When It Counts

In this episode of When It Counts, we explore one of the most important — and counterintuitive — ideas in golf: if you want to shoot your best scores, you have to be willing to shoot a bad one.Many golfers try to protect their score by playing safe, avoiding mistakes, and steering the ball. But that mindset often leads to tension, indecision, and average golf.We discuss:why fear shows up during a round — and how it affects your swingwhat happens when you start protecting your scorehow tour players handle pressure and stay aggressivethe difference between smart decisions and playing scaredhow to commit fully to a shot, even when the risk is realThrough real on-course stories and practical examples, we break down how to shift from a mindset of avoidance… to one of commitment.Because the players who go low aren’t the ones avoiding mistakes —they’re the ones willing to accept them.And when it counts… that’s what makes the difference.

Golfers spend all winter working on their swings—practicing indoors, hitting balls into simulators, and watching their numbers improve. But when the golf season finally starts, many players experience the same frustrating problem: the swing that felt great all winter suddenly doesn’t show up on the course.In this episode of When It Counts, Richard Christensen and Steve break down why the transition from indoor practice to real golf can be so difficult—and what golfers can do to make their offseason work actually translate into better scores.In this conversation, they cover:• Why indoor practice can create false confidence• The biggest differences between simulator swings and real golf shots• Why many great range players struggle on the course• How to recalibrate distances early in the season• Why rhythm and trust matter more than mechanics when you compete• How competitive golfers should approach the first few rounds of the yearIf you’ve ever wondered why your swing feels great on the range but different on the golf course, this episode will help you understand why—and how to make sure your winter practice pays off when it counts.

The golf season may be months away, but serious competitors know that winter is where next season is built.In Episode 4 of When It Counts, Richard and Steve take a look at off-season preparation through two different eras of golf. Steve reflects on what winter training looked like in the 1970s—long before indoor simulators, launch monitors, and structured fitness programs—while Richard shares how modern players are using indoor facilities, data, and targeted training to prepare for the coming season.Together they explore what has changed, what hasn’t, and which off-season habits actually translate to better performance when competition returns.In this episode:What winter preparation looked like for competitive players in the 1970sHow modern tools like indoor simulators and launch monitors are changing preparationWhat serious players should actually focus on during the off-seasonThe biggest mistakes golfers make in winter trainingHow to use the off-season to return better when the season beginsIf you’re working indoors this winter and thinking about next season already, this conversation will help you use the off-season with intention.

Most competitive rounds don’t fall apart because a player suddenly loses their swing. They fall apart because of decisions, pressure, and the moment when a player drifts away from their process.In Episode 3, Richard and Steve break down what really happens when a round starts to go sideways. They discuss how pressure speeds up thinking, why players begin chasing shots, and how small decisions — not one bad swing — determine whether a round stabilizes or continues to unravel.Through tournament stories and coaching insight, they explore how disciplined players reset, return to their process, and keep a round from getting away from them.Work with Steve → https://puregolfplayersclub.com/lessons/Purchase an Automatic Swing Trainer → https://automaticswingtrainer.com/Follow Richard on Instagram → https://instagram.com/pursuingbirdiesFollow Richard and Steve on TikToc → https://www.tiktok.com/@user7106300726257

In competitive golf, the players who stick around aren’t always the ones with the most natural talent. They’re the ones who learn how to last. In this episode, we look at what really sustains a player over years of competition—through qualifiers, slumps, injuries, and changing life demands—and why raw ability alone rarely carries someone for long.We talk about the habits, mindset, and preparation patterns that keep players showing up and improving when the early excitement fades. From managing expectations to handling pressure and staying committed to the process, we break down what separates the players who burn out from the ones who keep competing season after season.If you’ve ever wondered why some golfers disappear after early success while others continue to contend year after year, this episode focuses on the traits that endure—and how you can build them into your own competitive game.Work with Steve → https://puregolfplayersclub.com/lessons/Purchase an Automatic Swing Trainer → https://automaticswingtrainer.com/Follow Richard on Instagram → https://instagram.com/pursuingbirdiesFollow Richard and Steve on TikToc → https://www.tiktok.com/@user7106300726257

Competitive golf looks simple from the outside. You hit shots, keep score, and try to play well. But once something is actually on the line, the game asks for something different.In this first episode of When It Counts, Richard Christensen and longtime tour player and instructor Steve Nelson talk about what really shows up under pressure — and what competitive golf actually demands over time. Drawing on decades of playing, teaching, and competing, they explore the difference between talent and endurance, preparation and perspective, and why the game often reveals more than it rewards.This isn’t a swing-tip podcast. It’s a conversation about competition, decision-making, and the realities of playing when the round matters.If you’ve ever felt the weight of a scorecard, this conversation will feel familiar.Work with Steve → https://puregolfplayersclub.com/lessons/Purchase an Automatic Swing Trainer → https://automaticswingtrainer.com/Follow Richard on Instagram → https://instagram.com/pursuingbirdiesFollow Richard and Steve on TikToc → https://www.tiktok.com/@user7106300726257