Episodes

  • 306: Karl Morris - Why Golfers Struggle to Build True Confidence

    306: Karl Morris - Why Golfers Struggle to Build True Confidence
    Oct 13 2026

    In this episode, performance coach Karl Morris shares insights on how perception, mental models, and understanding the nature of golf can transform your game. Discover practical exercises and mental shifts to access your skills and enjoy golf more.

    Key topics (AI-generated 🤖)

    - The importance of accepting bad shots as part of golf - Using intention to improve golf interaction - Changing perception to reduce threat response - The concept of 'skill access' versus 'skill development' - The role of mental stories and beliefs in golf performance - Practical exercises to reframe bad shots and pressure situations - The analogy of golf as a made-up game like Monopoly - The impact of perception on access to skills during play - The importance of simplicity and focus in the mental game - How to question and redefine your relationship with golf

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

    👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off!

    👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game.
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    54 mins
  • 305: Manuel Elvira - Big Moments, Imposter Syndrome, and How to Gain Confidence Even When You Lose

    305: Manuel Elvira - Big Moments, Imposter Syndrome, and How to Gain Confidence Even When You Lose
    Oct 6 2026

    Just a few weeks ago, Manuel Elvira was tied for the lead going into the final hole of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after making eagle on the 71st hole. Some would say he collapsed on the 72nd hole. But how does Manuel feel about it? What can you learn from his experience?

    Key topics from this episode (AI-generated 🤖) - Imposter syndrome and proving you belong - Handling pressure and nerves during critical shots - Mental routines and relaxation techniques - Learning from setbacks and maintaining confidence - The importance of commitment and decision-making - Balancing performance and mental health in sports

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment - app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

    👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off!

    ⛳️ PutterCup - Get 15% off your PutterCup order by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter.

    👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game.

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    Top episodes of The Mental Golf Show:

    Mike & Eli of Chasing Scratch - Letting Scratch Happen

    How to Trust Your Swing even when things are Going Wrong

    Golf Thought Thursday: The Easiest (and Hardest) Way to Play Better Golf

    Lean Into Your Golf Personality with John Weir (creator of Mental Golf Type)

    How to Juggle Golf and Life with Andy Walker and Steve Hinks
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    56 mins
  • 304: Jim Waldron - Stop Fighting Your Thoughts: A Better Way to Play Under Pressure

    304: Jim Waldron - Stop Fighting Your Thoughts: A Better Way to Play Under Pressure
    Sep 29 2026

    Jim Waldron (balancepointgolf.com) works remotely with golfers around the world on yips and general mental game coaching. He also teaches full swing, short game, and putting mechanics.

    In this conversation with Jim Waldron we talk through controlling your attention, managing stress, and developing a resilient mindset to improve performance under pressure.

    Here are the key topics we cover in this episode (AI-generated 🤖)

    - The role of self-image and ego in performance - Controlling consciousness like a flashlight - The “snow globe” analogy for a stressed mind - Deep acceptance and non-resistance to thoughts - The importance of routine and focus in golf - The concept of good stress and its benefits - The difference between internal and external focus - The impact of life outside golf on mental state - Strategies to develop meta-awareness - The importance of living in the present moment

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

    🎓 The Perfect Pre-Shot Routine digital course - Dial in your pre-shot routine, play your best golf.

    🎯 Shot Pattern - The Golf GPS App Designed to Help You Play Smarter Golf - Start a free trial and get 20% off by using the discount code 'MENTALGOLFSHOW' or click this link to go straight there.

    👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game.

    -----

    Top episodes of The Mental Golf Show:

    Mike & Eli of Chasing Scratch - Letting Scratch Happen

    How to Trust Your Swing even when things are Going Wrong

    Golf Thought Thursday: The Easiest (and Hardest) Way to Play Better Golf

    Lean Into Your Golf Personality with John Weir (creator of Mental Golf Type)

    How to Juggle Golf and Life with Andy Walker and Steve Hinks
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • 303: Gary Wise - Hard Acceptance, Flow and Zone, and How to Deal with Bad Rounds

    303: Gary Wise - Hard Acceptance, Flow and Zone, and How to Deal with Bad Rounds
    Sep 22 2026

    Gary Wise has been working with golfers for decades on their swings and their minds, and is the author of No Junk Reps.

    In this episode we discuss:

    • Mental management and mindset in sports and life
    • The importance of routines and rehearsals in performance
    • Perception and acceptance as tools for resilience
    • The concept of adaptive performance state (APS)
    • Training the mind and body for flow and zone states

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off!

    🎓 The Next Shot digital course - Get Module 1 for FREE! - Move on from the last shot and be more present on the next one.

    📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

    -----

    Top episodes of The Mental Golf Show:

    Mike & Eli of Chasing Scratch - Letting Scratch Happen

    How to Trust Your Swing even when things are Going Wrong

    Golf Thought Thursday: The Easiest (and Hardest) Way to Play Better Golf

    Lean Into Your Golf Personality with John Weir (creator of Mental Golf Type)

    How to Juggle Golf and Life with Andy Walker and Steve Hinks
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • 302: Jared Tendler - Handling Pressure, Good Swing Thoughts, and Building Mental Resilience

    302: Jared Tendler - Handling Pressure, Good Swing Thoughts, and Building Mental Resilience
    Sep 15 2026

    Join the October Group Coaching Cohort! More info here: https://joshnicholsgolf.com/group/

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    Jared Tendler (author of his new book Everyday Golf Psychology) joins the pod to talk about:

    • the importance of working on your weaknesses first
    • how the different aspects of your game all have different A-B-C-games
    • how to objectively measure your mental game
    • handling pressure
    • building mental resilience
    • seeking discomfort
    • and how to keep play and practice in their proper places

    Jared first appeared on the podcast way back in April 2021, so it's awesome having him back on. I really like the way Jared thinks about the mental game. I know you'll enjoy this one.

    https://jaredtendler.com/

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off!

    ⛳️ PutterCup: Get 15% off your PutterCup order by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter.

    📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement.

    -----

    Top 5 episodes of The Mental Golf Show:

    Mike & Eli of Chasing Scratch - Letting Scratch Happen

    How to Trust Your Swing even when things are Going Wrong

    Golf Thought Thursday: The Easiest (and Hardest) Way to Play Better Golf

    Lean Into Your Golf Personality with John Weir (creator of Mental Golf Type)

    How to Juggle Golf and Life with Andy Walker and Steve Hinks
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 301: How to Know You're Committed On the Shot

    301: How to Know You're Committed On the Shot
    Sep 8 2026

    Want to join the Mental Game Group Coaching Cohort? More info here: https://joshnicholsgolf.com/group/

    Commitment to the golf shot is comprised of two key checks:

    • Do I KNOW what I'm trying to do
    • Do I LIKE what I'm trying to do

    In this episode, we develop a framework for getting to a clear, final commitment to the shot. No more hitting indecisive shots.

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    Take the FREE Mental Game Assessment: https://app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment

    Work on moving on from bad shots here: https://app.joshnicholsgolf.com/courses/the-next-shot
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    10 mins
  • 300: Dr. Izzy Justice - Playing Your Best Golf Is a Choice

    300: Dr. Izzy Justice - Playing Your Best Golf Is a Choice
    Sep 1 2026
    Dr. Izzy Justice is an author of 10 books, including Your Brain Swings Every Club, GYRA Golf, and Golf EQ. He joins The Mental Golf Show to talk the neuroscience of stress, negative thoughts, performing under pressure, and he makes some interesting claims about the term "flow state" that I had never heard before. Key topics covered in the episode (AI-generated) The impact of stress on golf swingsNeuroscience of thoughts and muscle communicationThe concept of flow and reactive states in golfManaging thoughts before each shotThe importance of mental endurance in golfThe role of electricity and brain activity in performanceStrategies for controlling the last 10 seconds before a shotThe concept of upstream sources of negative thoughtsPractical exercises for mental focus and inventoryThe importance of simplicity in mental strategies ----- Mentioned in this episode: 🎓 The Next Shot digital course - Get Module 1 for FREE! - Move on from the last shot and be more present on the next one. 👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off! 🤝 Join Mental Golf Club and Get Ad-Free Episodes of The Mental Golf Show (and more)! 📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement. ----- Josh's stuff: 📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement. 🤝 Join Mental Golf Club and Get Ad-Free Episodes of The Mental Golf Show (and more)! 🏌️‍♂️ Basic and Custom Practice Plans - Get the most out of your practice time with higher quality practice. 👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game. Or send an email to josh@joshnicholsgolf.com. 🎓 The Next Shot digital course - Get Module 1 for FREE! - Move on from the last shot and be more present on the next one. 🎓 The Perfect Pre-Shot Routine digital course - Dial in your pre-shot routine, play your best golf. 📧 The Mental Re-Grip Newsletter: Sign up for weekly mental game tips at joshnicholsgolf.com/newsletter. ----- Podcast partners: 👕 William Murray - Get the best looking and best fitting clothes in the game 15% off! 🎯 Shot Pattern - Course Management Made Easy - Start a free trial and get 20% off by using the discount code 'MENTALGOLFSHOW' or click this link to go straight there. ⛳️ The Divot Board: Get 10% off at divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow using code 'MentalGolf10'. ⛳️ PutterCup: Get 15% off your PutterCup order by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter. 🏋️‍♂️ FREE Golf Workout - Nerd Fitness - Get the Free MVP Golf Workout from Nerd Fitness here! 🍀 Fairways & Fundays - Ireland Golf Tours - Named World’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the World Golf Awards in 2024 and 2025! If you’re interested in going on a golf trip to Ireland, send me an email and I’ll get you set up with them - josh@joshnicholsgolf.com ----- 🔥 🧈 Special thanks to Titleist for their support of The Mental Golf Show. Join Team Titleist here. ----- Top 5 episodes of The Mental Golf Show: Mike & Eli of Chasing Scratch - Letting Scratch Happen How to Trust Your Swing even when things are Going Wrong Golf Thought Thursday: The Easiest (and Hardest) Way to Play Better Golf Lean Into Your Golf Personality with John Weir (creator of Mental Golf Type) How to Juggle Golf and Life with Andy Walker and Steve Hinks
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 299: Robert Linville - How to Be Truly Confident, Play Free, and Beat the Four-Hole Death Spiral

