In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the theme of “good enough” and how it quietly sabotages your golf game, your business, and your life. 

While there are moments where good enough truly is enough, most of us fall into the trap of settling—choosing comfort over growth, validation over progress, and cruise control over chasing our true potential. 

Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons from both golf and life, I share how to break free from the “good enough” plateau and move toward being outstanding and even elite.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

• Why settling for “good enough” creates hidden frustration and incongruency
• How to recognize when you’re coasting and mistaking a plateau for a peak
• The critical difference between being outstanding and staying outstanding
• Why fear of success, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are tied to “good enough”
• How to strategically choose where to accept “good enough” and where to go all in

If you’re tired of settling, ready to raise your standards, and committed to stepping into the version of yourself you know you’re capable of becoming—on the course and in life—then this is the episode you need to hear.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%.

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 16 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:

• Good enough is comfortable—but comfort kills growth. Settling in golf, work, or relationships keeps you stuck in mediocrity.
• Raising your standards is the only way forward. What once worked won’t take you to the next level.
• Outstanding requires imbalance. You can’t be elite in every area—decide what matters most and accept good enough elsewhere.
• Fear of success fuels settling. Many golfers and professionals subconsciously hold back to avoid standing out, judgment, or failure.
• Honesty creates congruency. Be brutally honest with yourself and with others about where you want to be outstanding and where good enough is truly enough.

Key Quotes:

• “Good enough is comfortable, but it’s also where dreams go to die.”
• “If you want what the 5% have, you must be willing to do what the 95% are not.”
• “Outstanding requires imbalance—you can’t be elite in everything, and that’s okay.”
• “Scared is normal. Stuck is optional. Action is the antidote.”
• “You can’t talk the talk of outstanding while walking the walk of average.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset
• 01:41: The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Golf and Life
• 09:36: Raising Standards for Success
• 14:00: The Comfort of Good Enough vs. Potential
• 20:13: Honesty and Incongruency in Personal Growth
• 25:58: The Balance of Being Outstanding vs. Good Enough
• 34:15: Conclusion and Call to Action

#88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, DECADE creator Scott Fawcett pulls back the curtain on the mental, emotional, and strategic demands of Q-School. 

He shares what it really takes to perform when your season—and possibly your career—hangs in the balance, from avoiding over-grinding in the weeks before to keeping composure on the final hole. 

Scott draws on decades of playing, caddying, and coaching experience to reveal the routines, mindset shifts, and course management tactics that separate those who earn their status from those who fall short.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

• Why over-preparing before Q-School can drain your best performance
• How to maintain discipline and stick to your strategy under intense pressure
• Simple course management rules that keep big numbers off your card
• How to handle the financial and emotional pressures of chasing your card
• The role meditation and mental training play in sustaining focus over multiple rounds
• Why caddying can sharpen your decision-making and mental game
• How to replicate your best habits from great rounds when it matters most

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 Scott

Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game. 

With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores. 

His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge.

Scott’s journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy. 

Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here.

Connect with Scott on Instagram 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 16 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:

• Meditation isn’t about no thoughts—it’s about catching thought loops before they spiral.
• Mindset training is learning why you don’t do what you know you should; mental game is learning what and how to think.
• Grinding before a tournament depletes your mental energy—less is more leading up to Q School.
• Tiger’s real edge wasn’t just skill—it was discipline, presence, and treating every shot the same.
• Routine > Novelty: Eat the same lunch, wear the same shirt—save mental energy for where it matters.
• Every shot must be attacked like your target is the flag—own your discipline and trust the process.
• Teaching or caddying for others sharpens your own mindset and awareness faster than anything else.
• Winning isn’t about score—it’s about growing through process and discipline.

Key Quotes:

• I thought meditation was about having no thoughts—turns out it’s about recognizing your thoughts before they own you.
• If you abandon your strategy because of your score… you’ve quit. You didn’t walk off the course, but you quit.
• Your work should be done before you get to Q School. If you’re not playing great, get your mental energy right.
• Meditation is like losing 100 pounds without seeing progress for a year—pointless until it suddenly clicks.
• The best thing I ever did for my game was caddy for Will Zalatoris
• You don’t need more talent. You need more patience, more trust, and more discipline.
• No NEW-trition on game day. Don’t change a damn thing when it’s time to perform.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Mindset and Meditation: The Journey Begins
• 02:53: The Power of Thought Patterns
• 05:43: Meditation in Golf: A Personal Experience
• 08:39: The Role of Music and Rhythm in Performance
• 11:40: Mindset vs. Mental Game: Understanding the Difference
• 14:21: Q School: The Make or Break Experience
• 17:29: Emotional Dynamics of Competing
• 20:10: Mental Preparation for Q School
• 23:05: The Importance of Balance and Rest
• 26:01: Slowing Down: The Key to Success
• 28:42: Practice with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity
• 34:49: The Importance of Pre-Shot Routines
• 37:18: Navigating Pressure in Golf
• 40:27: The Role of Money in Golf Careers
• 45:52: Defining Winning and Success
• 51:32: Key Advice for Q School Preparation

#87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf

If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you.

Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines.

We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that’s costing you distance, consistency, and recovery
• The most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don’t need to be flexible!)
• How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilience
• What “movement modality” really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golf
• Simple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using today
• How barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shots
• A quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injury
• The surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your game
• How to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment

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 Lauren

Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf’s online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best. 

In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program.

Learn more about and connect with Lauren 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 16 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:

• Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awareness
• Connecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stress
• Small, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performs
• Your feet are a key part of your swing—train them!
• Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep quality
• Yoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential

Key Quotes:

• I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better.
• Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side.
• Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care.
• You don’t always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers
• 03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga
• 06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance
• 08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga
• 11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey
• 14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery
• 18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga
• 20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers
• 30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga
• 33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice
• 35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers

#86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O’Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course

In this powerhouse episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined by LPGA professional and mindset expert Debbie O’Connell to dive deep into what mindset really means—and how it differs from the mental game of golf.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you’re bringing emotional baggage from life onto the course, this episode will feel like it was made for you.

Debbie and I discuss how your subconscious beliefs, emotions, and early life programming shape your identity as a golfer—and how shifting these beliefs can spark massive breakthroughs both on and off the course. From self-sabotage to self-worth, from fear to flow state, we cover it all.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• The key difference between mental game strategies and true mindset training
• Why emotional reactions on the course are often rooted in childhood patterns
• How to unearth and release limiting beliefs that create performance plateaus
• What it really takes to break through your “internal thermostat” and shoot lower scores
• How your identity shapes your results—and how to rewrite it
• The role of flow state, presence, and emotional regulation in consistent performance
• How golf is a mirror of your life—and how growth in one reflects in the other

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 Debbie

Want to attend Debbie’s three-day live event next month?

Text “YES” to 727-339-0106 

Then, text “FLOW” for her free flow state eBook. 

Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible’s 10-lesson series “Game Time 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.

As an advocate for teenage development and self-esteem, Debbie speaks in several local schools teaching skills to improve self-confidence and personal empowerment. Her positive energy and enthusiasm made her an easy choice to be the lead LPGA Professional for the LPGA Leadership Academy, whose mission is to teach teenage girls leadership skills and strategies through the game of golf. Debbie also co-hosted Instructional Golf Days in association with Anthony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” programs.

Debbie holds certifications in John Maxwell Speaking, Training, Coaching; Strategic Intervention; DISC Training; and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with minors in broadcasting and business from Western Kentucky University.

Connect with Debbie on her website.

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 16 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:

• Mindset goes beyond routines. It's not just about pre-shot breathing or staying positive—it's about rewiring how you think, feel, and respond under pressure.
• You bring your whole self to the course. Your fears, beliefs, and emotional patterns show up in your swing, decision-making, and reactions.
• Fear drives self-sabotage. Fear of success, fear of failure, and fear of judgment all contribute to rushing, over-trying, and tightening up.
• Flow state is possible—and trainable. You can learn to access deeper focus and bypass conscious interference, creating effortless, confident swings.
• The subconscious is irrational. It’s like a five-year-old running the show—until you learn to reprogram it.
• Reactions are patterns. Responses are power. You can train yourself to respond with calm, clarity, and curiosity—even after OB or three-putts.
• Change your identity, change your score. If you don’t believe you’re someone who can shoot in the 60s, your subconscious will keep the score higher.

Key Quotes:

• “We bring our whole selves to the game of golf.”
• “The mental game is a checklist. Mindset is who you become.”
• “Your subconscious doesn’t care if it makes sense. It just wants to protect you.”
• “The conscious mind is the goal-setter. The subconscious is the goal-getter.”
• “Golf is just a mirror of your personal development journey.”
• “You’re either in the driver’s seat of your life—or blaming someone else from the passenger side.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Energy Exchange
• 01:09: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf
• 03:10: The Depth of Mindset in Golf
• 04:55: Exploring Emotional Connections in Golf
• 08:18: The Impact of Mindset on Performance
• 10:28: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
• 10:56: The Role of Fear in Personal Growth
• 14:02: The Importance of Identity in Performance
• 21:57: Building Mental Toughness
• 31:53: The Power of Positivity
• 42:25: Taking Ownership of Your Story

In this solo episode, I break down a common but costly mistake most golfers make: confusing mental game strategies with mindset training. 

