"Down the middle, down the middle, chip one putt." That was the mantra Phylly sang in her head throughout her breakthrough club championship win at Durand Eastman, Rochester's notoriously difficult municipal course.

After years of close calls, including a tough shank into the water on the 16th hole during a Florida club championship, Phylly finally broke through. She entered day two tied for third, grouped with three-time defending champion Deb Wood, who had just dominated at Wanakah Country Club days earlier with a 76.

The mental game nearly derailed her before she started. Coming off a brutal 92 at Wanakah (where Wood won), Phylly arrived with zero expectations. She didn't even warm up or practice putting. Instead, she treated it like any other league day rather than the championship finale.

While Wood and the other leaders shot 44s on the front nine, Phylly fired a smooth 40. Her strategy was pure consistency: "I can't get on par fours in two 'cause I only hit my drive like 160, 170." So she chipped and one-putted her way to pars and bogeys while others chased birdies.

The 18th hole loomed as her "arch nemesis": a par five so treacherous it was featured in Golf Magazine. "I thought, oh, second place isn't so bad," she admitted, already accepting potential defeat. But when Wood failed to reach the green in three, Phylly knew she had it.

The celebration was subdued. She didn't even realize she'd won until others confirmed no one ahead had caught her. After decades of trying, her 82 delivered the breakthrough, proving that sometimes the best strategy is simply playing your own game!

For more information on our 2025/2026 Women’s Golf Event Schedule, please visit: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com.

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"You wake up at 5:20, you put your tee in the ground, you hit your shot, and then the four of you walk off to the ball and you hit it again, and you keep on going. It's very simplistic. You go left foot, right foot until you're finished. 72 holes."

Jason has tackled one of golf's most brutal endurance tests 13 times: the Bandon Solstice. This isn't your casual weekend round. Participants play 72 holes of walking-only golf in a single day, starting at 5:20 AM on the longest day of the year at Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. What makes this particularly nasty? Try 50,000+ steps across four championship courses with no carts allowed. Jason learned the hard way when his caddie bailed after 36 holes during his first attempt, forcing him to carry his own bag the rest of the way. The preparation is serious business: "You need to eat a lot of food the night before. You should be uncomfortable when you leave the dinner table" because you'll burn around 10,000 calories during the challenge! Weather can be absolutely brutal. Jason recalls 60-mph winds so fierce that "the sand looked like water" flowing across the beach below the clifftop courses. Getting in requires either legacy status (like Jason earned by pestering the original GM into making it official) or winning what's essentially a lottery that sells out within minutes. The waiting list is rumored to be 10 years deep.

"It's absolutely doable to such a broad range of fitness levels," Jason insists, though surviving involves equal parts physical endurance and mental fortitude. Expect rewards in the form of gift bags, stories at McKees Pub, and bragging rights for completing golf's ultimate marathon!

For more information about the Bandon Dunes Solstice, please visit: https://bandondunesgolf.com/golf/golf-events/

For more information on our 2026 Desert Classic Tournament, please visit: DesertClassicTournament.com

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Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

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Justin Klemballa tackled one of the most grueling endurance challenges out there – the 29029 Everting event at Jackson Hole. For those unfamiliar, this isn't your typical weekend hike. Participants climb a mountain 19 times in 36 hours to reach the equivalent height of Mount Everest (29,029 feet). You read that right – 19 times up the same brutal mountain. It's steep as hell and requires the most ascents of any 29029 location. Only two-thirds of participants actually finish and earn the coveted red hat. The experience has Justin buzzing about hosting his own golf instruction trips, combining bucket-list destinations with on-course coaching. Because apparently, surviving 29029 gives you ideas about doing more impossible things.

Connect with Justin Klemballa: Instagram, Youtube, Breaking Bogeys Program

For more information on our 2026 Desert Classic Tournament, please visit: DesertClassicTournament.com 

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!  Instagram: @tori_totlis , TikTok: @tori_totlis , YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

Today, I’m sitting with Debbie O'Connell to discuss the profound impact of state of mind on your golf game.

To Debbie, maintaining a positive mind is just as critical as a well-executed swing. She illustrates the power of mental fortitude through Amy Bockerstette's inspiring performance, explains how you can use positive self-talk and body language to boost your confidence on the course, and shares personal experiences around the transformative effects of gratitude and mindset on your golf game.

We also talk about the role of meditation, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques in achieving peak performance. Reflecting on the wisdom of legends like Tiger Woods, we look at how taking responsibility for our game, rather than succumbing to external pressures, can empower us to excel under any condition.

About Debbie O’Connell:

Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur, and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible’s series “Golf Positive.” She has also had multiple appearances on the Golf Channel and has hosted numerous golf-oriented radio shows as well as the television show “Par Fore the Course.” Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, “Golf Positive! Live Positive!” which offers insight and practical solutions to help one achieve their goals both on and off the golf course.

Connect with Our Guest:

E-Book | Instagram | Website | YouTube

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

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Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

We’re joined by returning guest Donna Taylor, a veteran of the golf world and a yoga instructor who specializes in helping women enhance their skills on the golf course.

With her unique approach, Donna has managed to make golf lessons more accessible and fun. She shares how her dad, a pioneer in the sport, inspired her and her childhood friend Julianne—who’s also joining us on the podcast today—to start their golf journey in third grade.

Listen in as Donna shares her thoughts on officially transitioning from competitive golfer to teaching professional and why she doesn’t miss the former. She also teases upcoming retreats with her thriving Golf Party Live, a fast-growing community for women just starting to get into golf.

