Above Par

Golf Experiences vs Golf Results

Inside the Masters: Quotes and Concepts to Use in Your Game

Hey there, golf aficionados! 🏌️‍♂️ The week of The Masters always serves up some juicy quotes, and boy, did we hit the jackpot this time! In this electrifying episode, Kathy handpicks some gems from the likes of Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, and Tyrell Hatton, showing how their insights sync perfectly with the mental game we love to chat about. Get ready to unlock the secrets of mental pivoting, self-belief, and dealing with those pesky negative thoughts as Kathy dishes out practical tips i...

How to Know When You Played Too Much Golf

In this episode of Above Par, Kathy delves into the often-asked question among golf enthusiasts: 'How much golf is too much?' Starting with an anecdote from a member of The Above Par Academy, who feels she's playing too much due to back pain, the discussion broadens to physical discomfort as a clear indicator of overdoing the sport. Kathy explores various perspectives on the concept of 'too much golf,' highlighting that it's subjective and varies from one individual to another. The convers...

Navigating Golf After Illness, Injury, or Loss:

This episode is all about overcoming the challenges life throws your way, especially when they mess with your golf game.  Ever noticed how tough it is to hit the green when your head's not in the game due to illness, injury, or maybe loss or heartbreak?  Kathy dives into this connection between our mental and physical game, sharing personal anecdotes and client stories that hit right at home. You'll get solid advice on how to cut yourself some slack and adjust your expectations, so you don...

How the Word "Only" Negatively Impacts Your Golf

In this podcast episode, we explore the detrimental impact of the word 'only' within the realms of golf and daily life, shedding light on how it signifies inadequacy and fosters self-criticism. Insights are shared from the Think Above Par Academy, where members delve into strategies for managing their mental and emotional states to enhance their performance on the golf course. A case study is presented, illustrating the emotional distress experienced by a golfer who felt disappointed by the...

The Art of Emotional Control in Golf

In this episode, Kathy delves deep into the pivotal role of mastering your mental state in the game of golf. Listeners are urged to purposefully cultivate useful emotions, a key factor in performing to your potential.  She unpacks potent strategies for priming emotional intentions prior to teeing off, exploring how various emotions can sway gameplay outcomes. Moreover, she offers pragmatic guidance on sustaining a desired emotional equilibrium both on the course and in everyday life. Tune ...

Short-Term Memory in Golf: The Goldfish Approach

 Ever heard of being a 'goldfish' in golf? It's not just about the short game – it's about having a memory as fleeting as a fish's! Kathy delves deep into this concept, revealing how a short memory for unfavorable shots or rounds can skyrocket your performance to new heights. Clinging to those negative golf memories? It's time to toss them aside. Kathy explains how these memories can be the anchor weighing down your game, shattering confidence and belief in your own abilities. But fear n...

4 Ways to Create More Certainty on the Golf Course

Calm, Certain and Confident or the 3 C’s are preferred emotions that enable you to swing freely and think clearly on the golf course.  But what exactly does it mean to create or feel certain?  In this episode, I differentiate between certainty and confidence. It starts with defining what you CAN”T be certain about.  Once you surrender to that, you can then focus on what you can be certain about.  I share with you 4 different areas to create more certainty including club selection, an exp...

The Power of Self-Coaching in Golf

If you ever feel ike you are at the affect of the game of golf, you want to listen to this episode.  Kathy discusses the importance of learning how to self-coach.  Self-coaching is not about correcting your swing but managing the mind on the golf course and dealing with thoughts and emotions in different situations. The key to self-coaching is self-awareness, noticing and understanding your thoughts, feelings, and actions on and off the golf course. Kathy shares that being able to self-...

Discovering Your Golf Self

Do you want to make some significant strides in your mental golf this year?  It starts with a little self-discovery and honesty. In this podcast episode, Kathy discusses the importance of self-discovery in improving golf skills and performance.  She delves into how one can better understand themselves on a deeper level through journaling and how this can contribute to personal growth and self-improvement.  She expounds on the approach of writing down thoughts as a tool to build better me...

