Ever catch yourself saying, "I just want to play my best today"? It sounds like a solid goal, right? But what does your best actually mean? In this episode, I break down why this common phrase can secretly add pressure to your game—and what to focus on instead.

I’ll walk you through: ✔️ Why this thought might not be as useful as you think
 ✔️ What your best really looks like (hint: it’s not perfection)
✔️ How to set yourself up to access your full talent on the course

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by not living up to your “best,” this episode is for you. Let’s redefine what playing your best really means so you can step onto the course with clarity, confidence, and a bit of freedom.

Unleash Your Golf self-paced program is available at:  https://www.unleashyourgolf.com

Mastering Your Golf Brain - A Guide to Self-Coaching

Mastering Your Golf Brain - The Workbook

Mental Golf Journal - A Range for Your Brain

Are all available at KathyHartWood.com/book

Private coaching starts with a Free Discovery Call here: 

Email Kathy at [email protected]

Website: KathyHartWood.com

Ever catch yourself saying, "Here we go again" or "I always struggle with my putting"? These are thought errors, and in this episode Kathy dives deep into the mental missteps that can sabotage your golf game. 

Learn to identify and shift these harmful patterns to transform despair into hope and underperformance into success, both on the course and in life. 

Whether it's overcoming habitual negativity or reshaping your mental approach, Kathy provides actionable strategies to help you steer clear of these common mental traps and play your best game yet.

Website: KathyHartWood.com

Be the first to know about programs: KathyHartWood.com/join

Mastering Your Golf Brain Book and Workbook

Ever feel like your golf game is out of your control? Many golfers struggle with externalizing blame—whether it’s the wind, the caddie, or that noisy spectator—which leads to a frustrating experience on the course.

This blame game not only ruins your day but prevents you from improving. When you give away your power, you miss the chance to truly grow in the sport, stuck in a cycle of reaction instead of action.

Tune into this transformative episode  where Kathy explores the concept of "Golf Responsibility." Learn how embracing 100% responsibility for your actions and reactions can shift your perspective, enhance your performance, and radically change your experience on the golf course. It’s time to take the driver’s seat in your golf game and enjoy the journey with empowerment and joy.

Website: KathyHartWood.com

Mastering Your Golf Brain - A Guide to Self-Coaching

Mastering Your Golf Brain - The Workbook

Mental Golf Journal - A Range for Your Brain

Are all available at KathyHartWood.com/book

In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy addresses a common thought error in the golfing community: the belief that it takes time to regain your touch after a break from the game. She explains how this mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing players to struggle unnecessarily. Using personal anecdotes and practical examples, Kathy demonstrates why this belief is unfounded and provides actionable tips for shifting your perspective. Discover how to leverage your natural hand-eye coordination and athleticism to improve your short game immediately, and learn to recognize and eliminate those hidden, unhelpful thoughts that hold you back.

Connect with Kathy at https://KathyHartWood.com/

Get Mastering Your Golf Brain book HERE

Get on the email list HERE

Join Kathy as she dives deep into the world of self-confidence on and off the golf course. Discover the vivid analogy of a "Confidence Bubble" to understand how your internal dialogue shapes your self-assurance. Kathy unravels the differences between self-confidence and golf confidence, emphasizing the crucial role of self-talk in maintaining our confidence bubble. Whether you're prepping for the season or in the thick of competition, this episode offers invaluable insights on protecting and nurturing your confidence every single day. Tune in to fortify your mental game and keep your confidence bubble intact!

Books, Journals, and Workbooks

Programs and Coaching

n this episode, Kathy shares an enlightening conversation from Kelvin Kelly's golf podcast where they dive into the mental aspects of golf. Kathy discusses the importance of managing thoughts and emotions on the golf course through practices like journaling, using her STEAR method, and building self-awareness. They explore how these techniques not only improve golf performance but also positively impact broader aspects of life. This episode is a must-listen for golfers looking to enhance their mental game and overall well-being.

Listen to Kelvin Kelly's Podcast on Apple 

Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

Get the book Mastering Your Golf Brain, The Workbook and The Mental Golf Journal at KathyHartWood.com/book

[email protected]

As we kick off 2025, it's time to set goals for your game—both on and off the course. But not all goals are created equal. In this episode, Kathy breaks down the difference between effective golf goals and those that might leave you frustrated. She shares tips on how to move beyond vague objectives, like “practice more” or “break 80,” and instead focus on actionable steps that align with who you want to become as a golfer. Whether you're aiming to lower your handicap, conquer score barriers, or just feel more confident on the course, this episode will help you plan your best season yet. Learn how to think intentionally, manage your emotions, and create a game plan that works. Tune in and make 2025 your most fulfilling golf year ever!

connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com
Grab her books an journal at KathyHartWood.com/book

In this special New Year's episode of "Think Above Par," Kathy tackles the often-dreaded topic of New Year's resolutions and flips it on its head, transforming it into an opportunity for meaningful change in your golf game and mental approach. With a realistic look at why most resolutions fail, Kathy introduces a more impactful approach: establishing specific mental golf habits right now. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to start building or breaking mental habits that will not only prepare you for the upcoming golf season but also enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. From journaling and brain dumping to practicing STEARs daily, Kathy provides a blueprint for creating resolutions that are not just promises to yourself, but real commitments backed by a plan and a purpose. Tune in to set yourself up for success on and off the course this year!

Get the The Mental Golf Journal
Read Mastering Your Golf Brain
Take it to the next level with Mastering Your Golf Brain Workbook

Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking Christmas Day episode, Kathy dives into the concept of "deserving" and its many interpretations on and off the golf course. Is deserving about entitlement, worthiness, or earning something? Kathy unpacks how our beliefs about what we "deserve" can influence not only our performance in golf but also our growth and mindset in life. With humor, relatable examples, and actionable insights, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you use and understand this powerful word.

Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com

In this episode Kathy challenges the idea of an "off-season" for mental golf. While the colder months may sideline physical play, now is actually the best time to strengthen your mental game. Kathy shares four powerful practices to develop mental resilience that applies on and off the course. Listeners will learn how to set daily intentions, master the STEAR method for thought awareness, process emotions in 60-90 seconds, and shift limiting beliefs. These skills aren't just for golf — they’re for life. If you want to walk into your next golf season calmer, more confident, and ready to perform under pressure, this episode is a must-listen. Don't wait for spring to start working on your mental game — start now!