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

Not getting the results you want from your practice sessions? In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy dives deep into the mindset needed for effective practice sessions. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls and frustrations at the range, and learn techniques for managing your mental approach to practice. Kathy shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on creating a healthier relationship w...

Tired of creating the same results over and over again in golf? In this episode, Kathy dives deep into the concept of self-awareness, specifically focusing on the consistent results golfers create for themselves. She discusses how recognizing patterns and understanding the thoughts behind them can lead to better performance on the course. Kathy shares examples such as struggling on par 3s, distanc...

Are your practice sessions frustrating? This episode takes a closer look at why stepping away from the relentless pursuit of perfection and frequent simulator sessions can be beneficial for your golf game. Kathy explores a revelation from one of our guests, who found that playing on the actual course improved her game more significantly than traditional practice on the range. The conversation delv...

Ever catch yourself saying, "I just want to play my best today" ? It sounds like a solid goal, right? But what does your best actually mean? In this episode, I break down why this common phrase can secretly add pressure to your game—and what to focus on instead. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ Why this thought might not be as useful as you think  ✔️ What your best really looks like (hint: it’s...

Ever catch yourself saying, "Here we go again" or "I always struggle with my putting"? These are thought errors, and in this episode Kathy dives deep into the mental missteps that can sabotage your golf game.  Learn to identify and shift these harmful patterns to transform despair into hope and underperformance into success, both on the course and in life.  Whether it's ov...

Ever feel like your golf game is out of your control? Many golfers struggle with externalizing blame—whether it’s the wind, the caddie, or that noisy spectator—which leads to a frustrating experience on the course. This blame game not only ruins your day but prevents you from improving. When you give away your power, you miss the chance to truly grow in the sport, stuck in a cycle of reaction inst...

In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy addresses a common thought error in the golfing community: the belief that it takes time to regain your touch after a break from the game . She explains how this mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing players to struggle unnecessarily. Using personal anecdotes and practical examples, Kathy demonstrates why this belief is unfounded and provi...

Join Kathy as she dives deep into the world of self-confidence on and off the golf course. Discover the vivid analogy of a "Confidence Bubble" to understand how your internal dialogue shapes your self-assurance. Kathy unravels the differences between self-confidence and golf confidence, emphasizing the crucial role of self-talk in maintaining our confidence bubble. Whether you're pr...

n this episode, Kathy shares an enlightening conversation from Kelvin Kelly's golf podcast where they dive into the mental aspects of golf. Kathy discusses the importance of managing thoughts and emotions on the golf course through practices like journaling, using her STEAR method, and building self-awareness. They explore how these techniques not only improve golf performance but also positi...

As we kick off 2025, it's time to set goals for your game—both on and off the course. But not all goals are created equal. In this episode, Kathy breaks down the difference between effective golf goals and those that might leave you frustrated. She shares tips on how to move beyond vague objectives, like “practice more” or “break 80,” and instead focus on actionable steps that align with who...

In this special New Year's episode of "Think Above Par," Kathy tackles the often-dreaded topic of New Year's resolutions and flips it on its head, transforming it into an opportunity for meaningful change in your golf game and mental approach. With a realistic look at why most resolutions fail, Kathy introduces a more impactful approach: establishing specific mental golf habits...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking Christmas Day episode, Kathy dives into the concept of "deserving" and its many interpretations on and off the golf course. Is deserving about entitlement, worthiness, or earning something? Kathy unpacks how our beliefs about what we "deserve" can influence not only our performance in golf but also our growth and mindset in life. With hum...

In this episode Kathy challenges the idea of an "off-season" for mental golf. While the colder months may sideline physical play, now is actually the best time to strengthen your mental game. Kathy shares four powerful practices to develop mental resilience that applies on and off the course. Listeners will learn how to set daily intentions, master the STEAR method for thought awareness,...

In this reflective episode, Kathy guides listeners through a powerful "Year in Review" process designed to set them up for a successful 2025 golf season. Sharing insights from her live membership call, Kathy encourages golfers to take a "post-year evaluation" similar to a post-round analysis. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what went well — a mindset shift from the...

In this episode Kathy dives into a topic every golfer (and human) can relate to: the frustration of not seeing results as quickly as we’d like. Whether it’s on the course or in life, we’ve all been tempted to quit when the payoff doesn’t match the effort. Kathy breaks down why this happens, how our brains play tricks on us, and what we can do to shift our mindset for better outcomes. Learn how to:...

n this milestone 200th episode of Think Above Par ,  Kathy dives into "10 Ways Golf Impacts Your Life." She shares heartfelt insights on how mastering the mental game of golf doesn't just improve your performance on the course but transforms your daily life. From managing emotions and building self-confidence to creating stronger relationships and even reducing road rage, this episo...

This episode dives into the transformative power of gratitude both on and off the course. Learn how practicing thankfulness can boost your resilience, calm your nerves, and improve your golf game—even when you're struggling to find the fairway. With research-backed insights, practical tips, and relatable humor, this episode will help you shift your mindset and elevate your performance. Tune i...

In this inspiring and insightful interview, Kathy sits down with trailblazer Suzy Whaley, the first woman to become the President of the PGA of America and one of only a few women to have played in a PGA Tour event. Suzy shares her journey of breaking barriers in the male-dominated golf world, from qualifying for the Greater Hartford Open to leading one of golf's most influential organization...

In this episode of Think Above Par , Coach Kathy dives into the power of three simple words: "I get to." Shifting from "I have to" to "I get to" can completely change how we approach both life and the golf course. Kathy shares personal stories, including a moment when this shift helped her reframe a difficult situation, and breaks down how this mindset shift creates g...

In this episode, Kathy dives into the sneaky world of golf intimidation —whether it’s that monster par-3 staring you down, the big-hitting player in your group, or that nagging feeling that’s got you second-guessing your game. Kathy shares why intimidation is more about our thoughts than the hole or the person on the tee box next to us. You’ll learn why intimidation is just a choice (no, really!)...

In this episode of Think Above Par , we’re excited to share a powerful interview with Dr. Alison Curdt, a dual PGA and LPGA Master Professional, and a clinical sports psychologist. Kathy and Dr. Curdt dive into the mental side of golf, exploring topics that affect golfers at all levels.  Dr. Curdt shares her unique approach to balancing golf coaching, psychology, and competition while still being...

Can you sense other people’s emotions or energy on the golf course?  This episode is all about the empathetic golfer—you know, the one who feels every vibe on the course, whether it’s the joy of a great shot or the tension of a missed putt. We’ll chat about how empathy, that beautiful gift, can shape your golf experience, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. You’ll learn how to set boundarie...

In this episode of Think Above Par , Kathy dives into the secret language we use on the golf course—commands! You know the ones: “Don’t hit it in the bunker!” or “Get it to the hole!” But are these commands helping or hurting your game? Spoiler: Your brain doesn't like being bossed around (even by you!). Kathy breaks down the types of commands we give ourselves on the course: swing commands,...

All it takes is one shift in a way of thinking on the golf course or about your game. In this episode, Kathy unpacks the magic of "Chick-fil-A moments"—those little paradigm shifts that can change your game and your life. She’ll explore how looking at things from a new angle can unlock hidden opportunities on the course, from rethinking your approach to that nightmare hole to understandi...

In this episode of "Think Above Par," we dive into the often-ignored topic of speaking up on the golf course and why staying silent can cost you more than just a missed putt. Kathy unpacks the common scenarios where golfers hold back—like when someone’s standing in your line or talking during your shot—and how not speaking up can sabotage your game. This isn’t about being rude or confron...