing time; it’s defining your truth and protecting your energy.”
#102: [Inside the Mind] John Weir: Using Hypnosis to Develop Mental Fitness and Update Your Self Image
16 oct. 2025
01:00:28
What if your inconsistency on the golf course wasn’t about mechanics—but about how your brain is wired to learn, handle stress, and perform under pressure?
In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with John Weir, creator of Mental Golf Type, to explore how personality wiring, hypnosis, and mental fitness shape your golf performance and your life.
John breaks down why self-image is the foundation of confidence, how stress changes your swing before mechanics ever do, and why “being you” is the ultimate competitive advantage.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What hypnosis really is (and why it’s a natural state of mind).
The role of brainwaves in learning, confidence, and performance.
How self-image is formed—and how to reshape it for success.
The difference between mental game strategies and mindset training.
How your personality type influences stress, learning, and consistency.
Why “being you” is the fastest path to your zone state.
Whether you’re trying to break 90, win your club championship, or gain an edge in business, John’s insights will help you understand yourself at a deeper level—and show you how to align with your strengths for lasting success.
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 John
John Weir is the creator of the Mental Golf Type® program, author of Golfer’s Guide to Mental Fitness, and co-founder of Mental Golf Type LLC, where he helps golfers around the world unlock peak performance through the power of the mind. With over 23 years of experience, John holds a psychology degree from Point Park University, is an NLP Master Practitioner, and a board certified hypnotist/instructor via the National Guild of Hypnotists.
John has trained coaches and practitioners in 60 countries through his golf hypnosis certification course, and his mental performance coaching has contributed to multiple national championship wins—including with Seminole State College’s women’s golf team. He is a recognized authority in his field, has received top honors from the National Guild of Hypnotists, and has been featured by media outlets like ESPN Radio, FOX Sports, and Golf Magazine.
Learn your Mental Golf Type and get certified here.
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.
Hypnosis is a natural brainwave state that improves learning and receptivity.
Self-image, formed in childhood, drives confidence, habits, and athletic identity.
Celebrating positive shots (with emotion) hardwires them into memory.
Stress and cortisol—not swing flaws—often cause inconsistency.
Personality type influences how you process information and respond under pressure.
Mental fitness is like physical fitness—it requires daily training.
True performance comes from being yourself, not mimicking the pros.
Key Quotes:
“Hypnosis is simply a natural state of mind—it’s how we learn best.”
“Your subconscious doesn’t care if it’s positive or negative—it just supports your self-image.”
“Every good shot deserves a fist pump. Celebrate the positive to wire it in.”
“Most inconsistency in golf isn’t mechanical—it’s stress shutting down the motor cortex.”
“Your personality type is your wiring. Once you know it, performance becomes simpler.”
“Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness—you need both daily.”
“The zone isn’t about being Tiger or Phil—it’s about being yourself.”
Time Stamps:
00:00: Understanding Hypnosis and Brain Waves
02:44: The Importance of Receptive States
05:42: Building Self-Image and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
08:29: Emotional Anchoring and Positive Reinforcement
11:30: Mental Fitness: A New Approach to Hypnosis
14:30: The Role of Personality in Performance
17:21: Stress Management and Performance Consistency
20:17: Understanding Learning Styles and Personality Types
23:13: The Impact of Personality on Relationships
26:14: Simplifying the Path to Improvement
29:08: The Power of Self-Acceptance
32:13: The Importance of Slowing Down
35:00: Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
#101: The Pleasure Hidden in Your Pain: Why You Might Secretly Love the Struggle
13 oct. 2025
00:28:15
What if the stress, chaos, and self-sabotage you keep bumping into are exactly what a hidden part of you wants?
In this solo episode, I explore the powerful concept from the book, “Existential Kink,” that “having is a form of wanting” and reveal how your mind can secretly crave the very patterns that hold you back.
Through a raw personal story and a three-step framework, you’ll learn how to uncover hidden programs that create stress and sabotage in your golf game, business, and life, so you can finally break free and play with calm, confidence, and clarity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What “having is a form of wanting” means for your golf game and life
How early programming creates today’s patterns of chaos, fear, and urgency
A three-step method (Acknowledge, Accept, Act) to shift stubborn habits
How curiosity + breath turn discomfort into data you can use
Why identity fear keeps you “almost there” (breaking 80, scaling revenue)
A 15-minute journal exercise to map stressors and rewrite beliefs
If you’ve been “almost” breaking 80, “almost” scaling the business, or “almost” following up with hot leads, this will help you see why—and how to finally play free.
