We are back! And I’m spilling all the “T” on where the 2024 Creek Cup is and where our 2024 October Tournament will be hosted!!

I sit down with Kathy Hart Wood, a New Jersey-based golf instructor and confidence coach who helps players overcome the mental obstacles that interfere with performance.

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,” says Kathy. “Don’t wait to become a certain handicap before you decide to work on your brain and how you think out on the course. Work on it now.”

Kathy and I dive into her three biggest takeaways on caddying for USGA events: being prepared mentally for the pace of play, understanding group dynamics, and setting up your course conditions.

Maintaining efficiency on the course is largely a matter of being mindful of time taken between shots and getting familiar with the personalities and play styles of slower players in the group.

For USGA tournaments specifically, Kathy brings up the “one butt rule” which states that in a player and caddy team, only one person can be seated in the cart at any given time. This means if the player is sitting down, the caddy cannot. Violating this rule can potentially lead to penalties. On the other hand, it can contribute to cooperation, particularly in deciding who gets the single cart in a group.

About the Guest:

Kathy Hart Wood is ranked as one of LPGA Teaching and Club Professional’s Top 50 LPGA Teachers. She is the creator of The Groove, a golf instruction membership site that offers a resource for golfers learning and improving in the game. Kathy is also a Confidence Coach who helps players overcome the mental obstacles that interfere with performance. She offers coaching in group workshops and individual formats.

 

T-Time After-Show with Kim Eaton 

We discuss…

• How to deal with someone in your group who is playing on the slower side, in order to maintain pace of play.
• How strict the USGA tends to be regarding pace of play.
• Our thoughts on arguments over the single cart at USGA events.
• What players discussed at the clubhouse during stroke play and match play following Kim’s round.
• How Kim’s golf game changed following her recent injuries.
• Greenside bunker shots.
• How to qualify for the USGA U.S. Senior Women's Amateur Golf Championship.

Connect with our Guests:

Kathy Hart Wood: Podcast | Website | Instagram

Kim Eaton: