Episodes

76
May 22, 2025

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

#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...
75
May 15, 2025

#75: Intentionality: The Missing Link to Peak Performance

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....
74
May 8, 2025

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

#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 ...
73
May 1, 2025

#73: 63 Holes in 72 Hours: Mistakes, Moments, and Memories During My First Member-Member Weekend

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—a...
72
April 24, 2025

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

#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 resil...
71
April 17, 2025

#71: The Fastest Way to Change Your Golf Game (Hint: It’s Not Swing Tips) with Josh Nichols

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 mist...
70
April 10, 2025

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

#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. ...
69
April 3, 2025

#69: Humbled, But Not Broken: Setbacks, Shanks & Showing Up Anyway

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 s...
68
March 27, 2025

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

#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 pr...
67
March 20, 2025

#67: Understanding Hypnosis: The What, How, and Why Behind Using Hypnosis to Achieve Your Potential

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 befor...
66
March 13, 2025

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

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 low...
65
March 6, 2025

#65: Breaking Through Your Mental Ceiling: The Golf Thermostat Effect

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 potent...
64
Feb. 27, 2025

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

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...
63
Feb. 20, 2025

#63: Emotional Constipation is Sabotaging You On (and Off) the Course

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 connecti...
62
Feb. 13, 2025

#62 Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure

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 adaptabili...
61
Feb. 6, 2025

#61: Shiny Object Syndrome: The Mindset Keeping You Stuck in Golf (and Life)

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...
60
Jan. 30, 2025

#60: [Inside the Mind] Kathy Hart Wood: The Power of Neutrality, Ladder Thoughts to Level-Up, and Shifting Limiting Beliefs on the Course

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 pe...
59
Jan. 23, 2025

#59: Am I Wicked Smart? Using Hypnosis to Master Your Mind w/ Michael Leonard

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...
58
Jan. 16, 2025

#58: [Inside the Mind] Mark Immelman: Time in the Dirt, The Power of Authenticity, and Golf is a Game of Recovery

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 lea...
57
Jan. 9, 2025

#57: Overcoming the Rush: Slow Down to Elevate Your Golf Game

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 di...
56
Jan. 2, 2025

#56: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Minimizing Mental Stress, Cultivating Consistency, Upgrading Your Identity, and Breaking 80 Regularly

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 rol...
55
Dec. 26, 2024

#55: How to Set Better Golf Goals in 2025 (and my 2025 goal revealed)

As we approach the new year, it’s the perfect time to talk about goal setting - but not in the traditional sense. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a detailed, personal, and transformative approach to setting and achieving your ultimate golf goals. Through my own journey of going from a ~24-handicap to confidently declaring my commitment to becoming a 5-handicap by the end of 2025, I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts, identity changes, and deliberate actions required to create a clear and ac...
54
Dec. 19, 2024

#54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf

Meet Henry Stetina - the Director of Player Development for the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Director of Instruction for Red Hawk Golf Club in Las Cruces, NM. Henry joins me for a detailed conversation on the golf swing, feel-based training, and mastering the short game. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: how to manage expectations for better performance techniques for improving your short-game strategies to overcome the yips the value of strategic and int...
53
Dec. 12, 2024

#53. Strategic Tunnel Vision: The Secret to Staying Focused and Improving Your Golf Game

In today’s episode, you’ll learn… What strategic tunnel vision is and why you need to master this skill to achieve your goals. How to intentionally narrow your focus to eliminate distractions, better manage your energy, and make steady, meaningful progress in your golf game and life. Why focusing on one or two true priorities, rather than spreading your energy across many interests, is essential for achieving your goals. Why repetition and deliberate practice are critical for moving from con...