In today’s episode, I have a return guest on the show. It really was a pleasure to sit down with Gary Nicol, former European Golf Tour coach and current professional golf coach and co-author of the best-selling golf book The Lost Art of Putting. Gary has a very distinct style that he brings to his coaching that is very much focused on asking rather than telling. Gary sets out to ask the right questions and by asking the right questions, he can get his clients to dig more deeply into their patterns of thought and habits that they might bring with them to the golf course. He does this to unlock answers within themselves in an effort to better understand their own golf games and the mindset that have developed and how this mindset might need to change or shift in order to bring about an improvement in their game.

Even if you are not a golfer, you will benefit from hearing this episode as you will see Gary’s unique style come alive in this conversation. With 16 years experience on the European Golf Tour, Gary had the chance to coach some of the game’s greats and to learn alongside them. The framework that Gary brings to his coaching is about finding clarity and decluttering the mind in order to simplify the game and in doing so, help each of his clients genuinely experience more joy on the course. The game of golf is a lifetime pursuit that is meant to keep people physically active in their lives for as long as possible. Gary does a great job helping his clients understand this.

However, when coaching the world’s elite golfers, it’s about giving them the edge they need to perform at their best in competition. Even with the elite that he has coached, he steers clear of being a swing technician and making the focus of his coaching specifically on technique. He works more on mindset, imagery, and creating success through the art of paying attention and being present with oneself. Much of Gary’s work is deeply rooted in the building blocks of peak performance psychology, mindfulness, and sports psychology.

I want to thank Gary for his time, energy, and insight. He’s a quality person who embodies everything it means to be a lifelong learner. Hope you enjoy the episode with Gary. Thanks for listening.

About Gary

Co-Founder and Coaching Director of Tour Pro Experience Golf Schools, Gary has been coaching golf since the late 1980’s. Since then he has helped thousands of golfers around the world including over 30 European Tour Professionals and numerous Ryder Cup players, amassing 10 wins as a coach. He has coached at all the Majors and loves to share the knowledge and expertise gained from these experiences with visitors to TPEGS in his own inimitable style. Gary combines his personal experience with the latest, V1 video analysis, SAM Putt Lab and Trackman precision swing and ball flight analysis to help golfers unleash their true potential. Gary works closely with TrackMan co-hosting training seminars and workshops and is a certified TrackMan University Master as well as a Certified Mind Factor coach. Look out for Gary’s instruction in Today’s Golfer magazine.

Connect with Gary

Twitter: @garynicol67, @archerfieldgolf, @tpegsgolf

Links to Gary’s Work: http://www.tpegs.com/

Themes Discussed:

The Power of Questioning, Intention and Purpose, Singular Point of Attention, Imagery, Empowerment, Mindset, Mindfulness