Think Above Par | Your Mental Caddy for Golf Mindset & Performance

Have you ever noticed how quickly the energy in your foursome can affect your golf game? One frustrated player, one bad hole, one negative mood—and suddenly everybody’s struggling. In this episode, Kathy breaks down the connection between energy, emotions, and golf performance.

You’ll learn how to recognize when your mental state is hurting your game, how to reset your energy during a round, and why confidence has less to do with your swing and more to do with the emotional state you bring to the course.

This episode is packed with practical golf m...

Most golfers think they lose shots because of their swing.

But if your swing was working on the range… chances are it’s not your swing costing you strokes on the course.

It’s what happens in a handful of very specific mental moments during the round.

In this episode, Kathy walks through 5 moments where golfers commonly lose control of their minds — and their scorecards:
⛳ The first tee
⛳ After the first mistake
⛳ Mid-round mental drift
⛳ When the score starts to matter
⛳ The final holes when golfers start protecting instead of playing...

What if golfers could get mental game help right before they tee off… without having to read a book, hire a coach, or admit they’re “in their head”? 😏

In this episode, I’m sharing the new project I’m ridiculously excited about: Mental Game Monday QR tips at golf clubs. Weekly bite-sized mental game insights golfers can scan right at the course — before the first tee nerves, after the blow-up hole, or heading into a big tournament round.

We’re talking about the golfers who secretly struggle, the juniors learning the game right now, and why sometimes O...

You’ve probably heard this advice before:
 “Just stay positive.”
 “Don’t think so much.”
 “Confidence comes from playing well.”

Sounds right… but it’s not.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest lies golf taught you about the mental game—and why they might actually be making your game worse.

We’re talking about why forced positivity feels fake, why you can’t stop thinking (and shouldn’t try), and why tying your confidence to your score is a losing strategy.

This isn’t about thinking happier thoughts.

Ever stripe it on the range… and then completely lose it on the first tee?

Yeah. We’re talking about that golfer today.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why your golf swing isn’t the problem—even when it really feels like it is. The truth? The range and the golf course are two totally different mental environments, and your brain responds to each one whether you like it or not.

We’re diving into why your brain shifts into “protect mode” on the course, how that creates tension, overthinking, and those “where did...

Ever feel like you’ve already lost before you even tee off?

You see who’s in the field… you watch their swings on the range… and suddenly your brain goes straight to: “I’ve got no shot.”

In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually happens when you feel outmatched on the golf course—and why that thinking is what’s really hurting your game.

You’ll learn how to:

Let’s talk about the real reason you might be holding back on the golf course—and it’s probably not what you think.

After watching Rory McIlroy at the Masters, I had to break this down because what he shared about heartbreak? That’s not just about elite golf. That’s about every golfer.

In this episode, we’re getting into the truth about the mental game of golf—and why your fear of disappointment might be the exact thing keeping you from playing your best.

We’ll talk about:

What does winning golf really look like?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the mindset of Maria Jose Marin after her win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur—and giving you real, on-course examples of how she handled pressure, nerves, and her own thoughts.

Because here’s the truth: she didn’t win by playing perfect golf.

She won by managing this:

Ever feel like you’re actually getting worse after working on your golf game?

You take a lesson, spend time on the range, really try to improve… and then your scores go up—and your brain goes straight to, “What is wrong with me?”

Yeah. We’re fixing that today.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what I call the Aerated Green Effect—and why expecting great results while you’re changing your swing is one of the fastest ways to tank your confidence.

You’ll learn:

Ever make the turn, realize you’re playing well… and suddenly everything feels tighter?

Welcome to your back nine brain.

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what happens when you go from playing freely to trying not to mess it up—and why that shift is what actually costs you the round.

We’re talking about:

Got a tournament coming up and your brain is already spiraling?

You’re not broken—your brain is just trying to protect you.

In this episode, I’ll show you what’s actually happening when nerves kick in and give you a simple 5-step process to calm your mind, quiet the noise, and show up ready to play.

Because it’s not about getting rid of nerves…
 It’s about not letting them run the show.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not ready” before a round—this is for you.