Though both live between your ears, they are wildly different—and both are required to break through the frustration plateau and play to your full potential.

I’ll discuss how mental game strategies—like breath work, visualization, and pre-shot routines—are powerful, but only surface-level tools. If your identity is riddled with self-doubt, fear of judgment, or an “I’m not good enough” belief system, no amount of deep breathing can save your scorecard.

This episode is packed with real talk, powerful analogies (like club vs. swing and the shattered mindset vase), and a surprising case for the one habit that will skyrocket your mindset faster than anything else: fitness.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

• The key difference between the golf mental game and mindset training
• Why mental game tactics are necessary but not sufficient
• How identity-level beliefs sabotage your performance
• The real reason you skip steps you know you need to take
• Why knowledge alone isn’t power—only action is
• How exercise is the ultimate mindset training tool
• Why lasting change requires going beneath the surface

Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of two steps forward, three steps back—or ready to go beyond surface fixes—this episode will show you exactly what’s been missing from your training and how to reclaim control of your results.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%.

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 16 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:

• Mental game strategies are like clubs—you need the right one for each shot.
• Mindset training is your swing foundation—if that’s broken, no club can help.
• You can’t breathe your way out of a belief that you’re not good enough.
• Dopamine-chasing golf hacks feel productive but keep you stuck.
• Your subconscious deploys sabotage when success feels unsafe.
• Lasting change requires addressing the root, not the symptoms.
• Fitness is the fastest, most effective way to train your mindset daily.

Key Quotes:

• “You can’t breathe your way out of a belief system that’s been running your life.”
• “The best pre-shot routine in the world won’t fix a fractured identity.”
• “Mindset training answers the question: Why don’t I do what I know I need to do?”
• “Mental game training is like club selection. Mindset is your swing.”
• “Reading feels productive—but without action, it’s just dopamine.”
• “Fitness is intentional discomfort—it’s the gym where mental toughness is built.”
• “If you want to expand, you have to expand—starting with how much discomfort you can handle.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Why “Mindset” Matters More Than “Mental Game”
• 02:25: The Hidden Mistake Keeping You Stuck
• 04:52: What the Mental Game Really Is
• 07:09: Mental Game Tactics: Helpful but Limited
• 09:17: What Mindset Training Actually Targets
• 10:44: Why You Don’t Do What You Know You Should
• 13:08: Club vs. Swing: A Game-Changing Analogy
• 15:12: Mind Over Feelings in Life and Golf
• 18:01: The Dopamine Trap of Mental Game Tips
• 20:32: Why Affirmations Alone Won’t Save You
• 22:20: How Fear Sabotages You from the Inside
• 24:18: Using Hypnosis to Rewire Beliefs
• 26:25: The Vase Analogy: Rebuilding Your Identity
• 28:36: The #1 Way to Train Your Mindset
• 29:49: Discomfort Is the Gateway to Growth
• 32:01: Fit Body, Strong Mind: Why It Matters
• 34:13: Final Thoughts + Your Next Action Step

#84: [Inside the Mind] Joe Park: Overlooked Fundamentals, Fewer Mistakes, and More Intentionality on the Range (and Course)

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined by elite swing coach Joe Park to demystify the path to a consistent, efficient, and powerful golf swing.

Joe shares lessons from his decades of coaching—from helping high handicappers break 90 to training his sons as they pursue the PGA Tour. You’ll hear how small changes to grip, tempo, and practice structure can completely transform your swing—and why you must practice to forget.

Joe breaks down his five golf swing fundamentals, explains why most golfers fail by chasing complexity, and outlines how to design and forge a swing that holds up under pressure. This episode blends mechanics, mindset, and the subtle art of self-coaching in a way that will resonate with golfers of all levels.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• The five core fundamentals Joe Park teaches to build a repeatable, powerful swing.
• Why grip is the most overlooked yet essential element in fixing slices and shaping shots.
• How to practice with intention by exaggerating drills to create long-lasting improvements.
• The key differences between single-digit handicaps and scratch players — and how to bridge the gap.
• Why “swing faster” might be the most underrated advice for gaining distance.
• How to balance mechanics and mindset for lasting results on the course.
• What most golfers get wrong on the range — and how to finally take your “range game” to the course.

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 Joe

Joe is a Master Teaching Pro with over 30 years of experience helping golfers better understand their golf swing through science, physics, and better thinking.

Located in Scottsdale Arizona, Joe moved w/ his family from Minnesota so that their two sons Bobby and Joey Park could play and practice in warmer weather.

They turned pro here at just 15 and 17 years old at the..WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN PRE QUALIFIER and eight years later are still chasing the dream of the PGA Tour and heading to Qschool this year. 

Learn more about Joe and get his newly released eBook, “Five Fundamentals: How To Make A Golf Swing” 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 16 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:

• A good grip isn’t natural — it’s learned. Get it right, and you instantly solve 80% of your ball flight issues.
• Joe’s “Five Fundamentals” begin with grip and move through takeaway, transition, impact, and follow-through.
• Most golfers swing too slowly in the backswing, leading to rushed transitions and reduced power.
• You can’t practice mechanics and performance under pressure at the same time. Structure practice around exaggeration then application.
• Self-awareness and honest feedback are non-negotiable if you want to improve.
• Distance is simple: swing faster — and give yourself permission to do so.
• Golfers must learn to be less risky on the course. Play smart. Avoid blow-up holes.

Key Quotes:

• “Fundamentals never go out of style.”
• “We practice to forget.”
• “Intentional exaggeration is what changes your baseline.”
• “A slinky doesn’t snap unless it’s been stretched.”
• “You don’t need more shots — you need fewer mistakes.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Joe Park's Golf Journey
• 03:10: The Five Fundamentals of Golf
• 06:04: Understanding the Golf Swing Mechanics
• 08:58: The Importance of Mental Game in Golf
• 11:59: Transitioning from Amateur to Professional
• 15:10: Mastering the Short Game
• 18:02: The Path to Becoming a Scratch Golfer
• 21:01: Developing a Pre-Shot Routine
• 24:00: Drills and Practice Techniques
• 26:57: Final Thoughts on Golf Mastery
• 31:00: The Art of Intentional Practice
• 34:08: Embracing Discomfort for Growth
• 36:53: Balancing Mechanics and Mindset
• 41:04: The Importance of a Structured Approach
• 44:59: Finding the Right Coach
• 50:00: Risk Management in Golf and Life

In today’s episode, I get raw and unfiltered about the last 90 days of my mission to lower my handicap to a 5.0. 

I’ll share the mindset evolutions, swing changes, and deliberate practice that have fueled my progress—and the mental battles that nearly derailed it.

I’ll open up about embracing the darker side of performance, using frustration and anger as fuel, and challenging the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as golfers. Plus, you’ll hear about exciting upcoming guests and why true transformation requires killing off the old version of yourself.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

• How to use deliberate practice to create breakthrough improvements
• Why confronting the dark side of your mindset can unlock new performance levels
• The role of identity shifts in sustaining progress
• How fitness and exercise build mental resilience
• Strategies to stay present when you start a round hot
• Why “creating fuel from nothing” can give you a competitive edge
• The importance of embracing discomfort to accelerate your growth

If you’re tired of surface-level pep talks and ready to confront what’s really holding you back, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, play bolder, and evolve faster.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%.

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 16 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:

• The stories you tell yourself about why you play—fun, camaraderie, no expectations—can become convenient excuses that hold you back from real growth.
• Reconnecting with your competitive fire and embracing your “dark side” can be the catalyst to break through plateaus and fuel consistent focus.
• Identity transformation isn’t optional; you must let go of old patterns and self-perceptions to unlock the next level of performance.
• Structured, deliberate practice—short game reps, pre-shot routine work, and focused time under tension—creates the foundation for sustainable improvement.
• Overconfidence and mental time travel after early success in a round often lead to mistakes; learning to stay present shot by shot is crucial.
• Your fitness routine is a training ground for mental resilience—building the discipline to confront discomfort in the gym directly translates to composure on the course.
• Creating internal narratives, rivalries, and micro-competitions can sharpen your edge and help you maintain a higher level of intensity and accountability.