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.
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.
Shadow patterns persist because they once met a need; honor that before you edit it.
Identity fear (“Who will I be if I break 80?”) often blocks the final 5%.
Presence + breath are the fastest way to access and soften hidden programs.
Acceptance is not approval—it’s the on-ramp to real change.
Curiosity beats judgment; treat tension in the body as useful feedback.
Write the new rule: swap “almost” stories for precise, process-driven scripts.
Fitness and daily reps (breath, journaling, hypnosis) cement the new identity.
Key Quotes:
“Having is a form of wanting—your patterns persist because some part of you benefits.”
“You can’t change code you refuse to read: acknowledge, accept, then act.”
“Curiosity turns discomfort into data.”
“Identity fear keeps golfers married to the ‘almost broke 80’ story.”
“Acceptance isn’t surrender; it’s traction.”
“Breathe where it hurts—presence is the scalpel that removes old programs.”
“If you want different results, you must believe different—and then do different.”
Time Stamps:
00:00: The Desire Behind Self-Sabotage
02:45: Reflections on Personal Challenges
05:29: The Boxing Match Experience
11:11: Understanding Patterns of Chaos
16:44: The Subconscious Code of Our Lives
22:11: Acknowledgment and Acceptance for Change
#100: [Inside the Mind] Mark Immelman: Resilience Has Two Parts and Why Your Routine is Your Armor
09 oct. 2025
00:45:25
What separates winners on Sunday isn’t perfection—it’s resilience, disciplined routines, and the will to find a way.
In this conversation, CBS analyst, coach, and author Mark Immelman shares what he’s learned from a front-row seat on Tour: why Scottie Scheffler’s process never wavers, how Rory’s Masters breakthrough rewrote a narrative, and why clutch putting—and perspective—decide tournaments.
We also dig into fitness as the gateway to mental toughness, “the chaser’s freedom vs. the leader’s burden,” and how to keep swinging freely when everything tightens up.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How elite players use routines to stay present under maximum pressure
Why resilience = get up, then don’t panic or overhaul your process
The difference between playing to win vs. playing not to lose
Why clutch putting is the common denominator coming home
How fitness amplifies stamina, confidence, and decision quality
The power of perspective: results don’t define identity
Practical ways to manage expectations and let your putter be the star
Get your pencils ready and start listening.
P.S. Catch up on my first conversation in episode 58 here.
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 Mark
Mark’s knowledge, insight and experience have made him a sought-after mind on the PGA and European tours. Through his career, he has taught and/or consulted to various Major Champions, PGA Tour winners and global Tour professionals.
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.
Resilience has two parts: get up after setbacks and resist the urge to “fix everything” when you do.
Routine is armor: Scheffler’s unwavering pre-shot/process is a blueprint for stability when the heat rises.
Win with the putter: Final-nine scorelines (33–35) come from one-putting key moments—par saves matter as much as birdies.
Chaser’s freedom vs. leader’s burden: If you’re chasing, be boldly smart; if you’re leading, avoid prevent-defense golf.
Fitness fuels mindset: Strength before endless stretching—capacity under heat/pressure comes from being strong and conditioned.
Perspective frees you: Care about doing the right thing, not about outcomes—play “with house money” more often.
Self-awareness wins: Know your real-time yardages, conditions, and “today’s shot”—choose the smart side of flags.
Key Quotes:
“You never fall to world number one—you outlast everyone else.”
“Winners find a way. It isn’t pretty; it’s often a war of attrition.”
“Let your putter be the superstar.”
“Resilience isn’t changing everything after a bad shot—it’s sticking to what works.”
“The chaser has freedom; the leader carries the burden.”
“Get strong, then get mobile—most golfers aren’t tight; they’re not strong enough.”
“Care about doing the right thing, not the result—play free and the scores follow.”