The Mindset of Course Management with Dudley Hart

6 Ways to Build Your Mental Golf Skills in the Off Season

Do not wait to work on your mental skills when the season kick off, or before your first tournament. You do not have to have a club in your hand to work on mental skills that will benefit your golf game.  There are 6 different mental skills to practice in the off season which include:  spotting negative thinking,  pivoting from negative emotions,  refraining from arguing with reality,  setting daily intentions,  practicing decision-making, and  enhancing mindfulness.  Don’t wait…list...

How to Trust Your Swing

Do you just wish you could trust your swing? Trust your green reading? Trust your club selections? Sometimes you can get annoyed with yourself after a poor swing and snap, "just trust it!" If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Kathy talks about what you CAN trust in golf and your swing. She shares how you break trust and how you build trust. It starts off the course.  You build it in your every day life. And then you apply it to your golf. Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood...

Golf Success Leaves Clues

In this episode, Kathy discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in order to improve your golf game. She emphasizes focusing on the mental part of the game, playing golf with people who have a positive impact, and the negative effects of surrounding oneself with negative individuals.  Kathy further elaborates the importance of playing golf with better and confident players to learn and grow. She also stresses on practicing with focused individuals with good habi...

7 Traits For Building a Strong Mental Golf Game

In this podcast episode, Kathy explores the importance of mental strength when it comes to golf and even life in general. She discusses seven essential traits to build a strong mental game: awareness, vulnerability, consistency, dedication, resilience, grace and having support from a coach or a community. These traits can notably influence how well you perform on the golf course and how you manage real-life challenges. Kathy also encourages listeners to ponder which of these traits they migh...

How to Master Your Golf Brain in 2024 with Michael Leonard and Wicked Smart Golf

This is an interview of Kathy as a guest of the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast with Michael Leonard.  In this episode ,she emphasizes the importance of managing your brain to improve performance.  She also explains how to shift from negative self-talk to a positive mindset, how to practice mind management, and why one should believe in themselves before seeing results.  She suggests that off-season golfers should focus on managing their mind, developing awareness of their self-dialogue, and mi...

The Impact of Golf on Your Life and Life on Your Golf

In this episode, Kathy encourages you to kickstart the new year by exploring how golf and life are inextricably intertwined and how they affect each other. By exploring how time, money, relationships, and emotions invested in golf affect other areas of life, and vice versa, listeners can gain insights on the balance they currently have. Kathy lays emphasis on the need to manage thoughts and emotions intentionally and also highlights how our personality traits show up in our golf game and ...

Revolutionizing Green Reading: The Slopegraide App and Jeff Mocini

Jeff Mocini discusses an iPhone/iPad app called Slope Graide for putting.  Slope Grade trains users on all aspects of putting, including start line, speed on different grade speeds to green reading, and visualization of break . The app dynamically creates topographic models of greens aided by the LiDAR scanner in Pro and Pro Max devices, enabling a better understanding of the slope and roll.  To tackle time constraints during practice rounds, the app has a course mode featuring green model...

The 6 Biggest Mental Shifts That Impacted My Golf and Life

The 6 Biggest Mental Shifts That Transformed My Golf and Life

In this episode of 'Above Par,' Kathy shares six mental shifts that improved her golf game and overall life:  recognizing thoughts are optional,  understanding that thoughts create emotions,  realizing feeling emotions isn't a sign of weakness,  comprehending discomfort leads to growth,  believing in something before seeing it, and  treating confidence as a skill that can be developed.  These realizations proved pivotal, teaching her to take control of her mental state both on and off...

Golf Effort and Intention

Being Hard on Yourself Vs Finding Small Golf Wins

If you are a high achiever, played other competitive sports or are in the habit of beating yourself up for not reaching your goals or falling short of your expectations, this episode is for you. When I encourage people to find the small wins in golf or life, it can seem like you are giving yourself an out or a pass for not succeeding. It can seem more useful to beat yourself up for a bit, feel down and show that you are not happy with your performance. In this episode, I want to share w...

