A Perfect Swing: Lessons in Golf, Business, Leadership and Life

Could five common mistakes ruin your next business golf trip before you even step onto the first tee?

In this episode of A Perfect Swing Podcast, I'm sharing five essential golf travel tips to help business professionals plan smarter, travel safely, protect their energy, and build meaningful relationships on and off the course.

Golf travel offers incredible opportunities to explore new destinations, strengthen professional connections, and develop leadership skills. But a successful golf trip requires more than booking a tee time and packing your clubs.

I'll explain why you need to plan beyond your tee time, how to decide whether to travel with your own golf clubs or rent equipment, and why managing your energy is just as important as managing your schedule.

We'll also discuss staying aware of your surroundings, making authentic business connections without turning every conversation into a sales pitch, and recognizing when it's time to play your own game rather than keeping up with everyone else.

And because this is A Perfect Swing, I'm connecting each golf travel tip to an important leadership lesson you can take from the fairway to the boardroom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to avoid the most common golf trip planning mistakes
• What to consider when flying with golf clubs or renting equipment
• Why protecting your energy improves your golf and professional performance
• Practical ways to stay safe while traveling to unfamiliar golf destinations
• How to turn business golf outings into authentic networking opportunities
• Why self-awareness and knowing your limits are essential leadership skills

Ready to take your golf, leadership, and networking to the next level?

Join me and fellow LPGA professional Jamie Taylor for the A Perfect Swing Golf and Leadership Experience, February 19–22, 2027. This four-day retreat brings together golf instruction, leadership development, and meaningful professional connections.

Learn more and register: https://www.aperfectswing.net/golf-experiences

Remember, your perfect swing isn't just about how you play the game. It's about how you live it.

➡️ Learn more about the Leadership and Golf Experience here.

What does it really take to become an LPGA professional?

It’s a question I’m asked often—and the answer involves much more than being able to shoot a low score.

In this episode of A Perfect Swing, I’m breaking down how to become an LPGA professional, including the eligibility requirements, Playing Ability Test (PAT), education process, teaching evaluations, and the journey from applicant to Apprentice, Class B, and ultimately Class A membership.

I’m also sharing a part of my own journey that people don’t always expect. Before becoming an LPGA professional, I spent more than 25 years in corporate IT. Looking back, I can see how the leadership, project management, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence skills I developed throughout my corporate career prepared me for almost every stage of my LPGA journey.

Because becoming an LPGA professional isn’t simply about golf.

It requires commitment, time management, humility, persistence, leadership, and a willingness to continually learn.

In this episode, I discuss:

• The requirements to become an LPGA professional
• The difference between LPGA Tour players and LPGA Professionals
• The LPGA Applicant and Associate pathways
• What the LPGA Playing Ability Test (PAT) involves
• How Levels One, Two, and Three lead toward Class A membership
• What happens during the Practical Teaching Evaluation
• Why your previous career experience can become an advantage
• The leadership skills that transfer from the boardroom to the lesson tee
• Why feedback, emotional intelligence, and persistence matter throughout the journey

If you’ve ever wondered how to become an LPGA professional, considered making a career transition into golf, or questioned whether the skills from your current career could translate into something completely different, this episode is for you.

Your past experience isn’t wasted. It may be preparing you for what comes next.

Because leadership begins long before someone gives you the title.

➡️ Learn mare about the A Perfect Swing Golf and Leadership Experience

Have you ever walked onto the golf course excited to play, only to find yourself frustrated, overthinking every shot, and wondering when the game stopped being fun?

Your golf mental game can have just as much impact on your experience as your swing. And sometimes, the harder we try to play perfectly, the further we get from the reason we started playing in the first place.

In this episode of A Perfect Swing, I’m sharing five ways to reset your golf mental game, move from frustration back to flow, and rediscover the joy of playing.

We’ll talk about why a bad shot is information—not identity—and how separating your performance from your sense of self can change the way you respond on the course. I’ll also explain why remembering your original “why,” focusing on what you can actually control, and staying present can help you become both a more resilient golfer and a more effective leader.

I’ll share how I learned this lesson myself when my obsession with shooting a lower score began getting in the way of one of my real reasons for playing golf: building meaningful business relationships.

You’ll also hear about my Perfect Swing Joy Reset Challenge, a simple exercise designed to help you stop allowing one bad shot to steal the joy from an entire round.

Because your best round isn't always the one with your lowest score.

Sometimes your perfect swing is simply the one that brings you back to why you fell in love with the game.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to strengthen your golf mental game after a frustrating round

• Why a bad shot doesn't make you a bad golfer

• How to stop letting your scorecard define your experience

• Why reconnecting with your “why” can transform your game

• How to focus on what you can control and release what you can't

• Why staying present is essential in both golf and leadership

• How to redefine what a successful round actually looks like

• A simple Joy Reset Challenge to try during your next round

Golf doesn't ask us to be perfect. It gives us an opportunity to learn how to reset, respond, persevere, stay present, and enjoy the journey.

And those lessons extend far beyond the golf course.

What if becoming a better leader isn't about changing who you are—but understanding who you are well enough to lead from your strengths?

In this episode of A Perfect Swing Podcast, I'm exploring authentic leadership through one of my favorite teachers: golf.

Women receive countless messages about how we're supposed to look, communicate, succeed, and lead. Golf isn't much different. We're shown what the "perfect" swing is supposed to look like and encouraged to recreate it.

But I've learned something important from both golf and my corporate career: what works for someone else may not work for you.

Your golf swing has to work with your body. Your leadership style has to work with who you are.

I'm breaking down five lessons that can help you develop both:

• Know yourself and understand your strengths.
• Stop chasing appearances and focus on results.
• Build around what you naturally do well.
• Make sure you have the right tools and support.
• Develop behaviors you can consistently repeat.

I'll also share how my own physical limitations forced me to stop chasing someone else's version of a perfect golf swing—and why that ultimately made me a better golfer.

The same principle applies to leadership.

You don't have to communicate like someone else, build your career like someone else, or lead like someone else to be successful. Authentic leadership begins when you understand yourself, develop what works for you, and show up with intention and consistency.

Because just like there is more than one way to get a golf ball to the target, there's more than one way to lead people to success.

Your job is to find your way.

Listen now and discover how to build your own perfect swing—in golf, leadership, and life.

🚨Sign up now! 🚨 A Perfect Swing Golf and Leadership Experience

If you're new to golf, the rules can sometimes feel more intimidating than learning how to swing the club. But here's the good news: you don't need to memorize the entire rule book before stepping onto the course.

In this episode of A Perfect Swing Podcast, I'm breaking down five of the most important golf rules for beginners so you can play with more confidence and know what to do when common situations come up.

We'll talk about when you have to play the ball as it lies—and when you're actually allowed to move it. I'll explain what happens when your ball is unplayable or goes out of bounds, why knowing how to hit a provisional ball can save time, your options for bunker relief, and the important differences between red and yellow penalty areas.

I'll also walk you through some of the penalties involved so you can better understand how those decisions affect your score.

And because golf has a lot to teach us beyond the course, I'll share an important leadership lesson about preparation, patience, continuous learning, and why confidence doesn't require having all the answers.

If you're a beginner golfer, a business professional learning golf for networking, or simply someone who wants to feel more knowledgeable the next time you step onto the course, this episode will give you a strong foundation.

You don't need to know every rule to start playing. You just need to know enough to play confidently, keep learning, and enjoy the game.

If you're new to golf, the rules can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: you don't need to memorize the entire rulebook before you step onto the course.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the rules of golf for beginners in a way that's practical, approachable, and designed to help you feel more confident when you play.

I'll explain who actually creates the official Rules of Golf, the role the USGA plays in the game, and why knowing where to find the answer can be more valuable than trying to memorize every rule.

We'll also talk about the different areas of the golf course and why where your ball lands can change which rule applies.

And then we'll get to the big one: "play the ball as it lies." It's one of golf's simplest principles—and one of the rules I see violated most often. I'll explain what it means, when you may be allowed to move your ball, and what beginners should know about preferred lies or "winter rules."

Most importantly, I want you to understand that learning the rules of golf is a process. Even professional golfers call in rules officials when they aren't sure what to do.

You don't need perfection to belong on the golf course. You need honesty, respect, a willingness to learn, and enough knowledge to make good decisions when situations come up.

And as always, I'll leave you with a leadership lesson from the course: You may not control the lie, but you can control the next shot.

🔗 Links and Resources:

A Perfect Swing Golf and Leadership Experience ➡️ Learn more

USGA.org - Best resource to learn the rules

USGA Rules 101 Free Course

➡️ Get the book: A Perfect Swing; https://amzn.to/3O6jVj3

➡️ Learn more about A Perfect Swing Foundation: https://aperfectswing.net

How do you prepare for a golf lesson so you actually get the most from the time—and money—you’re investing with your golf professional?

