T-Time with Tori Totlis

We’re back for another Tournament T-Time as Tori and Phyllis take on Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club for an RDGA two-person best ball event. Before the round, Tori gets candid about watching her handicap climb from a +1 to a 7.0 and how her relationship with golf has changed. Instead of constantly chasing improvement and lower scores, she’s learning to put less pressure on herself, enjoy competing, and remember that a handicap doesn’t define who you are as a golfer.

Then it’s time to tee it up! Tori and Phyllis navigate fast greens, beautiful views, and plen...

We are back with Dr. Joe Parent, bestselling author of Zen Golf, for Part 2 of our conversation about the mental challenges every golfer faces on the course. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we cover first tee nerves, pressure putts, intimidating opponents, your inner critic, and what happens when you spend way too much time in your own head.

In Part 2, we’re tackling five more scenarios that can quickly derail a round. From recovering after a blow-up hole and keeping frustration from carrying over, to protecting a great round when you know you’re c...

Every round of golf is filled with moments that can either build your confidence or completely derail it. In Part 1 of this conversation with renowned sports psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Joe Parent, we dive into some of the most common mental challenges golfers face and, more importantly, how to handle them with more confidence, clarity, and enjoyment. 

From first tee jitters to intimidating playing partners, Dr. Parent shares simple, practical strategies that can help you quiet the mental noise and get out of your own way. Whether you're competing in tournaments or just trying to enjoy y...

Some golf conversations are worth revisiting, and this is definitely one of them. We're bringing back one of our favorite episodes with legendary rules officials Bob and Christy Smith to breakdown some of the most talked about rules situations in professional golf.

From Tiger Woods and Lexi Thompson to Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and more, Bob andChristy explain what actually happened, why the rulings were made, and how many of those moments helped shape the Rules of Golf we play today.

 Whether you're a competitive golfer or just want to avoid costly mistakes during your n...

We're recording this episode from the road in England as our group heads to Berkshire for the first round of golf after an unforgettable day at Wimbledon.

From the atmosphere and traditions to celebrity sightings and Princess Kate, we're sharing everything that surprised us about experiencing one of the world's most iconic sporting events in person. Along the way, members of our travel group jump on the mic to talk about what stood out most, how Wimbledon compares to events like The Masters and the Kentucky Derby, and why it's an experience we'll never forget.

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In this episode of T-Time, I’m taking you straight onto the fairways of the legendary Oak Hill Country Club for a super special Net Best Ball tournament with my mom.

We’re proving that confidence, fun, and competition belong to every woman golfer. We’re breaking down exactly how we tackled Oak Hill’s notorious East Course, overcoming pre-tournament jitters, score predictions, and the real-time strategy that helped us navigate this tricky course.

From navigating the first nine holes to final reflections, I share the highs, lows, and key lessons for tournament rookies and veterans...

In Part 2, Tori and Alex dive into the world of tournament golf and all the things no one really teaches you when you first start competing. From scorecards and Golf Genius to rules mishaps and handling nerves, this episode is packed with lessons learned through experience.

The conversation covers how tournament golf differs from casual rounds, why playing in uncomfortable situations can actually make you a better golfer, and the importance of knowing the rules while still remembering that golf is supposed to be fun.

In This Episode:

This week, Tori welcomes back Alex Anderson, founder of Babes Golf, to discuss all things golf etiquette. Before diving into the topic, Alex shares exciting updates on Babes Golf's expansion across the country, including recent pop-up events in Cape Cod and New York City, upcoming plans for Chicago, and details from their latest Babes Vacation at PGA West.

The conversation then shifts into the unwritten rules of golf and how understanding proper etiquette can make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Tori and Alex cover everything from pace of play and ready golf to respecting other players...

How much is your mental game really affecting your score?

This week, Tori welcomes back Kathy Hart Wood for a conversation about the hidden ways your mindset can impact your performance on the course. From closing the gap between your range game and tournament play to learning how to bounce back after a bad shot, Kathy shares practical strategies that every golfer can start using immediately.

Whether you're chasing lower scores or simply looking to enjoy golf more, this episode is packed with simple, actionable mental game tips that can transform the way you play.<...

Tori and Phyllis are back for another installment of the Tournament Series, this time heading to Stafford Country Club in western New York for an RDGA two-person best ball event. Tori had never played the course before, but Phyllis assures her it's one of the best — home to a legendary ladies' invitational and built by white-collar Buffalonians who wanted a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. The pre-round logistics are chaotic (Phyllis has loans to lock, a jackhammer blocking her street, and exactly 23 minutes to get there), but they make the first tee with seconds to spare. At ju...