Key Quotes:

• “You can’t change unless you change.”
• “To achieve the light, you have to be able to handle the darkness.”
• “Winning is so addictive—and I’m finally giving myself permission to crave it again.”
• “Reps on reps on reps. That’s how you rewire your identity.”
• “Fitness is the gateway to mental toughness. You can’t build grit without confronting discomfort.”
• “I had to kill the Q1 version of me to evolve into the Q2 version—and I’ll do it again.”
• “What you’re doing now isn’t working. If you want to change, you need to change.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Updates
• 02:49: Reflections on Personal Growth and Mindset
• 05:40: The Journey of Q2: Performance and Challenges
• 08:45: Mindset Evolution and Competitive Spirit
• 11:24: Technical Adjustments and Coaching Changes
• 14:24: Equipment Upgrades and Fitness Regimen
• 17:08: Looking Ahead: Goals for Q3

#84: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined once again by mental game coach and friend, Josh Nichols, for a deep and powerful conversation on the emotional and mental toll competitive golf can take—and how to overcome it.

Josh opens up about the burnout he experienced during the peak of his competitive career, the pivotal mindset shift that helped him release control, and why the addition of one important relationship completely changed how he viewed golf—and life. 

We explore the roots of golf burnout, the dangers of mismanaged expectations, and how learning to “see things as they are” is the gateway to emotional resiliency and freedom on the course.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• What golf burnout really looks and feels like—and how to spot the signs early
• Why “letting go” is one of the most powerful performance enhancers
• The true meaning of mental toughness (and what it’s not)
• How focusing on the wrong metrics keeps you stuck and frustrated
• The role of coaching in creating clarity, saving energy, and accelerating growth
• How to build mindfulness into your day without a 60-minute ritual
• The danger of letting one hole define your entire round

If you’ve been pushing, forcing, and death-gripping your game into submission with little to show for it, this conversation is for you.

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 Josh Nichols

Josh Nichols is a Golf Psychology Coach, and has been playing competitive amateur golfer for over 20 years. Josh run’s his own business, Foundations Mental Performance, where he works with individuals all over the world on their golf psychology as a way to help them play better golf and get more enjoyment out of the game.

• Host of The Mental Golf Show
• Author of The Mental Regrip Newsletter
• Twitter/X: @joshlukenichols
• Instagram: joshlukenichols

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 16 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:

• Golf burnout stems from repeatedly falling short of unrealistic expectations.
• Adding meaningful relationships can bring balance and unexpectedly improve your game.
• Letting go of control frees up the energy and mindset needed to perform at your best.
• Most golfers wait too long to hire a coach—and pay for it in time, energy, and results.
• True mental toughness means staying neutral and grounded when chaos arises.
• The need to start strong often leads to unnecessary pressure and energy drain.
• Mindfulness doesn’t require an hour—just five intentional minutes and presence throughout your day.

Key Quotes:

• “As you let go, you’re more okay to let the game go—while you’re playing better.”
• “Burnout is not meeting your expectations over and over again.”
• “You're not working on golf psychology—you're working on yourself.”
• “Blind optimism is not toughness. Acceptance of reality is.”
• “Hiring a coach frees you up to do your best work—and shortens your timeline to success.”
• “The word ‘need’ always hides fear behind it.”
• “See things as they are—that’s the mindset that grounds everything.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Background
• 03:12: The Psychology of Golf and Coaching Philosophy
• 06:10: The Importance of Balance in Life and Golf
• 08:52: Understanding Golf Burnout
• 11:57: The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Challenges
• 15:00: The Impact of Relationships on Performance
• 18:07: Proactive vs. Reactive Coaching Decisions
• 24:06: The Value of Expert Guidance
• 27:02: Understanding Mental Toughness
• 30:35: The Importance of Focus
• 32:57: Mindfulness Practices for Golfers
• 38:18: Common Mental Mistakes in Golf
• 44:18: Seeing Things as They Are

Fear is the most common force keeping golfers—and people—stuck. 

But here's the truth: you're not actually afraid of missing the putt, chunking the chip, or topping your drive. 

You're afraid of what it means about you. 

• Of being judged. 
• Rejected. 
• No longer welcome. 

In this solo episode, I break down the hidden cost of living in fear and the subtle yet life-changing difference between feeling scared and being fearful. I also discuss timeless wisdom from the Stoics, actionable tools to diffuse fear, and a powerful exercise to help you move forward, on and off the course.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

• Why “fear” is a survival state—and why it’s keeping you stuck
• The difference between being scared and being afraid
• The 3 primal fears that still drive modern-day self-sabotage
• How fear hijacks your imagination and narrows your focus
• Why standing out—even in a Saturday foursome—can trigger intense fear
• How to use action as a tool to break free from fear’s grip
• What Tim Ferriss’ “Fear-Setting” exercise can teach you about worst-case scenarios

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game
• Nerves or Readiness? How to Reframe Your Body’s Physical Reaction on (and off) the Golf Course

1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit. 