Get t...

Ever feel like your brain turns against you on the golf course?

One minute you’re standing over the ball… and the next your brain is yelling: Don’t hit it in the water. Don’t mess this up. Everyone’s watching.

In this episode, I’m sharing a funny story about my husband assembling a bike rack without reading the instructions—and how golfers do the exact same thing with their brains.

Here’s the truth: your brain wasn’t designed to help you shoot lower scores. It was designed to keep you alive. That me...

Most of the fear you feel on the golf course doesn’t come from your swing. It comes from the questions you’re asking yourself.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the sneaky “I don’t know” questions that spike anxiety, tighten your body, and send your brain into full-on threat mode.

“Am I going to shoot under par?”
 “What are they thinking about me?”
 “Am I about to blow this round?”

Your brain hates uncertainty. And when you ask questions you can’t actually answer, it fills in the blank with fear.

I’ll...

You’re putting in the reps.
You’re taking lessons.
You’re grinding on the range.

So why does your tournament play still fall apart?

In this episode, I’m breaking down why more practice alone won’t fix your performance under pressure — and why tournament golf exposes something completely different than your swing.

Practice builds skill.
But mental reps build belief.

If you’re striping it on the range but tightening up in competition… if you’ve ever wondered why you can’t access your talent when it matters… this one...

What makes someone enjoyable to play golf with?

In this episode, we’re talking about golf etiquette, emotional maturity, and the real reason people want (or don’t want) to be paired with you.

It’s not your handicap. It’s not your swing. It’s not your score.

It’s your energy.

Golf is four hours of emotional exposure. And whether you realize it or not, how you show up on the course affects your playing partners more than your double bogey ever will.

We’ll dive into:

Ever play with someone who uses the rules like a weapon?
 Yeah… this episode is for that situation.

Today we’re talking about mean girl energy on the golf course—rule enforcers who come in hot, loud, and intimidating (sometimes while being totally wrong). I break down why this behavior messes with your head, how it pulls you out of your game, and what’s actually going on with the person doing the correcting.

You’ll learn how to stay grounded, protect your focus, and stop letting someone else’s need to be right hijack your r...

Ever played a great shot, walked up to tap it in, and watched the wind roll your ball 30 feet away? 😤 Yeah… we’re talking that kind of day.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how wind messes with your mind—and what to do about it. You’ll learn why your brain freaks out in unpredictable conditions, how to stop arguing with reality, and what to focus on instead so you can stay calm, swing freely, and manage your round like a champ.

If you're tired of letting the weather take over your game, this one’s fo...

You’ve got a caddy for your clubs—now it’s time to get one for your brain. In this episode, I’m introducing the Mental Caddy App, a new tool I created to help you track, train, and trust your golf mind like never before.

We’re talking:
– Pre-round prep to clear your head
– Post-round reflections that actually help
– A reality check for your expectations
– Your Mental Golf Index (yep, like a handicap—but for your mind)
– And a pocket-sized version of me giving you on-demand coaching

Whether you’re ma...

If you're skipping or rushing your pre-shot routine, you're leaving shots (and sanity) on the table. In this episode, I’m breaking down how your pre-shot routine does way more than get you set up—it builds your swing’s foundation and gives your brain something steady to lean on when pressure hits. You'll learn how to use it to create consistency, calm your nerves, and play with more trust over every shot. Whether you're on the tee box or the putting green, this one habit can change everything. Let’s get it dialed.

Get the...

If you think being serious all the time makes you mentally tough, we need to talk. In this episode, I’m calling out a sneaky mindset mistake a lot of golfers make—confusing intensity with commitment.

We’ll dig into why laughing at yourself on the course isn’t weakness—it’s actually a sign of mental strength. You’ll learn how your identity might be a little too wrapped up in your score, how to create space between a bad shot and your self-worth, and why loosening up can actually help you play better golf.

Because ment...

If you’re ready to take your golf mindset seriously this year, this episode is your game plan. I’m breaking down the 7 stages of mental game transformation every golfer goes through—from awareness to emotional regulation to true confidence—so you can stop relying on willpower and start creating real, lasting change.