In this episode of A Perfect Swing, I’m breaking down five things I believe every golfer should do before a golf lesson. Because a productive lesson doesn’t begin when you step onto the driving range. It begins with how well you prepare before you ever meet your instructor.

I’ll show you how to define exactly what you want to accomplish, be honest about where you’re struggling, bring useful information about your game, stay open to learning, and leave your lesson with a clear plan for practice.

But there’s another side to this conversation.

The same habits that help you prepare for a golf lesson can make you a more effective leader.

Knowing your objective, communicating honestly, bringing information instead of assumptions, being willing to learn, and following through with action are just as important in the boardroom as they are on the golf course.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare for a golf lesson before you arrive
• Why “I just want to get better” isn’t a strong enough goal
• How to use SMART goals to improve your golf game
• What information you should bring to your golf instructor
• Why vulnerability can accelerate both learning and leadership
• The difference between being uncomfortable and doing something wrong
• Questions you should ask your golf professional
• Why your golf lesson is the beginning of the work—not the finish line
• How preparation on the golf course mirrors preparation in leadership
• My five-step framework to define, communicate, prepare, learn, and execute

Whether you’re preparing for your next golf lesson, your next business meeting, or your next leadership opportunity, the principle is the same: don’t just show up. Show up with purpose.

➡️ Get the book: A Perfect Swing; https://amzn.to/3O6jVj3

➡️ Learn more about A Perfect Swing Foundation: https://aperfectswing.net

How do you get your family to support your golf journey when they don't understand the game—or the time it requires?

In this episode, I share five practical ways to build stronger support from the people who matter most. Whether you're learning golf for recreation, business networking, competition, or personal growth, your success doesn't happen in isolation.

I'll explain how communicating your purpose, sharing your goals, setting expectations, and inviting your loved ones into your journey can strengthen both your relationships and your golf game.

Along the way, I also connect these same principles to leadership, showing why the communication skills that create stronger families are the same ones that build stronger teams and businesses.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why your family may not support your golf journey—and why it isn't personal
• How to explain the true time commitment of golf
• Why sharing your goals creates stronger encouragement
• The best ways to ask for support
• How involving your family actually strengthens your relationships
• Leadership lessons every golfer can apply at work

If you've ever struggled with balancing golf, work, and family, this episode will help you build the support system you need to succeed.

➡️ Get the book: A Perfect Swing; https://amzn.to/3O6jVj3

➡️ Learn more about A Perfect Swing Foundation: https://aperfectswing.net

How do you choose the right golf instructor?

Most people think it's all about fixing their golf swing—but the best instructors do much more than teach mechanics.

In this episode, I share the five qualities every golfer and business professional should look for when choosing a golf instructor. From understanding your goals and communicating clearly to building confidence, leading with character, and committing to lifelong learning, these qualities don't just create better golfers—they create better leaders.

Whether you're new to golf, preparing for corporate golf outings, or looking to improve your leadership skills, these lessons will help you make smarter decisions both on and off the course.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to choose a golf instructor that's right for you
• Why communication matters more than credentials
• The importance of confidence-building coaching
• Why great instructors never stop learning
• How character impacts both golf instruction and leadership
• What business leaders can learn from great golf coaches

If you're investing time and money into learning golf, choosing the right instructor may be the most important decision you make.

➡️ Get the book: A Perfect Swing; https://amzn.to/3O6jVj3

➡️ Learn more about A Perfect Swing Foundation: https://aperfectswing.net

Many golfers believe the secret to improvement is simply hitting more golf balls. The truth is, better golf starts with driving range practice that has purpose and structure.

In this episode of A Perfect Swing, I share the five fundamentals that will completely change the way you approach every practice session. You'll learn why the driving range should become your classroom, how to create an effective practice plan, why warming up matters, how proper setup impacts every swing, and why practicing like you play leads to lower scores.

Whether you're a beginner learning the game or an experienced golfer looking to become more consistent, these simple strategies will help you stop wasting buckets of balls and start building a repeatable swing you can trust on the course.

• Why the driving range is your classroom
• How to build a productive practice routine
• The importance of warming up correctly
• How setup affects every golf shot
• Why practicing like you play accelerates improvement
• Five common driving range mistakes to avoid
• How purposeful practice builds confidence on the golf course

If you're ready to make every practice session count, this episode will help you build a smarter approach to driving range practice and lower your scores faster.