Better Golf Academy: Strategy to Awesome Golf

This episode challenges the myth that golf "feel" is a natural gift, opening with Steve Jobs testing iPhone prototypes until one "felt right." The discussion establishes that feel is a trainable skill through three principles: it can be systematically developed, improves over time with practice, and can be rebuilt when lost. Evidence includes tour pros like Collin Morikawa playing without a glove and wine research showing experts develop superior pattern recognition, not better senses. Links: Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/feel Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

Most golfers approach putting completely wrong, obsessing over stroke mechanics while missing the three fundamental skills that actually matter. Through the dramatic story of Alexander the Great solving the legendary Gordian Knot with one decisive sword stroke, discover why putting success comes from systematic execution rather than perfect technique. Learn how to read greens like a tour pro using your feet as much as your eyes, develop the technical precision to consistently start putts on line, and master distance control through external focus. Packed with research from putting experts and actionable drills you can use immediately, this episode will transform your approach to the most important part of your game. Links: Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/putting Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

In this episode, I explore the powerful connection between golf and mental health, examining how and why golf has become a form of self-care and therapy for millions of players. Using research from sports psychology, insights from mental health experts, and personal anecdotes, I demonstrate how golf provides unique mental health benefits through its combination of nature exposure, physical activity, social connection, and mindfulness practice. With younger generations now citing mental health as their primary reason for playing golf, this episode offers practical strategies for intentionally approaching golf as a wellness practice that can enhance longevity, reduce stress, and provide lifelong benefits for both mind and body. Links: Dan Evan’s Quote: Instagram @dansgolfworld Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/peace Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/  

In this episode, I explore the three crucial strategies high handicappers can use to avoid disaster holes: embracing the boring play, knowing your go-to shot under pressure, and developing a post-mistake routine.  Using research from sports psychology, insights from golf legends, and personal anecdotes, I demonstrate how these mental game approaches can help golfers lower their scores dramatically without changing their swing. The episode explains how most high handicappers aren't held back by their inability to hit good shots, but rather by their poor decisions and emotional reactions when things go wrong. By implementing these three rules, you can potentially drop 3-5 strokes from their handicap within a month. Don't believe me? Just try it.  Links:  LMG Golf Clubs: https://liquidmetalsgroup.com Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/blowup Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

After witnessing a disturbing interaction between a father and his talented young daughter on the driving range, this episode dives into the critical question: Can we raise kids who excel at golf while maintaining their passion for the game? Through research from sports psychology and youth development experts, I explore how parents can foster excellence without sacrificing joy. The episode offers three science-backed strategies that create a foundation for both competitive success and long-term love of golf. Learn how fostering autonomy, developing a growth mindset, and creating emotional safety around performance can transform your child's relationship with golf. These approaches don't just produce happier young golfers—research suggests they're also the optimal path to developing champions who sustain their success long-term. Links: Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/  

Ever wonder why pro golfers remember every detail of their rounds while you can't recall the hole you just played? In this eye-opening episode, dive into the revolutionary concept of Strokes Gained that's transformed how the pros play and practice. Discover how this stat, developed by finance professor Mark Broadie, breaks down performance into four key categories: Off-the-Tee, Approach, Around-the-Green, and Putting.  You'll learn shocking statistics about Tour pros' putting percentages (they miss more than half their 10-footers!), understand how to interpret Strokes Gained numbers, and discover practical ways to apply these insights to your own game. Plus, a humorous take on why 18 holes of golf might require more mental achievement than free solo climbing El Capitan. This episode will change how you practice and play forever!   Links: Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

In this episode, we witness history as Rory McIlroy finally captures the green jacket he's been chasing for 11 years, completing the career Grand Slam after countless heartbreaks at Augusta National.  From his beginnings as a three-year-old swinging in his living room to his emotional collapse on the 18th green, we explore what this moment teaches us about persistence, resilience, and the winding path to achieving our dreams. This isn't just a golf story—it's a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements come with extraordinary obstacles, and sometimes the most meaningful victories are the ones we've waited for the longest. Links: Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

Ever wonder why you lose your cool on the golf course? In this episode, I reveal the psychology behind those club-throwing moments and why anger is never actually the first emotion you feel—it's always covering something deeper. You'll discover why one pro golfer went to the extreme of taping his mouth shut during a tournament (spoiler: it didn't work) and learn the three powerful keys to emotional mastery that the world's best players use under pressure. I'll share personal stories of my own emotional disasters on the course, practical drills you can use immediately, and the counterintuitive truth about why suppressing your emotions might be hurting your scores. Whether you're struggling with on-course outbursts or just wanting to channel your competitive fire more effectively, this episode reveals how transforming your relationship with anger could be the missing piece in your mental game. The best part? These techniques don't just lower your scores—they bring back the joy of playing the game we love. Links:  Player Tapes his Mouth Shut: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/p/golfer-tapes-mouth-shut-in-extreme Range Session Drills:  https://bettergolfacademy.com/rage Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Subscribe to Daily Golf News from me: https://bettergolfacademy.substack.com/