Whether you’re trying to drop your handicap, play more consistently, or stop the emotional rollercoaster after one bad hole, this episode gives you a clear path forward. You’ll learn what it actually takes to shift your mental game—and become the golfer who handles pr...

It’s a new year, and before you start chasing birdies, let’s talk about what’s really holding your game back—your attitude. In this episode, I’m bringing back one of the most-loved topics with a fresh 2026 twist: the four golf attitudes that quietly sabotage your confidence and performance. Whether you’re feeling negative, victimy, defeated, or a little entitled (don’t worry, I’ve been all four), this is your wake-up call. You’ll learn how to catch yourself in these mindset traps and penguin-slap your way into a more powerful, realistic attitude for the season ahead. No shame, j...

Ever feel drained after a round—like the energy was off, even if your swing wasn’t? You might’ve had a bad apple in your group. In this episode, I’m talking about how just one negative person can bring down the whole foursome (and it might even be you). You’ll learn why emotions are contagious on the course, how to protect your mindset, and how to stay focused no matter who you’re paired with. If you’ve ever played with a mood killer—or been one—this one’s for you.

Get the Master Your Golf...

Even if your clubs are collecting dust and your course is covered in snow, your golf brain doesn’t have to hibernate.

In this throwback episode, I’m sharing 6 simple, powerful ways to work on your mental game off the course—no glove, no tee time, no problem. We’ll talk about managing negativity, handling emotions, setting intentions, and building real-deal confidence before the season even starts.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t need 18 holes to train your brain. You just need a little awareness and a willingness to do the work now—so when it’s g...

You ever stand on the tee trying to fix the shot you hit two holes ago? Welcome to the club. In this episode, we’re talking about how your brain loves to bring past shots (and all the emotion tied to them) into the present—and how that kills your confidence and your scorecard.

I’ll show you how to stop fighting your fade, start playing the shot you actually brought that day, and make smarter choices based on evidence—not ego. This is how you lower the pressure, clean up your headspace, and play with more certaint...

Ever feel so frustrated on the golf course that you want to quit? You're not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with my client Karl Pelli to talk about his transformation from being angry for days after a round to learning how to work with his brain instead of against it. Karl shares how he discovered the mental game after hearing me on another podcast, and why golf lessons alone weren't solving his real problem—his experience on the course.

You'll hear Karl's honest journey through the three stages of awareness, how he uses to...

What does it really take to see success on and off the course? In this episode, I’m talking with longtime client, Karen Rainey about what helped her go from frustrated to focused, both in golf and life. 

We break down the exact mindset tools she used, how she defines her wins, and why there's no magic checklist—but a whole lot of power in showing up, doing the reps, and being your own solution. Karen’s journey is full of wisdom, heart, and real-life application. Grab your mental caddy and let’s go.

Get the M...

Welcome to Episode 7 — the final episode of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path series.

Today's episode: Stretch Beyond Golf

Carl is one of my clients. He's done the work. He's used the tools. He's seen tremendous success on the golf course.

But recently, when I asked him what created the most success for him, he sent me a message that stopped me in my tracks.

He said: "The biggest thing is that you have one brain and you get to use the tools you give me in...

Welcome to Episode 6 of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path — the 7-day series on the exact steps my most successful clients took to transform their mental game.

Today's episode: Share & Support

Karen lives in West Virginia. And she's not the only one in my program from her area — there are quite a few golfers from her community who are members.

And here's what happens: they share their wins with each other. They speak the same language. They partner up in tournaments.

And when one of them catc...

Welcome to Episode 5 of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path — the 7-day series on the exact steps my most successful clients took to transform their mental game.

Today's episode: Engage in Reps

Judy is 80 years old.

She listens to my podcast every night as she falls asleep. (Yes, my nasally Rochester voice is apparently very soothing.) She bought one of my programs — Unleash Your Golf — and listened to it over and over and over again.

Then she went out and won one of the biggest tournaments for he...

Welcome to Episode 4 of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path — the 7-day series on the exact steps my most successful clients took to transform their mental game.

