In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Scott to talk all about the mental game of golf. We explore anxiety, confidence, fear of failure, pressure, and mental resilience, along with practical techniques that can help golfers manage their thoughts better and play with more freedom. Laura shares her own story, her coaching approach, and why understanding your mindset can be just as important as improving your swing. A really honest and helpful conversation for anyone wanting to enjoy golf more and perform better on the course.

Key Topics

Mental performance in golf

Overcoming anxiety and frustration

The role of mindset and self-awareness in sports Golf anxiety and mental resilience

Building confidence through competency and consistency

Personalized coaching techniques for mental game improvement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the LA Golf Channel Podcast

06:19 Transitioning from Team Sports to Golf

10:47 Understanding Emotions in Golf

14:48 Redefining Success in Golf

21:10 Managing Aggression on the Golf Course

21:59 Emotional Responses on the Golf Course

22:55 Understanding Mental Performance Coaching

23:56 External vs. Internal Emotional Expression

25:30 The Role of Practice in Emotional Management

26:31 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Golf

28:10 The Journey of Finding Golf as an Outlet

30:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety and Golf

32:10 The Loop of Shame and Anxiety in High Performers

34:25 Using Golf to Overcome Anxiety

35:51 Identifying and Addressing Performance Anxiety

38:18 The Importance of Tailored Coaching

40:31 Building Confidence Through Competence

43:29 The Mental Game and Consistency in Golf

46:56 Understanding the Handicap System

47:39 Achieving Consistency in Golf

48:41 The Importance of Recovery and Scrambling

49:39 Mental Game: The Key to Improvement

52:02 Managing Expectations and Scores

53:25 Dealing with Pressure on the Course

55:46 The Power of Language in Golf

01:00:37 Opportunities for Growth in Golf

01:02:56 The Role of Mental Coaching

01:05:57 Overcoming Mental Barriers

01:07:59 Playing Golf Shots vs. Golf Swings