What if everything you’ve been told about practice is wrong? I spent 25 years playing piano the “right” way—grinding the same songs, chasing perfection, and dreading every recital. Then, I watched my son fall in love with music overnight… not by memorizing notes, but by playing thunder. Turns out, golf practice has the same problem. Most players are stuck in their own lifeless recital—mindlessly smashing balls, grooving flaws, and wondering why they never improve. In this episode, you’ll learn why the driving range is LYING to you (and what to do instead). And learn about the science-backed secret to loving practice (hint: It’s not about perfect swings). The best golfers aren’t made in sterile repetition. They’re forged in chaos, creativity, and curiosity. Links:  Good Will Hunting Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQht2yOX9Js Range Session Drills:  https://bettergolfacademy.com/variations Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello

Are you in a slump? Are you feeling cluttered, overwhelmed, and lost? In this episode, we’re breaking the cycle: no more band-aid fixes, no more swing overhaul madness. Instead, we’re going against conventional wisdom with three powerful (and often overlooked) strategies. Plus, we’ll talk about the real reason slumps linger (hint: it’s not your swing) and how to fall back in love with the game when nothing seems to work. If you’re tired of the endless grind and ready for a smarter way out of your slump, this episode is your game plan. "The slump isn’t your enemy—it’s your teacher. Time to start listening." Links:  Resilience Building Drills:  https://bettergolfacademy.com/slump Website: https://bettergolfacademy.comInstagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello News: Golf News Daily - Substack: https://bettergolfacademy.com/news    

What do Roger Federer, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy all have in common? It’s not just their incredible talent or their trophies—it’s their ability to bounce back. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of resilience, exploring how the greatest athletes in the world turn setbacks into comebacks. Did you know that even Federer, one of the most dominant tennis players of all time, only won 54% of the points he played? Or that Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one in golf, has the highest bounce back rate on the PGA Tour at 33.33%? These stats aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that mistakes are inevitable, but how you respond is what makes you a champion. Links Resilience Building Drills:  https://bettergolfacademy.com/nodwell Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello  

Are your own thoughts holding you back from playing your best golf? You’ve had an amazing front nine, but as you step onto the 10th tee, doubt creeps in. Can I really keep this up? That little voice in your head starts calculating the odds, and before you know it, you’re playing defensively—tightening up, second-guessing, and watching your game slip away. In this episode, we’re breaking down how limiting beliefs sabotage your game and, more importantly, how to flip the script so you can stay in the zone. You’ll learn practical mental shifts, real-life golf stories, and three action steps to build unshakable confidence. If you’ve ever felt like you were your own worst enemy on the course, this episode is for you. Let’s break free from those mental chains and play the golf you’re truly capable of! Links Three Mental Game Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/belief Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello

Imagine standing over the ball, completely calm, fully committed, and ready to execute the perfect shot. No second-guessing, no tension—just confidence. That’s the power of a great pre-shot routine.  In this episode, we’re breaking down why every golfer—whether a weekend warrior or a tour pro—needs a solid routine to eliminate doubt, stay consistent under pressure, and reinforce confidence. You’ll learn how the best players in the world use their routines to gain an edge, how to create your own, and why tweaking it for different shots can completely transform your game.  If you’re tired of letting nerves, bad decisions, or overthinking ruin your rounds, this episode is your game-changer. Tune in and start playing with more control, confidence, and consistency! Links Three Preshot Routine Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/routine Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello More Links:  Warwick Knowledge Centre Study The Secret Benefits of Routines Jordan Spieth’s Preshot Routine Tiger Wood’s Preshot Routine  

Most golfers focus on their driver and irons, but the real secret to lower scores is your short game. In this episode, we’re diving into three essential chip shots that every golfer needs to master: Chip and Run – The high-percentage shot for consistency and control Backspin Shot – The one-hop stop that gives you precision around the greens Lob Shot – The high, soft-landing shot for tricky pin positions We’ll break down when and why to use each shot, how they can shave strokes off your game, and why improving your chipping might be the fastest way to start shooting lower scores. If you’re tired of missing up-and-down opportunities, this episode is for you. Llet’s get your short game dialed in! Links: Get your 3 Drills: https://bettergolfacademy.com/chip Learn the 3 Types of Chips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMjbtPXo8E8  Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello  

In this episode, we dive into the power of tracking your golf rounds and why what isn’t measured doesn’t exist in golf. If you’ve been stuck at the same handicap, it’s time to rethink your approach. We break down the key stats you should be tracking—like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round—and how this data can reveal game-changing insights. Stop guessing what’s holding you back and start making smarter practice decisions. We’ll also discuss how setting clear, measurable goals can transform your improvement process. Whether you're a weekend golfer or striving for competitive play, this episode will give you the tools to take your game to the next level! Links: Find out how I log my stats: https://bettergolfacademy.com/log  Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello 

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of trusting your subconscious mind to improve your golf game. When you let go of overthinking and self-doubt, you allow your body to perform the skills you’ve practiced effortlessly. We’ll explore why trusting your instincts leads to smoother swings, better focus, and more confidence on the course—whether you’re facing a crucial putt or teeing off under pressure. But trusting your subconscious isn’t always easy. We’ll break down why it’s so hard to let go of control and share practical strategies to build that trust, from visualization and pre-shot routines to staying present and embracing the process. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you the tools to unlock your mental game and play with more freedom, consistency, and joy. Whether you’re battling overthinking or looking to build unshakable confidence, this episode will give you the tools and insights to take your mental game to the next level. https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact MeSe: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello  

In this episode of Better Golf Academy, we dive into the powerful connection between your self-image and your performance on the golf course. We explore how your identity shapes your actions, sets your limits, and ultimately determines your success.  You'll learn why aligning your conscious mind, subconscious mind, and self-image is crucial for breaking through to the next level of your game. We discuss practical strategies inspired by Lanny Bassham’s With Winning in Mind, including how to redefine your self-image, harness the power of visualization, and build a mindset that thrives under pressure.  Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive golfer, this episode will show you how your mental blueprint can unlock your full potential. https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy Contact Me: https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello  

In this episode of the Better Golf Academy Podcast, we explore the mental strategies behind those jaw-dropping, game-winning moments in sports. From Jon Rahm’s unbelievable 66-foot playoff putt at the 2020 BMW Championship to Derek Fisher’s iconic 0.4-second buzzer-beater in the 2004 NBA playoffs, we break down how athletes deliver under the highest pressure. Drawing insights from Lanny Bassham’s book With Winning in Mind, we discuss three transformative strategies to help you stay calm and execute when it matters most: focusing on the process over the outcome, mastering mental rehearsal, and controlling self-talk. Host Hanju Lee shares his personal journey of applying these principles to finally pass the grueling PAT exam, proving that the right mindset can turn impossible moments into personal triumphs. If you’re ready to improve your mental game and learn how to create your own “miracle shots,” this episode is for you.

To sum up, let me tell you what I did with my putting. I got rid of the lines. I got rid of the technical and robotic thoughts of how I am going to make a stroke. It’s been a month and I have to tell you, I made 5 birdie putts last week. And, I wanted to talk about that entire process and why I did what I did by doing some background research and seeing if the results I’ve experienced are actually legit.  I just stand behind the ball, visualize the line that my ball will travel to the cup, take a breath, line up and make the putt. Easy...breezy. And guess what? More putts are going in. More than I’ve ever imagined. 5 birdies in one round...that is my personal record.  Do you know what I just did for you in this episode? I simplified your life. I simplified the mental aspect of your game and I made it super easy for you to be awesome...I mean...even awesomer...because you are already awesome. So….you’re welcome. In summary, the focus is necessary, but you have to focus on the right things. So… Focus on the external, not the internal. Learn to distract yourself, especially in pressure situations. Rely on your subconscious...it’s way smarter than you. Okay, that’s it for our podcast on FOCUS today, I hope it was insightful for you and I hope that you can implement that in your game and shave a ton of strokes off your game. Resources: Oh, if you are interested, here's the link to the Focus attention research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271992035_Attentional_focus_and_motor_learning_A_review_of_15_years Links: Say hi. https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello Check out our website: https://bettergolfacademy.com  