How to Find the Wins After a Challenging Golf Season

Even if you had a crappy or challenging golf season, it is hard but important for you to find the wins. In this episode, you discover how to properly go through the process of evaluating not only your round but your season. You can look at your season from a mechanical, mental as well as course management perspective. This process helps you create a plan for the next season. And even if you are not playing and your season is over, Kathy shares how to practice your mental skills all year...

When Golf Means Too Much

In this episode, Kathy prompts golfers to consider the deeper meaning of the game as the season concludes. Encouraging reflection beyond the casual acknowledgment of golf being just a sport, Kathy highlights potential emotional red flags, such as heightened anxiety or an excessive focus on scores. The episode aims to gently guide listeners into honestly assessing the emotional impact of golf on their lives, urging them to explore whether the game carries more significance than they con...

When All Your Hard Work is Not Showing Up in Your Golf Scores

In this episode,  Kathy addresses the dilemma many golfers face when they've put in a lot of effort and time into their game but aren't seeing the desired results. She discusses the emotions that arise, such as feeling defeated and wanting to quit. Kathy emphasizes that quitting to escape negative emotions isn't the best solution and encourages golfers to shift their perspective. She highlights that golf doesn't always have a direct correlation between effort and results, unlike some ot...

4 Ways You Mentally Self-Sabotage in Golf

In this podcast,  Kathy discusses the mental aspects of golf and how golfers can self-sabotage mentally on the course. She emphasizes the importance of continuous mental practice, regardless of the season or tournaments.  Kathy identifies four common ways golfers sabotage themselves mentally: 1. Failing to self-reflect and be aware of repeating patterns and habits. 2. Waiting for external situations to change to feel better, giving away power to circumstances. 3. Not setting intentions for ...

How to Handle Mental Setbacks

This episode dives deep into the topic of setbacks and how they affect both your golf game and daily life. We all have those days when it seems like we're taking a step back, struggling with negative thoughts, or feeling like we've regressed.  Kathy reassures you that these moments are not signs of failure but part of being human. She shares insights and strategies to deal with setbacks. Life outside the golf course can influence your game, and she explains how to manage these external fac...

3 Things I Learned as a Caddie in a USGA Event with Tori Totlis

This podcast is a conversation that Tori Totlis of T-Time with Tori had with me about my experience caddying in the USGA Senior Women's Amateur this year in Scottsdale, AZ.  We get into how our brains can be either our biggest asset or biggest barrier in golf, discussing the importance of effective instruction and how it can be tailored to resonate with different learners. “The fastest way to get better is to manage your mind first.  Don’t wait to become a certain handicap before you decid...

Part 2 - Q and A with Tour Player Yoonhee Kim, Confidence, Making Money, and Digging Deep

Listen in on part 2 of my interview with Tour Player Yoonhee Kim as she answers questions from members of the Above Par Academy. Yoonhee talks about confidence, digging deep on the last few holes and worrying about what other people think. You will relate to what she focuses on with mental golf and understand that you do not need to be a professional or low handicap to benefit from this work. If you want to benefit from working on your mental golf connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

Dealing with Pressure, Fear and Professional Golf with Yoonhee Kim

Yoonhee Kim is a mini tour player working toward playing on the LPGA.  In this episode, we talk about how she deals with pressure, fear, embarrassment and Tour qualifying school. Yoonhee also shares some of her on-course mental tools and sayings that help her stay calm and present. Regardless of your level of golf, you will find her story relatable as you learn how a tour player manages the golf brain and tournament play. Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

How to Make a Birdie

Have you ever told yourself you needed to make a couple birdies on the last few holes? Or maybe you categorize holes as "birdie holes" and up your expectations on short par fours or fives. Chances are it did NOT turn out the way you planned. You may have even made a bogey or two instead. So the question is “How do you make a birdie?” The quick answer is hit is close and make as short a putt as possible. This is for sure an easier way to go about it but in this episode I want to shift t...