All four episodes of the Creek Cup series are officially live on YouTube — and yes, they dropped out of order (episode four first, naturally). Click the playlist link below to watch them in the right sequence. In this episode of T-Time, Tori and Ashley are joined by Aubrey, the editor behind both the Desert Classic and Creek Cup series, to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to turn hours of raw golf footage into a four-part series. Aubrey was on the ground at Bandon Dunes for the first time, racking up 20,000 steps a day while wrangling ca...

In this second part episode on misses and fixes, Justin and I tackle the most frustrating short-game mistakes that cost golfers strokes: the chunk shot, the fat bunker shot, and the dreaded shank, and we teach you exactly how to fix them.

We break down the mechanical flaws and mental triggers behind these misses, and we offer simple cues that help you stop hitting behind the ball and start making crisp, solid contact.

Justin also shares his expert advice on wedge fitting, mastering the short putt, and the critical mindset shifts needed to trust your...

Stop losing strokes to frustrating misses! In this episode of T-Time, I sit down with the incredible Justin Klemballa, founder of Breaking Bogeys, to decode the shots that steal our confidence and our scorecards.

We’re tackling the Snap Hook, the Slice, the Topped Shot, and revealing why your grip strength might be the silent killer of your fairway accuracy. Justin also breaks down the Swing Path Clock to help you finally visualize your entry point and stop guessing where the ball is going.

Whether you’re struggling with consistency or just want to understand the...

In this episode of T-Time, I’m live on-course with Phyllis Haberer for a real-time breakdown of the 6-6-6 golf format at the historic Locust Hill Country Club.

Today, we play 6 holes of Best Ball, 6 of Modified Chapman, and 6 of Scramble, testing our mental and physical endurance on a 100-year-old course that hosted the LPGA for nearly 4 decades (1977–2013).

We share our unfiltered tournament experience, scoring predictions, and the strategic mindset needed to compete in the Women’s Rochester District Golf Association (WRDGA) championship. Founded to represent the best interests of amateur women golfers in the re...

In this episode of T-Time, I sit down with Michael Leonard, +2 handicap golfer, mental coach, and host of the Wicked Smart Golf podcast, to uncover the secrets to mastering your wedges.

We trace Michael’s journey, from quitting his corporate job to averaging 60 competitive days a year and publishing multiple books. Michael breaks down the non-negotiables of wedge play: why custom fittings are essential, when to replace your clubs, and his creative practice routines, and he shares his ambitious new goal to reach a +5 handicap.

I also kick off my personal “Summer of Draw” challenge, commit...

Women now account for 52% of all golf participation gains since 2020. In this episode of T-Time, I sit down with Jessica Marksbury, Senior Editor at Golf Magazine and a driving force behind some of the most compelling women’s golf storytelling today.

As a former varsity golfer, Jessica shares her unique journey from the course to the newsroom, revealing how she’s shaping the narrative for the millions of women now playing the game.

We dive into the post-pandemic golf boom, the strategic differences between print and digital media, the evolution of social media teams, and why...

In this episode of T-Time, Kim Eaton, Colorado Golf Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated amateur golfers in history, shares her proven, step-by-step guide to planning your club’s Guest Day Invitational or Charity Golf Event.

From securing hole sponsors and building a budget to selecting winning tee gifts, prizes, and entertainment, we break down the entire process. We cover critical details, like choosing the right format, managing volunteers, and creating a seamless, profitable event that your members will love.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Ultimate Tournament Planner to start orga...

Want to crush your next 4-person scramble and be the ultimate golf tournament partner? In this first-ever Tournament T-Time Series, I’m joined by the phenomenal Phyllis Haberer, 2025 Club Champion and President of the Durand Eastman Women's Golf Club, to break down real-time strategy, mindset, and teamwork that wins tournaments.

We dive into Scramble rules and strategies to maximize your team’s strengths, how to use the Golf Genius App to track every shot and stay competitive, and how to think about your gross and net scoring, even before the first tee shot.

This episode also...

Want to be the perfect golf tournament partner? In this episode of T-Time, I’m joined by Phyllis Haberer, 2025 Club Champion and President of the Durand Eastman Women's Golf Club, to reveal the mindset and strategies that make a winning duo.

We’re talking energy, attitude, and the little things that make a big difference when you’re playing side by side with someone. Phyllis shares her tried-and-true tips for building trust, staying positive, and showing up as a teammate who elevates the game - no matter the score.

Whether you're teaming up for the first...

In this episode of T-Time, Alixandra Chesno from ShopAlix drops in to talk about tournament merch, fashion, and gear.