The bulk of our conversation covers Donna’s thoughts on Jon Sherman’s “9 brutal golf truths”. Tune in and get a female golf veteran’s take on golf principles such as…

- There is always a better golfer

- You can make better decisions and have poor results

- Learning more about the golf swing can make you worse

- and more!

Connect with Our Guest :

Instagram | Golf Party Live | Facebook

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational here

Check out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats here

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

Who would have thought that a career in international supply chain logistics could lead to the launch of a sustainable golf clothing line?

Today, I’m sitting down with Ali Putnam, a mom to five boys and the founder of A. Putnam, ”a luxury resort-to-sport brand for women that honors the traditions of golf”.

Like most female golfers, Ali was frustrated at the extremely limited choices she had when it came to quality golf attire. This frustration sparked her journey into business and fashion design, which was always driven by her love for the sport and a strong commitment to sustainable practices.

Ali shares how she juggles entrepreneurship and motherhood day by day, all while setting ambitious goals to make her mark in the industry. Creating golf apparel that seamlessly transitions from the course to everyday life is no small feat, and Ali takes us through her creative process to accomplish just that.

By experimenting with fabrics and styles, Ali designs versatile pieces like structured skirts and reversible bomber jackets that cater to women of all ages and styles. She explains how she’s navigating the retail landscape, weighing the pros and cons of distributing her line at big box stores and exclusive country clubs. She also gives her thoughts on how social media is revolutionizing fashion and the importance of staying true to one's vision in a constantly changing market.

Finally, from costly photo shoot blunders to the strategic shift from influencer partnerships to authentic connections with everyday women, Ali opens up about the countless lessons she’s had to learn as an entrepreneur!

Get Your Own A.Putnam Travel Blazer here

Shop the Spring Royal Gardens Collection here

Connect with A.Putnam 

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube “Women in Golf”

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational here

Check out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats here

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

“You have to play golf to get better at it. Being out on the golf course is so crucial–you have to put yourself in an uncomfortable position to get more comfortable at it.”

Justin Klemballa is back to talk about how golfers can crush the 75 Hard Challenge and come out physically and mentally tougher than ever!

Listen in as Justin walks us through his morning routine to show how he uses habit stacking, consistency, and a sprinkle of discomfort to ace his goals. We'll uncover how little daily actions like staying hydrated and reading 10 pages of a great book a day can supercharge your growth.

Justin does a deep dive into the mental game of golf, focusing on the importance of celebrating small victories, replaying only your winning shots in your head, and consistently channeling positive vibes even during high-stakes tournaments.

Finally, you’ll learn how well-structured 30-minute practice drills and daily workouts can strengthen your confidence and resilience on the green.

Interested in the 75 Hard Challenge? Check out more info from the creator here.

Connect with Justin Klemballa: 

Instagram

YouTube

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational here

Check out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats here

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

Today I’m sitting down with Jen Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching kids life skills and building their character through the game of golf!

“At First Tee,” Jen says, “we believe that character is what you bring to everything you do; but you aren’t born with it.”

With 150 chapters across the country, the coaches at First Tee have taught countless youth to help them build confidence, set meaningful goals, and learn the value of perseverance - all through the game of golf! Jen also emphasizes that First Tee's work wouldn't be possible without the support of its community and shares how our listeners can get involved and give back.

Listen in as Jen walks us through the evolution of First Tee, from its fundraising success story involving a $106 million campaign, all the way to the organization’s ambitious 2025 goals.

Finally, Jen talks about the spark that led to First Tee’s mission to reach youths from disadvantaged backgrounds, and how she aims to make golf accessible through equipment and transportation solutions. She also shares why women-only golf trips are an absolute must for female golfers of any skill level!

Check out The First Tee here

First Tee on Instagram 

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational here

Check out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats here

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

I’m sitting down with Jon Sherman of Practical Golf to discuss his five best tips for supercharging your golf game during the offseason!

“It’s much easier to make a change in your golf game,” says Jon, “in a risk-free environment.”

Your offseason is the absolute best time to troubleshoot your game and make changes that you simply won’t be able to track with efficiency in the thick of those competitive months.

With the help of a good instructor, use these next few weeks to make a series of 1% improvements on everything from rewiring your golf swing to setting achievable goals for tournament season. And as a pro tip, try recording your training sessions to really dial in on the details that you need to work on.

Jon also shares how to make the best use of an hour of indoor practice, and how to keep in top shape by making full use of resistance and speed training. Finally, he reveals his go-to strategy for fine-tuning your equipment and the art of setting process-oriented goals that will take your golf game to the next level!

Purchase Your Copy of 'The Four Foundations of Golf' here

Connect with Jon Sherman:

Practical Golf Website

Instagram

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For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational here

Check out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats here

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com 

Today, Ashley, Max, and I are sitting down with golf enthusiast and TikTok star Morgan Middendorf, who shares her entertaining tales from the green as a bev cart girl!

Morgan talks about catering to all manner of golfers, from out-of-towners to snowbirds to men’s leagues. All the while, we’re catching up with Ashley on her time fresh off tournament season at Whistling Straits and Napa, and give a little sneak peek into our “outrageous” plans for Scotland in 2026!

Morgan pulls back the curtain on building a successful “cart girl” brand on TikTok and Instagram. She gives her best advice to newbies with minimal bar tending experience and low-to-no golf experience who want to have a career in serving drinks at prestigious courses.

She discusses her typical day-in-the-life, from prepping her mobile bar for the day ahead, to utilizing her charm-fueled tipping strategies. Ashley and Max also talk about their go-to-drinks on and off the course!

Finally, Morgan talks about her own favorite cocktail recipes and gives her thoughts (as well as a joke or two) on cart girl stereotypes!

Connect with Morgan Here:

TikTok

Instagram

For more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com