Time Stamps:
00:00: Introduction and Overview of the Golf Season
02:43: Key Players and Their Impressive Performances
05:27: The Importance of Fitness in Golf
08:03: Resilience in Golf: The Key to Success
10:57: JJ Spaun's Career Transformation
14:03: Tommy Fleetwood's Journey and Challenges
15:27: The Nature of Winning and Losing in Golf
17:22: The Role of Self-Belief in Achieving Success
19:34: The Dynamics of Competition in Golf
21:55: The Mental Game: Awareness and Strategy
24:36: The Importance of Team and Communication
25:48: The Future of Golf: Emerging Talents and Rivalries
#99: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Izzy Justice: Neurohacks to Spike Down Stress and Chasing 10 Hertz
02 oct. 2025
01:01:44
What if the secret to confidence, peak performance, and even happiness wasn’t about being perfect all the time—but learning how to access a powerful brainwave state on demand?
In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Izzy Justice—neuroscientist, performance coach, and author of Your Brain Swings Every Club—to explore the science of brainwaves, trauma, and what he calls “Chasing 10 Hertz.” You’ll hear how endurance events, emotional relativity, and even micro-traumas shape confidence, how to intentionally “spike down” into presence, and why your brain’s electricity is the language of the human experience.
Dr. Justice breaks down how confidence and pessimism are simply access issues, why sensory input is the key to flow, and how to simplify your pursuit of peak performance in golf, business, and life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why doing hard things expands your benchmark for confidence and resilience
How trauma—both big and micro—acts as the ultimate backdrop for your decisions
The neuroscience behind brainwave states and their impact on performance
What makes the 10 Hertz state so powerful and how to access it
How to “spike down” when stress or distraction takes over
Why happiness is really about amplifying sensory input
A practical way to simplify performance by only being “perfect” twice a day
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. Izzy Justice
Dr. Izzy Justice is the Chief Neuroscience officer at Neuro580, a ground-breaking company focused on addressing mental wellness in the workplace. He brings three decades of experience in Human Capital, Healthcare and Business Consulting. Izzy has worked at Deloitte, Cerner and Premier.
As an Executive Coach, he has coached over 30 CEOs, dozens of Chief People Officers to orchestrate unlocking of human potential leveraging Neuroscience as the key competency. He also works with dozens of professional athletes/coaches winning Major Championships and Olympic Gold in 2024. He has authored 9 books. His 10th book, Chasing 10Hz - Life Explained is due out Fall 2026. He is a 5-Time Ironman Finisher.
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.
Confidence is access, not a trait—you either access empowering memories or traumatic ones.
Trauma is the ultimate benchmark—it shapes risk perception more than success does.
Electricity is the brain’s language—high spikes drown sensory input and sabotage performance.
10 Hertz is the sweet spot—it amplifies sensory input and unlocks stored knowledge.
Presence = sensory amplification—seeing, feeling, hearing more deeply in the moment.
Flow isn’t magic—it’s measurable through brainwaves, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
Be “perfect” twice a day—reserve your energy for the two most important moments instead of chasing constant perfection.
Key Quotes:
“Confidence and pessimism aren’t traits—they’re both access issues.”
“We don’t have to be perfect all the time—just perfect in the moments that matter.”
“Electricity is the language of the brain—and therefore the human experience.”
“Your trauma is your hostage, but you can use it as fuel instead of shackles.”
“At 10 Hertz, sensory input is amplified and your best self shows up.”
“Happiness isn’t about possessions—it’s about amplifying what you feel, see, and hear.”
“The best experiences of our lives always happen in the same state—why keep it a secret?”
Time Stamps:
00:00: The Allure of Ultra-Endurance Events
02:34: Emotional Relativity and Personal Growth
05:45: The Role of Trauma in Personal Development
08:32: Happiness and the Pursuit of Meaning
11:25: Amplifying Sensory Input for Fulfillment
14:15: Understanding Brainwave States and Performance
27:12: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Performance
28:49: The Power of 10 Hertz in Enhancing Sensory Input
31:39: Cognitive Functionality and Accessing Memory
37:41: Flow State: The Intersection of Performance and Presence
40:38: Perception of Time: How We Experience Moments
47:26: The Role of Substances in Achieving 10 Hertz
51:47: Actionable Takeaways for Achieving Peak Performance
#98: Q3 Golf Progress Recap: Power in Vulnerability and the Strength to Ask for Help
29 sept. 2025
00:34:16
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.
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.
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
#97: [Inside the Mind] Evan Singer: Turning Discomfort into Growth On and Off the Course
25 sept. 2025
00:59:51
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.
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.
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
#96: Untangling Your Self-Worth from Your Results
22 sept. 2025
00:28:46
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.
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.