So...when you ask any golfer - beginner, to intermediate to pro...what do you think is required for you to have to play great golf, you know what their answer is? Well, let’s try it out. Let me ask you, what do you think is the number one thing that you think you’ll need to have to play great golf. And I don’t mean things like...a great swing, or an ability to read the putts well or be able to hit it long or having the latest and the greatest equipment...what I mean is what you’ll need to possess as a player. Like a characteristic, emotion or a feeling that will elevate your game and help you play your best.  One word. CONFIDENCE. I don’t think anyone will disagree with any sports or even anything in life...that confidence is a good thing and sometimes, it’s really a game-changer. So, I want to spend some time talking about what I think it is, and how we can implement and grow it within us so that we can be at our best. But first, what is confidence? Well, I think it’s a belief. It’s a belief in yourself that you have the ability to do what is set before you and the ability to do it well. And that you have a pretty realistic sense of that and you feel very secure in that knowledge.  So, is this a born trait? Some people just have it and some people don’t? Or, is this related to some type of childhood upbringing or trauma? You have a parent or coach that told you that you are beyond talented and that you can do anything, vs you grew up everyone telling you that you suck and you’ll never measure up?  Is confidence innate or is it learned? Well, thanks for asking...such a great question you guys. I think we fundamentally misunderstand it. I think most of us think that it’s a personality trait.  The students’ self-perceived ability was a significant predictor of achievement. It was even more important than their IQ. So, this is huge!! Especially when we apply this in golf. Our perceived ability...let’s go back to our original definition of confidence, confidence is your belief in yourself that you have the ability to do what is set before you and the ability to do it well. And that you have a pretty realistic sense of that you feel very secure in that knowledge...that trumps our IQ. It doesn’t matter how smart you really are...it doesn’t matter how great and talented you are...it’s the fact that you believe in yourself that you have the ability to do it.  That’s what matters most when it comes to performance.  So, what does that mean? It means that when you are faced with a shot that you know how to do, the “how-to”  is not as important as you believing that you can do it. Mind blown. So, as I said before, you might be blessed with awesome genetics of confidence...you are just a confident person and it comes easy to you. Which is awesome, you can step up and sink a clutch putt and pull crazy shots out of the bag at opportune moments...it’s just within your DNA...and trust me, I know athletes like this. But, if you are that person, it’s still good for you to recognize and continue to work on building your confidence in other aspects of your game. And for the rest of us, I included, I need some help on how to level up my confidence now knowing that it’s a key to my golf….my golf success. So, I did some more study and research and I’ve listed 3 best ways to improve your confidence. Gain experience Duh, this sounds so logical and simple yet a lot of people miss this. Someone will say, man, I am having a lot of challenges with my chipping. I am duffing it a lot and I feel so much uncertainty when I am addressing the ball for a chip. Instead of trying to think just happy thoughts before the chip thinking that will solve your problem, how about you spend an hour hitting chips over and over again? Gain experience hit 10, 20, 30. 100 in a row without duffing it. You will naturally gain confidence. You will start to program your mind that the next shot will go the same as your last 30 shots. Keep building that by creating an experience. Create experience by repeating.  Also, I want you to listen to episode 5 on the secret sauce to awesome practice. I talk about this deep research on what repetitive practice can do. It’s awesome!! It has something to do with Myelin and your neural pathway. It will really help you gain perspective on what “experience” can do for your game. Build Authentic and Healthy Mindset I really like this because a lot of sports psychology talks about confidence like it’s just a state of mind. Think and act confident and you will become confident. Look at yourself in the mirror every day and say…”I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me” and people will start liking you. Lol. I think there’s a bit of truth in that but also I think we are smarter than we think. Meaning, we can’t fool ourselves. Our confidence has to be authentic. If we suck at something, we can’t all of a sudden switch our minds to think that we are good at it.  So, how do we build an authentic and healthy mindset? We have to put in the work. Some say confidence is something we have to earn...and guess what, struggling builds confidence. Failure breeds wisdom and maturity. We need to fail and experience discomfort, and over time, build a track record of demonstrated success. Not having confidence is not a personal flaw, it just means that you simply need to put in the work. So, ok, Hanju...that sounds good and I am totally on board. But, I am doing all that and I still need help being confident out there. I know I can do it, but I also have doubts .  How do I overcome my doubts and play my best? Release Fear Here’s your final answer. You can overcome your doubts by simply letting go. You can gain control by simply...letting go. And by letting go, you can turn your fear into freedom. Let me play you an audio from a youtube video from Jeff Ritter sharing about how he increased his confidence and his idea of what releasing fear looks like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfCpJIr-nI4 The main thing to remember through all this is this:  Confidence is gained by experience. Confidence has to be authentic and you can build an authentic and healthy mindset through trial and error and putting in the work. Confidence has to be earned. Confidence is gained by releasing fear. We need to be reckless to gain freedom. Summary And here’s my final advice. Separate ourselves from our shots from who we are. Just because we hit a bad shot doesn’t mean we are a bad golfer. Great golfers hit bad shots. The shot was bad because it was missed and it was missed because we are not perfect. Hold your head up high, walk with your back straight, stay balanced and beautify your finish and follow through no matter where the ball goes. If it was miss-hit? Forget what happened, don’t blame yourself, don’t think that you are a bad player. And re-focus on your next shot. Do this over and over again. Because you’ve done it before and you can do it again.  Believe in yourself, believe that you have the ability to do what is set before you and the ability to do it well. And that you have a realistic and authentic sense of that and that you feel secure in it. You’ll play better, you’ll feel better and you’ll even look better. I guarantee it. === Links:  https://bettergolfacademy.com/hello to say hello. Website: https://bettergolfacademy.com Instagram: @bettergolfacademy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterGolfAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettergolf.academy