Looking into planning a themed tournament for your club? We’ll share some inspiration, including swag ideas and decor to create memorable experiences.

From tennis pro to golf fashion mogul, Alix shares how she built a brand that’s changing women’s golf style, and we bring back The Golf Closet to get Alix’s wardrobe recommendations.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Follow Alix

ShopAlix.com.

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In this episode of T-Time, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 2026 Creek Cup at Bandon Dunes, and let me tell you, it was magic - the highs, the laughs, and the moments that made it unforgettable.

Want to know which Creek Cup location you should get to next? We rank our favorite past tournaments and locations.

We kicked things off with the most important decision of the week: our tournament mascots. This year, we went with Team Elk vs. Team Bison.

Find out how Team Bison made their comeback with an un...

In this episode of T-Time, golf coach and performance expert Justin Klemballa returns to reveal his proven P.A.R. Method, a mental and practical framework every golfer needs to dominate the upcoming season. Whether you're aiming to break 90, win your club championship, or simply enjoy the game more, Justin breaks down how you can achieve your goals. 

Discover why just making bogey might be the smartest strategy for lower scores, how the One-Third Practice Routine maximizes time on the range, why you should be practicing your putting (even if it’s not your favorite part of the...

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Carly Gilleland, the creative force behind The Good Vibe Studios, to talk all about what went into creating The Making of the Desert Classic, our 6-part behind-the-scenes documentary following Arizona’s biggest women’s golf tournament.

We talk about the chaos, creativity, and real-time problem solving that comes with filming something this big, including making split-second decisions that impact hundreds of people and capturing the moments you can’t plan for. Carly also shares what it took to turn hours of raw footage into a story that actually feels auth...

I'm sitting down with Evan Singer, co-founder of The Par Train, and we’re diving into the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. We’ll get into the deeper layers of the game, from course design to player psychology, and the emotional journey of the sport.

What makes Augusta National such a unique challenge? We look at the evolving back nine, the planned rollbacks, and the public perceptions of some of the sport’s top players.

The biggest lesson: the importance of embracing the struggle, finding joy and beauty in the process, and recognizing that g...

I’m so excited to be back on the podcast! We’re recording brand new episodes and will start dropping them weekly. In this episode, Ashley and I fill you in on what’s been happening behind the scenes and what exciting things are coming next – thanks for listening!

 Watch this episode on YouTube!

For more information on our 2026 & 2027 retreats and tournaments, please visit: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

To watch our Making of the Desert Classic docu-series, click here.

To join the interest list for the 2027 Desert Classic, click here.

"Down the middle, down the middle, chip one putt." That was the mantra Phylly sang in her head throughout her breakthrough club championship win at Durand Eastman, Rochester's notoriously difficult municipal course.

After years of close calls, including a tough shank into the water on the 16th hole during a Florida club championship, Phylly finally broke through. She entered day two tied for third, grouped with three-time defending champion Deb Wood, who had just dominated at Wanakah Country Club days earlier with a 76.

The mental game nearly derailed her before she started. Coming off a...

"You wake up at 5:20, you put your tee in the ground, you hit your shot, and then the four of you walk off to the ball and you hit it again, and you keep on going. It's very simplistic. You go left foot, right foot until you're finished. 72 holes."

Jason has tackled one of golf's most brutal endurance tests 13 times: the Bandon Solstice. This isn't your casual weekend round. Participants play 72 holes of walking-only golf in a single day, starting at 5:20 AM on the longest day of the year at Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. What makes...

Justin Klemballa tackled one of the most grueling endurance challenges out there – the 29029 Everting event at Jackson Hole. For those unfamiliar, this isn't your typical weekend hike. Participants climb a mountain 19 times in 36 hours to reach the equivalent height of Mount Everest (29,029 feet). You read that right – 19 times up the same brutal mountain. It's steep as hell and requires the most ascents of any 29029 location. Only two-thirds of participants actually finish and earn the coveted red hat. The experience has Justin buzzing about hosting his own golf instruction trips, combining bucket-list destinations with on-course coaching. Because apparently, surviving 29029 gives you...

Today, I’m sitting with Debbie O'Connell to discuss the profound impact of state of mind on your golf game.

To Debbie, maintaining a positive mind is just as critical as a well-executed swing. She illustrates the power of mental fortitude through Amy Bockerstette's inspiring performance, explains how you can use positive self-talk and body language to boost your confidence on the course, and shares personal experiences around the transformative effects of gratitude and mindset on your golf game.

We also talk about the role of meditation, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques in a...

We’re joined by returning guest Donna Taylor, a veteran of the golf world and a yoga instructor who specializes in helping women enhance their skills on the golf course.