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
#95: [Inside the Mind] Karl Morris: Attention is the Currency of Performance (How to Pay Better Attention to Play Better Golf)
18 sept. 2025
00:51:43
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.
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.
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
#94: The Greatest Bet You’ll Ever Make (And Why It’s Worth It)
15 sept. 2025
00:25:24
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.
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.
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
#93: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Training Your Mindset and The Blueprint for Tournament Golf
11 sept. 2025
00:49:36
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.
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.
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
#92: You Are Your Biggest Enemy to Next-Level Success
09 sept. 2025
00:32:50
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%.
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.
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
#91: Toxic Positivity: Why “Just Stay Positive” Holds You Back
04 sept. 2025
00:37:22
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%.
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.
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
28 août 2025
00:48:54
#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.
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.
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
#89: Why Good Enough is Holding You Back in Golf and Life
21 août 2025
00:40:33
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%.
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.
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
#88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success
14 août 2025
01:11:09
#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.
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.
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
#87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf
07 août 2025
00:43:03
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.
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.
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
#86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O’Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course
31 juil. 2025
00:53:02
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.
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.
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
#85: Golf Mental Game vs. Golf Mindset Training: Why Most Golfers Get It Wrong
24 juil. 2025
00:36:37
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%.
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.
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
#84: [Inside the Mind] Joe Park: Overlooked Fundamentals, Fewer Mistakes, and More Intentionality on the Range (and Course)
17 juil. 2025
00:59:39
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.
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.
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
#83: 2025 Q2 Recap: Mindset Shifts, Breakthroughs, and The Dark Side of Progress
10 juil. 2025
00:33:42
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%.
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.
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
#82: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course
03 juil. 2025
00:49:30
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.
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.
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
#81: Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game
26 juin 2025
00:34:41
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
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%.
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.
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
#80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain
19 juin 2025
00:56:56
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!
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.
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
#79: [Inside the Mind] Steven Yellin: Get Out of Swing Prison and Stop Violating the Rule Bank for an Effective, Repeatable Swing
12 juin 2025
00:46:02
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.
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.
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
#78: [Inside the Mind] Justin Tang: Acceptance, Surrender, and Consuming the Right Thoughts
05 juin 2025
00:59:11
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.
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.
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
#77: Energy Leaks: The Hidden Drain Sabotaging Your Golf Game
29 mai 2025
00:36:25
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.
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.
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
22 mai 2025
01:01:28
#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
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.
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
#75: Intentionality: The Missing Link to Peak Performance
15 mai 2025
00:38:46
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.
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.
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
08 mai 2025
00:53:13
#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.
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.
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
#73: 63 Holes in 72 Hours: Mistakes, Moments, and Memories During My First Member-Member Weekend
01 mai 2025
00:50:26
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.
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.
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
24 avr. 2025
01:04:27
#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.
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.
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
#71: The Fastest Way to Change Your Golf Game (Hint: It’s Not Swing Tips) with Josh Nichols
17 avr. 2025
01:00:47
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.
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.
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 Countless Distractions
10 avr. 2025
00:50:05
#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.
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.
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
#69: Humbled, But Not Broken: Setbacks, Shanks & Showing Up Anyway
03 avr. 2025
00:35:06
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.
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.
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
#68 [Inside the Mind] Leo Herrera III: Staying Connected, Reframing Nerves, and Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
27 mars 2025
00:43:42
#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.
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.
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
#67: Understanding Hypnosis: The What, How, and Why Behind Using Hypnosis to Achieve Your Potential
20 mars 2025
00:46:15
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.
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.
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
#66 [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: Risk Management, Responding v. Reacting, and Emotional Detachment
13 mars 2025
01:11:29
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.
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.
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
#65: Breaking Through Your Mental Ceiling: The Golf Thermostat Effect
06 mars 2025
00:28:59
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.
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.
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
#64: [Inside the Mind] Gary Waters: Resistance as an Alarm Bell, the Power of Language, and Tidying Up Your History
27 févr. 2025
00:48:48
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.
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.
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
#63: Emotional Constipation is Sabotaging You On (and Off) the Course
20 févr. 2025
00:39:09
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.
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.
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
#62 Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure
13 févr. 2025
00:55:43
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.
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.