High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game.

Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis.

Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%.

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 16 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:

• Fear is a state of being; scared is a temporary emotion. Understanding this distinction can unlock courageous action.
• All fear traces back to three primal drivers: judgment, abandonment, and rejection.
• Fear hijacks your nervous system and narrows your focus to the worst-case scenario.
• You don’t fear the shot—you fear what it might mean about your worth or belonging.
• Action is the antidote to fear—it interrupts paralysis and builds self-trust.
• Avoiding fear feels safe, but it keeps you stuck and drains your energy.
• Hypnotherapy can help uncover and release the root causes of irrational fear.

Key Quotes:

• “Be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.” – William Faulkner
• “Fear is a choice. It does not serve you.”
• “Feeling scared is normal—it means you care.”
• “Golf is a mirror of your personal development journey.”
• “Standing out is scary because it threatens your sense of belonging.”
• “Suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca
• “Avoiding fear keeps you safe. Leaning into fear helps you grow.”

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Understanding Fear: The Core of Our Challenges
• 08:14: Types of Fear: The Fear Jar Explained
• 14:34: The Cost of Fear: Stagnation vs. Growth
• 23:04: Action Over Fear: Strategies for Overcoming
• 28:49: Conclusion: Embracing Fear for Personal Growth

#80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain

In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well.

Shaun’s background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that’s rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How discipline and daily structure from Shaun’s military background translate to golf and business success
• The difference between mobility, flexibility, and stability—and why most golfers get it wrong
• What golf fitness really means, and how to tailor your workouts to your specific swing, body type, and performance goals
• Why strength is your ultimate insurance policy against injury
• The critical importance of power and speed training—and how to implement them safely and effectively
• How better fitness directly fuels your mental stamina, clarity, and confidence during every round

Whether you’re recovering from injury, struggling to break 80, or want to future-proof your body for decades of better golf, this episode lays out the exact roadmap to do so. Shaun delivers clear, actionable insight on how to train smarter, not harder—and how your body is your greatest golf asset when properly trained.

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 Shaun

Shaun is a golf fitness coach with over 15 years of personal training experience, including nearly a decade as a gym owner and the past five years specialising in coaching golfers. He believes in assessing, not guessing, to create personalised programs tailored to each golfer’s unique needs and goals. 

His expertise lies in improving strength, mobility, and performance on the course, helping clients eliminate back pain, hit longer drives, and build consistent training habits. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Shaun delivers results by cutting through the fluff and focusing on what works so clients spend the least amount of time in the gym possible for the best results on course!

• Work with Shaun
• Follow Shaun on Instagram - @shaun.diachkoff 

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 16 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:

• Discipline creates identity. Shaun shares how military habits like structure and routine create consistency, build momentum, and ultimately forge a new identity—on or off the course.
• Mobility vs. flexibility. Know the difference. Flexibility is muscle length. Mobility is joint function. Most golfers confuse the two.
• Stability is strength. You can’t build power without stability. Unilateral work like split squats and lunges balances your body and reduces swing faults.
• Power vs. speed training. Power is potential. Speed is expression. Both require different protocols in the gym—and both matter to golf.
• Low back pain? Look elsewhere. Most back pain isn’t from the back itself—it’s a consequence of limited mobility in the hips or thoracic spine.
• Fitness fuels mental energy. A fitter body reduces fatigue, improves focus, and boosts resilience—so you don’t fall apart late in your round.

Key Quotes:

• What was once impossible becomes inevitable.
• Small hinges swing big doors.
• Fitness is the gateway to personal development.
• Stability is strength. And strength is injury prevention.
• You can’t outscore your body.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Impact of Military Discipline on Life
• 02:57 Building Momentum Through Daily Habits
• 06:02 The Importance of Morning Routines
• 09:00 Understanding Golf Fitness
• 12:02 Common Misconceptions in Golf Training
• 14:58 The Role of Mobility, Flexibility, and Stability
• 17:50 The Connection Between Fitness and Golf Performance
• 26:50 Balancing Strength and Stability in Golf
• 32:51 The Importance of Mobility and Range of Motion
• 33:11 Understanding Speed vs. Power Training
• 40:14 Mental Benefits of Speed and Power Training
• 45:17 Addressing Chronic Back Pain in Golfers