A New Way to Score For Your Golf Brain

Scoring can be mental. How you think about par, birdie, bogey can affect how you show up over the ball.  You can put unnecessary pressure on yourself to make a putt for par or give yourself a "3-putt pass" on a par 5 if you hit the green in two. In this episode, I share a different way to think about scoring so that you can stand over as many shots as possible from a calm, certain or confident place. Listen in and gain a paradigm shift on scoring with 3 key concepts. Learn more about Kath...

How to Play Golf One Shot at a Time

"Just play golf one shot at a time." It is common advice but most golfers don't know how to exactly get that done. In this episode, I first break down what it means to NOT play golf one shot at a time. By understanding what happens when you get ahead of yourself on the course, ruminate over a previous hole or shot,  or argue with the reality of the situation in front of you,  you can better understand what is required to play in the present moment. I share with you the 3 steps required ...

7 Mental Lessons to Share With Your Junior Golfer

Being a golf parent can be challenging. It can be hard to watch your child struggle with all of the ups and downs that golf brings, especially as we learn this game.  As parents, we can sometimes be lost at what to say to our kids. How to help them and support them along the journey so that they can have some success. It's challenging at times to watch them feel bad, be upset, fail, beat themselves up, be negative. All the things that comes with being a junior golfer or a golfer for that m...

How to Manage Anxiety and Fear on the Golf Course with Jill Howell

All golfers deal with anxiety and fear at some point on the golf course. Some golfers struggle with these emotional states more than others.  Golf, however, does not produce anxiety or fear, it exposes it.  It exposes a state of our nervous system that we deal with in our day to day lives.  In this episode, Jill Howell, an emotional health coach, explains what is actually happening when you experience anxiety.  She also share some useful tools that you can take to the course to help you m...

Slow Golfers, Slow Play and Being Slow

If you play enough golf you are going to run into slow play or slow golfers.  And, you may actually be a slow golfer. In fact, many golfers fear being labeled as slow  to the point that it affects their performance and enjoyment of the game. In this episode, I cover it all:  waiting on slow golfers playing slowly fear of being a slow golfer I describe 3 types of slow golfer scenarios that you likely have to deal with on the course. You definitely want to get your head around slow pl...

How To Handle Bad Luck and Bad Breaks in Golf

If you play enough golf you are going to get some bad breaks. You are going to get a bad bounce, a lip out, a crappy lie, an untimely gust of wind, etc. Some days it may feel like you get more than your fair share. If you struggle with those days or have a sense you are just a bit unluckier than most, this episode is for you. I show you how to use two of mental concepts, lenses and 50/50, to help you reframe and shift your experience around the bad, unfortunate, or unlucky parts of the ...

Golf Superstitions vs Golf Preferences

Superstitions are everywhere but definitely prevalent in the world of golf. Whether it is the lucky ball mark, colored shirt, number on the cart, color of the tee, number on the ball, superstitions in golf are very common. In this episode, I shed light on the impact of the superstitions that may affect your performance. I share with you how to decipher if your "thing" is a preference or a superstition. You get to figure out if it is something you want to keep or shift for the benefit of y...

3 Areas to Sharpen Your Game One Shot at a Time

If you want to start lowering your handicap or knock a shot of your score, there are 3 main areas to look:  physical mental course management/skills In this episode, I give you a fresh perspective on how to sharpen your game one shot at a time. Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

Avoid Home Course Complacency: 5 Ways to Sharpen Your Mental Skills and Prepare For Tournaments on Your Home Course

As the summer unfolds, we dive into a vital topic for every golfer – avoiding mental complacency while playing our home course daily. In this episode, we explore how repeatedly playing the same course can lead to a 'home course disadvantage' for our game. We uncover five effective strategies to elevate both our mental and golfing skills. By changing tee boxes, hitting different shots off the tee, playing with better golfers, trying alternate shot formats, and challenging ourselves in var...

How to Play Your Best With a Golf Partner

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspect of being a good golf partner and navigating the mental challenges of playing in tournaments with a partner. Discover four key strategies that will help you establish a strong partner relationship before stepping onto the course. We explore the power of open communication with your partner, setting boundaries, and being mindful of the words and body language you use during the game. Learn how to avoid unnecessary pressure and dist...

4 Reasons You Don't Like to Tell People What You Shot

If you don't like it when people ask you what you shot, or what you made on a hole or what place you finished, this episode is for you. Most golfers don't have a problem sharing the score of a good round. But, when you have a lousy day and someone asks you what you shot, the dialogue in your head about the question and questioner, expose 4 mental hurdles. These are mental obstacles to you being able to play your best golf and enjoy your time on the course. Learn more about Kathy at Kat...

4 Ways To Overcome Bad Golf Memories

Sometimes it is challenging to shake a bad golf memory. Maybe you hit a ball in the water, made a triple bogey, missed a couple short putts, bladed it out of bunker and that memory pops in your head the next time you stand over the shot or play the hole. If that happens, your mind is not present and your swing is not smooth. As a result, you likely repeat the same mistake.  In this episode, learn 4 ways to eliminate the bad memory so that you can make your best swings the next time you tee...

4 Mental Steps for Effective Golf Practice

 Explore the crucial role of mental preparation in golf practice.  Debunking misconceptions, this episode reveals the impact of mindset on performance. Discover how setting goals, making purposeful decisions, and cultivating confidence can optimize your practice sessions. Whether you love, hate, or overdo practice, gain actionable strategies to develop a positive mindset and unlock your potential on the golf course.   Listen in to learn the importance of intention, quality, and a focused a...

How to Know if You're Good Enough in Golf

In this episode, Kathy addresses a common concern among golfers: the feeling of not being good enough. Explore the detrimental effects of shame and unrealistic expectations, both from comparing oneself to others and from external standards. Kathy provides practical advice on shifting your mindset, cultivating self-acceptance, and separating your worth from your performance on the golf course. Discover how to identify moments of self-doubt, pivot away from shame, and either work on improvin...

Hope vs Hoping and How It Affects Your Golf

This is a portion of a live call from Unleash Your Game, a  complete program for mastering your golf brain so you can consistently play to your potential with more calm, certainty and confidence. In the program, I offer live calls to support members on the mental golf journey. I start the call talking about hope. How we use the word versus how we create hope for us on the golf course. At the end of this call, you can hear a member share her recent experience shifting her thoughts and chan...

3 Steps to Be More Committed Over Golf Shots

Discover the keys to unwavering commitment on the golf course in this episode. Kathy discusses the three essential steps for achieving a state of complete dedication over every golf shot. Learn how being committed can transform your game, enhance your decision-making, and yield remarkable results. Explore the power of self-awareness, making confident choices, and the crucial art of keeping your word to yourself. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, these practical strategi...

How to Set Powerful Golf Intentions Before a Round

Setting a golf intention is about giving your brain direction on the golf course. it is a valuable tool to shifting your results. In this episode, I focus on 4 different ways to set intentions along with a few examples of how you can use them the next time you play.  Start creating the habit of setting an intention before you play and give your brain direction on what to look for on the course. Learn more about how to work with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

Golf Resilience

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions. This is really what mental golf is…bouncing back quickly.  In this episode, I share with you the top 5 areas for you to focus on building up your resiliency.  You may find that you are more resilient in one area and do not recover as quickly in other areas. This episode puts a little different spin on looking at mental golf and narrows done where to focus so that you can build your golf resilience. Learn more at Kat...

3 Steps to Make One Day Tournaments Easier

If you have a one day qualifier on your schedule this season whether it is a USGA or club championship qualifier, I have three tips to help you get through these rounds easier and with more success. One of the keys is to not make the event too big of a deal for the sake of your brain.  The bigger of a deal you make the tournament the more your brain is going to freak you out. I share three mental hurdles that typically show up on qualifying days. If you are aware of them and have some str...