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
#61: Shiny Object Syndrome: The Mindset Keeping You Stuck in Golf (and Life)
06 févr. 2025
00:35:15
Today, I share a long-awaited update on my journey to a five-handicap before diving deep into a discussion on shiny object syndrome - the relentless pursuit of the next best thing in golf improvement - and how it’s sabotaging your ability to make meaningful, lasting progress on the course.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
Why shiny object syndrome is holding you back from consistent improvement.
How the urge to constantly switch swing thoughts, putters, or training methods prevents long-term progress.
The four stages of skill development and why most golfers quit too soon.
How fear of success can lead to self-sabotage on the course.
The role of strategic tunnel vision in accelerating improvement.
Why journaling and after-round reflection reports are crucial for tracking progress.
How to stay committed to one process long enough to see measurable gains.
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.
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.
Shiny Object Syndrome Feels Productive But Sabotages Progress: Constantly chasing new techniques, equipment, or coaching creates an illusion of improvement while preventing deep skill development.
The Adult Learning Model Explains Skill Development: Golfers must progress from unconscious incompetence (not knowing what they don’t know) to unconscious competence (performing without thinking), which requires repetition and patience.
Fear of Success Can Be a Hidden Barrier: Many golfers unconsciously sabotage their performance because they are uncomfortable with the pressure and expectations that come with playing at a higher level.
Strategic Tunnel Vision is Key to Mastery: Blocking out distractions, focusing on one process, and eliminating unnecessary sources of golf advice allows skill development to take root.
Frustration is a Normal Part of Progress: Skill development is non-linear, and setbacks are expected. Instead of abandoning a strategy, commit to working through challenges.
Measure Progress Over Time, Not Round-to-Round: Weekly, monthly, and quarterly reflections provide a better picture of long-term improvement than focusing on one bad round or a temporary plateau.
Shiny Object Syndrome is a Symptom of Impatience and Self-Doubt: Overcoming it requires commitment, patience, and a willingness to trust the process long enough for real results to show.
Key Quotes:
“Golf improvement isn’t about finding a magic fix. It’s about sticking to a process long enough for the results to compound.”
“The moment frustration sets in, most golfers pivot to something new instead of staying the course.”
“Shiny object syndrome provides a short-term dopamine hit but leads to long-term frustration.”
“When there’s a gap between expectation and reality, frustration and doubt fill the space.”
“If you keep abandoning your plan, you’re never giving it a chance to actually work.”
“Your subconscious mind wants safety. If rapid improvement feels unfamiliar, you might unconsciously sabotage yourself.”
“Commitment to one process is the true key to unlocking consistent progress.”
Time Stamps:
00:00: Introduction and Personal Updates
07:39: Understanding Shiny Object Syndrome
18:12: The Impact of Impatience and Self-Doubt
27:01: Strategies to Overcome Shiny Object Syndrome
#60: [Inside the Mind] Kathy Hart Wood: The Power of Neutrality, Ladder Thoughts to Level-Up, and Shifting Limiting Beliefs on the Course
30 janv. 2025
00:48:15
Today, I’m joined by Kathy Hart Wood, an accomplished professional golfer, top 50 golf instructor, and mindset coach.
Kathy shares her transformative journey from struggling to take her talent onto the course to becoming a mindset expert helping golfers unlock their full potential.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
The power of shifting limiting beliefs to unleash your full potential on the course.
Why focusing on your mindset is as critical as your swing mechanics.
How perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies can sabotage your golf game.
The importance of cultivating self-awareness and curiosity about your thoughts.
Why numbers on the scorecard are inherently neutral—and how to stop letting them define you.
Practical tools like "ladder thoughts" and brain dumping to rewrite unhelpful beliefs.
How to create your preferred emotional state to play with confidence, calmness, and certainty.
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 Kathy
Kathy is a mental golf coach. She combines her extensive background as a Tour Player, Top 50 Teacher and certified Life Coach to help people get out of their own way on the course and play to their potential. She offers private coaching, group coaching and online programs. Kathy is also the host of the Think Above Par Podcast.
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.
Shifting Beliefs: The belief "I'm always going to struggle with my putting" held Kathy back for years. Shifting to "It's possible I could putt well today" opened the door for dramatic improvement.
Awareness First: Developing self-awareness about your recurring thoughts and emotions is the first step to meaningful change on and off the course.
The Power of Neutrality: Numbers on the scorecard are neutral; it’s the stories you attach to them that cause frustration or pressure.