With her unique approach, Donna has managed to make golf lessons more accessible and fun. She shares how her dad, a pioneer in the sport, inspired her and her childhood friend Julianne—who’s also joining us on the podcast today—to start their golf journey in third grade.

Listen in as Donna shares her thoughts on officially transitioning from competitive golfer to teaching professional and why...

Who would have thought that a career in international supply chain logistics could lead to the launch of a sustainable golf clothing line?

Today, I’m sitting down with Ali Putnam, a mom to five boys and the founder of A. Putnam, ”a luxury resort-to-sport brand for women that honors the traditions of golf”.

Like most female golfers, Ali was frustrated at the extremely limited choices she had when it came to quality golf attire. This frustration sparked her journey into business and fashion design, which was always driven by her...

“You have to play golf to get better at it. Being out on the golf course is so crucial–you have to put yourself in an uncomfortable position to get more comfortable at it.”

Justin Klemballa is back to talk about how golfers can crush the 75 Hard Challenge and come out physically and mentally tougher than ever!

Listen in as Justin walks us through his morning routine to show how he uses habit stacking, consistency, and a sprinkle of discomfort to ace his goals. We'll uncover how little daily actions like staying...

Today I’m sitting down with Jen Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching kids life skills and building their character through the game of golf!

“At First Tee,” Jen says, “we believe that character is what you bring to everything you do; but you aren’t born with it.”

With 150 chapters across the country, the coaches at First Tee have taught countless youth to help them build confidence, set meaningful goals, and learn the value of perseverance - all through the game of golf! Jen a...

I’m sitting down with Jon Sherman of Practical Golf to discuss his five best tips for supercharging your golf game during the offseason!

“It’s much easier to make a change in your golf game,” says Jon, “in a risk-free environment.”

Your offseason is the absolute best time to troubleshoot your game and make changes that you simply won’t be able to track with efficiency in the thick of those competitive months.

With the help of a good instructor, use these next few weeks to make a series of...

Today, Ashley, Max, and I are sitting down with golf enthusiast and TikTok star Morgan Middendorf, who shares her entertaining tales from the green as a bev cart girl!

Morgan talks about catering to all manner of golfers, from out-of-towners to snowbirds to men’s leagues. All the while, we’re catching up with Ashley on her time fresh off tournament season at Whistling Straits and Napa, and give a little sneak peek into our “outrageous” plans for Scotland in 2026!

Morgan pulls back the curtain on building a successful “cart girl”...

I’m sitting down with my good friends Andrea and Marla to catch up on their golf journey!

Listen in as we talk about how we deal with husband-and-wife dynamics out on the course–from casual to professional settings–and a little sneak peek into playing golf in the Scottish highlands for the very first time, with family to boot!

The Desert Classic has been a formative highlight of all of our golf journeys, and so we look back at what we picked up from our previous experiences. But while we’re reminis...

As we head into a new golf season here in Arizona, my sister Alix and I talk about what we’re looking forward to, as well as what we’re doing to keep on top of our fitness going into winter. We’re also giving you a sneak peek into our 2025 calendar of events and tournaments!

After giving our thoughts on new regulations announced by our Women’s Golf Association, we’re talking pilates and hot yoga breakthroughs and mishaps, before getting into the little tweaks we’re making to our golf game.

This is w...

Pushing past my comfort zone in golf has always been a challenge, but with the help of the ever-amazing Colorado Hall of Famer Kim Eaton, I went on a journey that led me all the way to the USGA Mid-Am.

Today, Kim and I are reflecting on how entering some of those more intimidating tournaments can actually elevate your game. I talk about my commitment to compete in the Arizona State Match Play Tournament despite initial hesitations. One thing stays pretty consistent: The friends we make and the personal insecurities we overcome at these events a...

I’m talking with the legend Lisa Longball, live from the California Crush Invitational! Lisa opens up about her inspiring journey, tenacity, and her passion for empowering women in sports!

From bouncing back from a rotator cuff injury to diving into another world championship, there are few women who can pump us up to chase our own golf dreams like Lisa. Even though we’re keeping things casual this time around, her dedication to the sport and her position as a role model to female athletes everywhere take center stage in our conversation!

We’re also e...

When my mom accepted the invitation to join us for the 2024 California Crush Invitational, I knew it would be an unforgettable experience. My sister Alix joins me today to reflect on Mom’s first-ever golf tournament experience and the lessons women golfers can take to heart through her example!

From Napa to Tampa, Mom’s unique challenges as a first-timer speak to the women out there who are thinking about taking the leap into their first tournament, but for one reason or another, they are holding back–whether due to a higher handicap index or otherwise.

With...