Today's episode: Control Your Thoughts

Becky texted me before a state tournament. She was nervous — more than nervous. She didn't think she belonged there. Everyone else seemed better.

So I sent her one thought: "You belong. You're as good as any of those players."

She said it a thousand times that day. Over and over. One thought, on repeat.

Welcome to Episode 3 of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path — the 7-day series on the exact steps my most successful clients took to transform their mental game.

Today's episode: Clarify Your Wins

Janie showed up to one of our coaching calls and shared something powerful. She'd played with a group of golfers who were much younger than her. They were hitting it past her. Scoring lower than her.

And she didn't give up on herself.

She didn't try to swing harder. She didn't play a game th...

Welcome to Episode 2 of The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path — the 7-day series on the exact steps my most successful clients took to transform their mental game.

Today's episode: Use Your Tools

Jennifer decided to actually use one of the tools I teach — the CCC tracker (tracking calm, certain, and confident shots).

At first, she was at 67% calm, certain, and confident — and shooting mid-80s.

As she improved that number to 76%, she was shooting low-80s.

Then she hit 92% calm, certain, and confid...

Welcome to a special 7-episode bonus series: The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Path.

I interviewed my most successful clients to find out what actually created transformation for them when nothing else worked. Their answers were surprisingly similar — and I've distilled everything into 7 steps you can follow.

In Episode 1, I'm sharing Kelly's story. Kelly had tried everything — practiced hard, read all the mental game books, knew all the right answers. But nothing was working. In fact, she was getting worse.

When she reached out to me, she'd had enough. The...

Ever play a great round... until the last few holes slap you in the face? You're not alone—and you're not broken. In this fan-favorite episode, I’m breaking down exactly why golfers fall apart at the finish. From mental fatigue to score-chasing to the dramatic little voice in your head yelling “don’t screw this up,” we’re getting into all of it. You’ll learn how to stay present, manage the pressure, and shut down the mental circus so you can finally finish strong.

This is one of the most downloaded episodes of Think Above Par—because tu...

You’re a high achiever. You’ve got confidence, success, and mental toughness in your career, your home or other sports—and yet golf is messing with your head. Why is that? In this episode, we’re talking about the mental game of golf for high performers who are used to crushing it in life, but feel totally thrown off on the course. If you’ve ever wondered why your work confidence doesn’t transfer to the first tee, or why perfectionism is killing your performance, you’re not alone. Golf challenges even the strongest mindsets. I’ll break down why your us...

Struggling to “just commit” over the ball during a round of golf? You’re not alone. In this episode, Coach Kathy breaks down the 3 steps to true commitment in golf so you can think clearly, stop overthinking, and actually trust your swing. You’ll learn why commitment is a mental game skill, not a command — and how to get your brain into a calm, certain, confident state before every shot.

When you commit to every shot, your golf swing becomes freer, your decisions get better...

Ever had a great round going until someone says, “Wow, you’re playing amazing today,” and suddenly… you can’t find the fairway? Yep, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I talk about what really happens in your brain when someone mentions your score, your swing, or even the trouble up ahead—and why you can’t seem to shake it once you’ve heard it. I’ll walk you through how to take back control, stop giving other people the keys to your mental game, and stay focused on your shot, not their words.

We’ll unpack wh...

Are you stuck in your swing thoughts or spiraling over your scorecard? You might just be in a learning stage—and that’s not a problem. In this episode, I break down the 4 stages of learning (for both your swing and your mental game) and how they show up on the course. You'll learn why overthinking happens, how to trust your skills, and when it’s time to stop micromanaging and start letting it fly. This one’s for every golfer who wants to feel freer, calmer, and more in control—without trying to be perfect. Let’s go

Ge...

Ever wonder what separates golfers who actually take their talent to the course from those who just hope it happens? In this episode, Coach Kathy walks you through the exact mental game SUCCESS Path her clients follow to create real results—lower scores, more confidence, and less frustration on the course.

You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, manage pressure, and play calm, certain, and confident golf—every round. Success leaves clues, my friend, and these are the same steps real golfers use to turn potential into performance.

👉 Wa...