Brain Dumping for Clarity: Writing down your thoughts—even if just to throw them away—can help uncover limiting beliefs and repetitive patterns.
Combatting Perfectionism: Recognizing perfectionistic tendencies allows you to bring humor and curiosity to these moments rather than judgment.
Preferred Emotional States: Play your best golf by anchoring to calmness, certainty, or confidence, and redirect yourself to these states when distractions arise.
Focus on Process Over Results: Detaching from the outcome and focusing on your current shot or task can free you from the pressure of perfection.
Key Quotes:
"You are the thinker of your thoughts; you get to pick which ones you want to keep."
"Numbers are neutral. It’s the story you attach to them that makes them feel good or bad."
"Positive affirmations don’t work if your brain doesn’t believe them. Start with thoughts that feel possible."
"Perfectionism and people-pleasing on the course are just reflections of how you show up in life."
"Your brain is like a puppy on a leash—it will wander, but you have the power to guide it back."
"Playing golf shouldn’t carry the weight of how you get to feel about yourself at the end of the day."
Time Stamps:
00:00: Kathy's Journey in Golf
02:59: The Power of Mindset in Golf
06:06: Shifting Thoughts and Beliefs
09:08: Understanding Perfectionism and People-Pleasing
11:47: The Role of Self-Awareness
14:59: Coaching Techniques and Client Empowerment
24:25: Detaching from Results in Golf
30:06: Understanding Emotions and Performance
33:21: The Impact of People Pleasing on Golf
38:37: Encouragement for Women in Golf
40:25: Proud Moments in a Golf Career
#59: Am I Wicked Smart? Using Hypnosis to Master Your Mind w/ Michael Leonard
23 janv. 2025
00:54:22
Today, I’m sharing a replay of episode #334 on the Wicked Smart Podcast, hosted by Michael Leonard.
This episode will allow you to learn more about and from me when the roles are reversed - when I’m the one being interviewed.
Michael asked phenomenal questions and led an engaging, inspiring conversation that I know you’ll find immense value in.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
Why you need to train your mind off the course by creating your ideal future self.
The key differences between the conscious and subconscious mind and why it matters for your game.
Why fear of judgment, rejection, and success hold you back - and how to overcome it.
The power of self-image in shaping your golf performance and how to upgrade it.
Two powerful breathwork techniques to stay calm and present during high-pressure moments.
The role of journaling, affirmations, and visualization in building confidence on and off the course.
How to create safety and comfort in new performance levels to avoid self-sabotage.
How your belief system shapes your golf game.
Why you sabotage when you're off to a good start.
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.
Mindset Matters: Your mental approach has a direct impact on your game. Cultivate confidence and presence both on and off the course.
Understand Hypnosis: It’s a safe and effective way to access the subconscious mind and reframe limiting beliefs.
Self-Image Shapes Performance: Align your beliefs, habits, and word choices with your goals to perform at your best.
Diffuse Fear: Learn to recognize and neutralize subconscious fears of judgment or failure.
Master Breathwork: Simple techniques can ground you, release tension, and refocus your mind after setbacks.
Prepare for Success: Create a sense of safety and alignment with high-performance goals to build consistency.
Embrace Growth: With the right tools, you can raise your mental “floor” to match your ambitions.
Key Quotes:
"Hypnosis allows us to bypass the critical voice of our conscious mind and connect directly with the subconscious, where our beliefs, emotions, and habits reside."
"Who do you need to become to achieve your goals on the course? Your habits, word choices, and beliefs shape your identity and your game."
"Your subconscious wants to keep you safe, so when you step outside your comfort zone, like going low on the front nine, it may unconsciously pull you back to what feels familiar."
"The rapid reset breath is a way to release tension and anchor yourself in the present moment, even after a blow-up hole."
"As human beings, we’re hardwired with fears of judgment, abandonment, and rejection. These fears show up in golf when you tighten up before a shot or worry about others watching you."
"Your self-image drives your behavior and performance. To improve, you need to align your beliefs with the golfer you aspire to be."
"The power to accomplish anything you desire is already between your ears. And most importantly, you deserve everything you dream of achieving."
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.
Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow.
