#78: [Inside the Mind] Justin Tang: Acceptance, Surrender, and Consuming the Right Thoughts

Today, I’m joined by Justin Tang - one of THE distinguished golf instructors you should be following and learning from.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How elite golfers cultivate focus, confidence, and a mastery mindset.
• Why acceptance and emotional flexibility are key to playing your best.
• How peripheral vision affects brain waves and performance.
• Why most golfers practice the wrong way—and how to fix it.
• The one-ball challenge—a mental toughness test that will change how you play.
• How to detach from expectations and emotional reactions on the course.
• Why playing golf should be a celebration of relationships and experiences.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Justin

Justin Tang is a distinguished golf instructor based in Singapore, renowned for his holistic approach to golf coaching that integrates technical proficiency with mental and physical conditioning. 

He began his professional teaching career in 2005 at Keppel Club, Singapore's oldest golf course, and currently serves as a club professional at Tanah Merah Country Club, one of Singapore's premier golf establishments.

He’s also the co-host of The Flag Hunters Podcast with our good friend Jesse Perryman.

Learn more about Justin here.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Swing: The mental game isn’t optional. It’s the foundation for success.
• What You Consume Shapes Your Thoughts: Social media, negativity, and poor influences affect your game more than you realize.
• Practice Must Simulate Pressure: If your practice isn’t harder than competition, you’re not preparing properly.
• Detach from Outcomes, Stay Present: Golf is unpredictable—accept it, embrace it, and play freely.
• Success is Built on Objectivity, Not Emotion: Learn to evaluate your shots with facts, not feelings.
• Play More, Practice Smarter: A perfect swing isn’t the answer—playing in real conditions builds skill and adaptability.
• Your Why Matters More Than Your How: Understand why you play, and your path to success becomes clearer.

Key Quotes:

• "You think the thoughts you consume—be careful what you feed your mind." 
• "The best players don’t beat themselves; they stay present, focused, and in control." 
• "To gain control, you have to lose control. You can’t force success." 
• "Every round has setbacks. The difference between great and average players is how they respond." 
• "Golf is not black and white—it’s 50 shades of green." 
• "The scorecard only has a box for a number, not a narrative. Stop trying to control the story." 
• "The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Power of Early Mornings
• 02:57 Introspection Amidst Chaos
• 05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Focus
• 08:56 Understanding Self 1 and Self 2
• 11:58 The Journey of Continuous Learning
• 14:57 Embracing Challenges with Curiosity
• 18:04 The Importance of Acceptance in Golf
• 20:56 Practicing Mindset for Performance
• 23:54 Training for Real-World Scenarios
• 31:07 The Commonality Among Tour Golfers
• 34:43 The Mental Game of Golf
• 37:24 Surrendering to the Process
• 40:10 Objective Evaluation of Performance
• 42:50 The Joy of Golf and Relationships
• 46:55 The Balance of Practice and Play