    299: Robert Linville - How to Be Truly Confident, Play Free, and Beat the Four-Hole Death Spiral
    Jul 14 2026
    Robert Linville has been Josh’s coach for over 10 years. He was a pivotal part of Josh winning multiple events and making it to the finals of the 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur. Robert has been a coach and swing instructor and owner of Precision Golf School in Greensboro, NC for 40+ years, working with some of the best players in the world on all levels of the game. Get Robert’s brand new book Responding Under Pressure on Amazon. respondingunderpressure.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: 🤝 Join Mental Golf Club and Get Ad-Free Episodes of The Mental Golf Show (and more)! 🏋️‍♂️ FREE Golf Workout - Nerd Fitness - Get the Free MVP Golf Workout from Nerd Fitness here! 🏌️‍♂️ Basic and Custom Practice Plans - Get the most out of your practice time with higher quality practice. 📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement. ----- Josh's stuff: 📊 FREE Mental Game Assessment: app.joshnicholsgolf.com/assessment - identify your mental strengths and areas for mental game improvement. 🤝 Join Mental Golf Club and Get Ad-Free Episodes of The Mental Golf Show (and more)! 🏌️‍♂️ Basic and Custom Practice Plans - Get the most out of your practice time with higher quality practice. 👨🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 Mental Coaching with Josh: Visit joshnicholsgolf.com/coaching to see plans and pricing to work with Josh on your mental game. Or send an email to josh@joshnicholsgolf.com. 🎓 The Perfect Pre-Shot Routine digital course - Dial in your pre-shot routine, play your best golf. 📧 The Mental Re-Grip Newsletter: Sign up for weekly mental game tips at joshnicholsgolf.com/newsletter. ----- Podcast partners: 🎯 Shot Pattern - Course Management Made Easy - Start a free trial and get 20% off by using the discount code 'MENTALGOLFSHOW' or click this link to go straight there. ⛳️ The Divot Board: Get 10% off at divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow using code 'MentalGolf10'. ⛳️ PutterCup: Get 15% off your PutterCup order by going to puttercupgolf.com/mentalgolfshow and signing up for the PutterCup newsletter. 🏋️‍♂️ FREE Golf Workout - Nerd Fitness - Get the Free MVP Golf Workout from Nerd Fitness here! 🍀 Fairways & Fundays - Ireland Golf Tours - Named World’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the World Golf Awards in 2024 and 2025! If you’re interested in going on a golf trip to Ireland, send me an email and I’ll get you set up with them - josh@joshnicholsgolf.com ----- 🔥 🧈 Special thanks to Titleist for their support of The Mental Golf Show. Join Team Titleist here. ---- Key takeaways (AI-produced): Golf mental performance and indifference — Josh's stated goal of "indifference" isn't apathy. Robert describes it as a deeper form of acceptance: trusting your prep enough to swing freely and let the result land wherever it lands. Belief systems outperform confidence in golf — Robert frames confidence as an emotion that fluctuates round to round, while belief is the durable foundation a golfer can lean on when confidence disappears mid-round. The "3 and 1" mental game exercise — Naming three things you did well each day (golf-related or not) builds a track record of small wins that reshapes a negative internal narrative over time. Golf strategy as probability, not fairness — Robert argues that course management and shot selection are really about stacking the odds in your favor, since preparation increases probability rather than guaranteeing certainty. The "law of deserving" and pressure in golf — Working harder often backfires when it creates an expectation of results rather than preparation for whatever happens; this mismatch is a hidden source of tournament pressure. Recovering from bad shots — the "three or four hole blur" — Robert explains why golfers spiral after a mistake and why physical cues (breathing, a glove touch, a look at a specific tree) help golfers self-regulate back into decision-making mode. Reframing narrative for golfers and parents of junior golfers — Parents can unintentionally reinforce a negative self-narrative by focusing on mistakes; Robert stresses that shifting the story a player tells about themselves matters more than swing mechanics alone. Practice quality over practice quantity — Robert's three-tier framework (practice, non-competitive play, competitive play) shows why tracking practice data reveals whether reps are building a real ceiling or just filling time. How much golf improvement is realistic in a year — Using handicap index as a benchmark, Robert suggests a 20–25% improvement is a reasonable target for a golfer who trains with real purpose. Staying the course versus chasing swing thoughts — Constantly changing technique based on the last shot (what Josh calls "swing thought number seventy-three") undermines long-term development; sticking with a trusted process built ...
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    1 hr and 17 mins