03:08: The Journey from Athlete to High-Performance Coach
05:53: The Mental Battle of Poker
08:57: Understanding Hypnotherapy and Its Benefits
12:03: The Power of the Subconscious Mind
14:50: Rewiring Beliefs for Success
18:11: Developing a Strong Self-Image for Golf
23:28: The Power of Journaling and Self-Reflection
25:35: Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
30:36: Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence in Golf
39:58: Strategies for Maintaining Focus and Calmness
45:45: The Mental Game: Empowering Golfers for Success
#58: [Inside the Mind] Mark Immelman: Time in the Dirt, The Power of Authenticity, and Golf is a Game of Recovery
16 janv. 2025
01:04:50
Today, I’m joined by renowned golf coach, broadcaster, and author, Mark Immelman.
Together, we explore the profound lessons golf offers both on and off the course, dive into the mindset that separates elite golfers from the rest, and discuss how self-awareness and authenticity can be the ultimate keys to success.
Whether you're striving to break 80 or aiming for your next competitive win, Mark’s insights will inspire you to refine your approach to golf and life.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
How to recover quickly and build resilience after setbacks on the course.
Why staying true to your authentic self is essential for long-term success in golf and beyond.
The power of embracing "time in the dirt" to grow through discomfort and challenges.
Why mastering your emotional and mental game is more impactful than endless swing adjustments.
How to cultivate strategic tunnel vision to focus on what truly matters and cut through distractions.
The importance of finding and amplifying your unique strengths as a golfer.
Lessons from the world’s best golfers, including how their mindset separates them from the competition.
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 Mark
Mark’s knowledge, insight and experience have made him a sought-after mind on the PGA and European tours. Through his career, he has taught and/or consulted to various Major Champions, PGA Tour winners and global Tour professionals.
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.
The Importance of Process and Recovery: Golf, much like writing or any pursuit, is a game of recovery. Success is often about bouncing back from setbacks, adjusting, and continuing forward with commitment to the process.
The Power of Authenticity: The greatest golfers and individuals succeed by knowing and embracing their unique identities. Staying true to yourself, your strengths, and what makes you unique is a key separator from the competition.
Golf as a Reflection of Life: The challenges, emotions, and triumphs on the golf course mirror those in life, offering valuable lessons in perseverance, recovery, and growth.
Lessons from the Acorn Metaphor: Like an acorn growing into a mighty oak, success requires time in the dirt—patience, discomfort, and perseverance are essential to achieve long-term growth and fulfillment.
Strategic Tunnel Vision: Focusing on what truly matters and tuning out the noise, such as social media criticism, allows golfers and individuals to perform at their best and remain aligned with their goals.
Emotion and Mindset Trump Mechanics: Fixing your swing is the easy way out; true improvement comes from mastering your emotional and mental game, which has the greatest impact under pressure.
Key Quotes:
"Golf is ultimately a game of failure and recovery. The key is how quickly you can bounce back, take the feedback, and keep moving forward in pursuit of your goal."
"The greatest golfers are those who are unapologetically themselves. They know who they are, embrace their strengths, and stay in their lane, which becomes their superpower."
"Like an acorn growing into a mighty oak, success requires time in the dirt—patience, discomfort, and perseverance. That time in the dirt is often your biggest catalyst for growth."
"Fixing your swing is the easy way out. True improvement comes from mastering your emotional and mental game—the part of golf that shows up when it matters most."
Time Stamps:
00:00: The Cold Plunge Experience
02:49: Golf and the Writing Process
06:00: The Challenges of Golf
09:01: The Power of Positive Thinking
12:05: Lessons from Broadcasting
16:01: The Acorn Metaphor
23:00: The Journey of Growth
25:54: Intangibles in Golf and Life
33:05: Balancing Pragmatism and Hope in Golf
37:25: The Identity of Successful Golfers
39:43: The Power of Self-Awareness and Authenticity
45:13: Navigating Social Media and External Noise
50:06: Defining Personal Success
55:01: The Journey of Writing and Creativity
#57: Overcoming the Rush: Slow Down to Elevate Your Golf Game
09 janv. 2025
00:39:46
Have you ever felt the need to rush a shot or skip your pre-shot routine, only to realize later how it sabotaged your performance?
In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most destructive mindset program - the compulsion to rush, driven by a false sense of urgency.
Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, I’ll explore how these subconscious programs hold you back on and off the course. I’ll also shares actionable strategies to dismantle these patterns, empowering you to step into your full potential as a golfer and beyond.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
What destructive mindset programs are and how they operate.
Why the compulsion to rush stems from subconscious fears and habits.
How these destructive patterns impact your game and life.
How to identify the triggers, emotions, and beliefs tied to a rushing mindset.
Strategies to cultivate emotional resilience and presence on the course.
The importance of a grounding practice to manage urgency and stay present.
Practical tools to slow down and improve your performance, like breathwork and reflective questions.
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.
Click here to read a past edition of The More Pars Than Bogeys Newlsetter that details how to dismantle destructive mindset programs.
Key Takeaways:
Awareness Is Key: Recognizing destructive patterns, like the compulsion to rush, is the first step toward change.
Understand the Root Cause: Destructive mindset programs are learned behaviors designed to keep you safe, often formed in childhood.
Reframe Your Self-Talk: Words shape thoughts, and thoughts create beliefs. Shift from negative narratives to empowering ones.
Cultivate Presence: A consistent grounding practice, like meditation or breathwork, helps you stay focused and reduce anxiety.
Emotions Are Neutral: Learn to observe emotions like fear and judgment without attaching to them or letting them control your actions.
Slow Down to Improve: Slowing down your routine helps you commit to your shots and build confidence in your swing.
Accountability Matters: Fully committing to each shot eliminates excuses and fosters a growth-oriented mindset.
Key Quotes:
"Destructive mindset programs are learned, which means they can be unlearned."
"Your subconscious deploys these programs to keep you safe, but they often hold you back from growth and success."
"Rushing provides a false sense of urgency, protecting you from judgment but ultimately sabotaging your performance."
"Slow is smooth, and smooth is strong."
"When you rush, you avoid fully committing to a shot, but you also avoid taking full responsibility for the outcome."
"A grounding practice off the course strengthens your ability to manage emotions during a round."
"Your beliefs are the lenses through which you view the world—and they shape your results, reality, and identity."
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.
Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow.
#56: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Minimizing Mental Stress, Cultivating Consistency, Upgrading Your Identity, and Breaking 80 Regularly
02 janv. 2025
01:01:28
Meet Michael Leonard - the creator of Wicked Smart Golf, a +2 handicap, and mental golf coach. He uses his five-pillar approach to help players shoot lower scores and play more consistently... without swing changes.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
The key elements to focus on changing to upgrade your identity
The power of consistency - and how to cultivate it
The importance of slowing down to regain focus after mistakes
How less is more in practice and preparation for tournaments
The role of mindset in developing consistency and breaking 80
Actionable strategies for building effective post-round reflections
Why mental and physical self-care off the course impacts on-course performance
Get your pencils ready and start listening.
P.S. You can learn and connect with both Michael and I live at The Mental Game of Golf Summit. Learn more and reserve your seat here.
The mental game’s primary goal is to reduce stress, as stress disrupts motor patterns and prevents you from swinging your best on the course.
A growth mindset is critical for improving in golf; believing that improvement is possible fuels the effort needed to achieve your goals.
Effective practice involves intention and structure—prioritizing deliberate, focused sessions over marathon practice that leads to burnout.
Consistency in effort, even with small, incremental steps, is the foundation for long-term progress in golf and life.
Managing your expectations with data-driven insights (e.g., realistic fairway hit percentages) helps avoid frustration and enhances performance.
Pre- and post-shot routines, along with slowing down after mistakes, are essential tools for bouncing back from blow-up holes and staying composed.
The golfer you are on the course is deeply connected to the human being you are off it—prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being will elevate your performance.
Key Quotes:
"The whole goal of the mental game is stress is coming—it’s going to happen. No matter how good you get, you're going to hit bad shots. The key is figuring out how to calm down and get back to your process as fast as you can."
"You have to have a growth mindset—if you don’t think you can improve, you won’t. But if you believe someone else did it, then you can too."
"Do different to get different. If you keep practicing the same way, going through the same motions, and expecting better results, you’ll stay stuck. Challenge yourself to do what others aren’t willing to do."
"Your swing is already there. It’s not going to change the day before a tournament. Sometimes the best preparation is resting, eating well, and showing up with a clear and focused mind."
"Consistency beats everything. Even if it’s a mediocre practice or an okay workout, you’re still showing up. Over time, that builds belief and creates real progress."
"Having the right expectations is everything. If you think you’ll hit every fairway or make every putt, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Focus on playing your best with what you have that day."
"You can’t separate the golfer from the human being. How you care for yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally off the course directly impacts how you perform on the course."
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.
Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow.