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Think Above Par

Sometimes you just need someone to explain why your golf brain does what it does.

Think Above Par is where Kathy talks about the thoughts, emotions and patterns that show up on the golf course—and what you can do with them.

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All episodes (305)

Library updated

Episode 197

The 3 Words That Transform Your Golf Game and Life

In this episode of Think Above Par, Coach Kathy dives into the power of three simple words: "I get to." Shifting from "I have to" to "I get to" can completely change how we approach both life and the golf course. Kathy shares personal stories, including a moment when this shift helped her reframe a difficult situation, and breaks down how this mindset shift creates gratitude, hope, and fulfillment instead of pressure and resentment. Whether you’re teeing off early or practicing in challenging conditions, this episode will inspire you to embrace your opportunities rather than feeling burdened by them. Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 196

Taming Golf Course Intimidation: Overcoming People, Shots, and Daunting Holes

In this episode, Kathy dives into the sneaky world of golf intimidation—whether it’s that monster par-3 staring you down, the big-hitting player in your group, or that nagging feeling that’s got you second-guessing your game. Kathy shares why intimidation is more about our thoughts than the hole or the person on the tee box next to us. You’ll learn why intimidation is just a choice (no, really!) and how to switch from feeling intimidated to feeling calm, confident, and ready to play your best. Expect some laughs, “aha!” moments, and practical tips you can bring to the course this weekend. Get the book: Mastering Your Golf Brain: A Guide to Self-Coaching Stay in the loop at KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 195

Owning Your Mental Game with Dr. Alison Curdt: Self-Concept, Competition, and Boundaries

In this episode of Think Above Par, we’re excited to share a powerful interview with Dr. Alison Curdt, a dual PGA and LPGA Master Professional, and a clinical sports psychologist. Kathy and Dr. Curdt dive into the mental side of golf, exploring topics that affect golfers at all levels. Dr. Curdt shares her unique approach to balancing golf coaching, psychology, and competition while still being an active competitor herself. Key takeaways include: How self-concept impacts a golfer’s mindset and performance Embracing competitiveness as a strength, not a character flaw The importance of setting boundaries on and off the course to protect your mental game Why no one is watching you as closely as you think—understanding the “spotlight effect” How to nurture your mental game for lasting success If you're ready to strengthen your golf brain, Dr. Curdt's insights will provide practical tips to shift your perspective and elevate your performance, whether you’re just starting or competing at a high level. Golf For Women Summit Vip Link to watch the replay Get the book: Mastering Your Golf Brain: A Guide to Self-Coaching Stay in the loop at KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 194

Empathetic Golfers: Turning Sensitivity into Strength

Can you sense other people’s emotions or energy on the golf course? This episode is all about the empathetic golfer—you know, the one who feels every vibe on the course, whether it’s the joy of a great shot or the tension of a missed putt. We’ll chat about how empathy, that beautiful gift, can shape your golf experience, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, keep your cool, and, of course, give back those pesky ‘dust bunnies’ of negative energy that don’t belong to you. Tune in, laugh a little, and discover how to make your empathy work for you, not against you, on and off the course. Stay connected with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com/join Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 193

Golf Commands: How to Stop Giving Yourself Bad Orders on the Course

In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy dives into the secret language we use on the golf course—commands! You know the ones: “Don’t hit it in the bunker!” or “Get it to the hole!” But are these commands helping or hurting your game? Spoiler: Your brain doesn't like being bossed around (even by you!). Kathy breaks down the types of commands we give ourselves on the course: swing commands, result commands, and feel commands. She explains why some are useful, while others might be putting extra pressure on your swing. If you’ve ever wondered why your brain seems to ignore that “don’t hit it in the water” directive, this episode is for you. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just getting started, Kathy’s tips will help you recognize the mental traps of golf commands and learn how to replace them with ones that actually work. Key Takeaways: The three types of golf commands you give yourself Why negative commands (like “don’t”) never work How to identify commands that create calm and confidence Practical strategies to rewire your internal golf talk Schedule of a clarity call here KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 192

Golf Paradigms: Transform Your Game With One Ah-ha Moment

All it takes is one shift in a way of thinking on the golf course or about your game. In this episode, Kathy unpacks the magic of "Chick-fil-A moments"—those little paradigm shifts that can change your game and your life. She’ll explore how looking at things from a new angle can unlock hidden opportunities on the course, from rethinking your approach to that nightmare hole to understanding why empathy for others (and yourself) makes a world of difference. Whether you’re a high handicapper or a seasoned pro, you’ll discover how small shifts in perspective can lead to big results. Tune in, get curious, and find your own aha moments! Connect with Kathy at KathyHartWood.com/join Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 191

Speak Up or Shut Down: Finding Your Voice on the Golf Course

In this episode of "Think Above Par," we dive into the often-ignored topic of speaking up on the golf course and why staying silent can cost you more than just a missed putt. Kathy unpacks the common scenarios where golfers hold back—like when someone’s standing in your line or talking during your shot—and how not speaking up can sabotage your game. This isn’t about being rude or confrontational; it’s about having your own back and protecting your peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt irritated, distracted, or off your game because of others, this episode is for you. Learn why finding your voice can help you stay calm, certain, and confident—both on and off the course. Tune in and discover how speaking up might be the missing piece to your best golf yet! Connect KathyHartWood.com/join Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 190

Navigating Gamesmanship in Golf

Ever wondered how to handle gamesmanship on the golf course? In this episode, Kathy delves into the concept of gamesmanship in golf, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into how players can get into each other's heads to disrupt performance. Drawing from her experiences with family members and tournament play, Kathy explores both the negative impacts and potential uses of gamesmanship. She offers advice on protecting yourself from such tactics and questions the motivations behind employing them. Tune in to learn how to maintain your mental edge on the golf course, set boundaries, and foster a positive competitive spirit. Stay connected with Kathy at kathyhartwood.com/join. KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 189

Defining Acceptable Golf Scores

Are you defining your self-worth by the numbers on your scorecard? In this episode, Kathy explores the concept of 'acceptable scores' in golf and how it shapes your self-perception on the course. By understanding and redefining what scores you deem acceptable, you'll learn to treat yourself with more grace and manage expectations better. You'll also discover how your handicap relates to your average scores and how to align your mindset with the statistics. Listen in to shift your identity as a golfer, relieve some pressure, and potentially improve your overall game. This discussion will change how you approach scoring in golf. Connect with Kathy: KathyHartWood.com KathyHartWood.com/join Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 188

Making People Neutral on the Golf Course

Hae you ever played golf with people who just bug the heck out of you? Unless you play with the same group with your favorite people every round, you like have played with "challenging people". In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy dives into the mental game of golf by exploring how to make fellow golfers and various on-course interactions neutral (neither golf nor bad). She shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice on how to manage your thoughts and reactions to different personalities, ensuring that your golf experience is controlled by your mindset, not the people around you. Learn strategies to keep your focus, maintain your calm, and build mental resilience both on and off the golf course. Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 187

How to Stop Swinging When Not Focused or Ready - Q and A

In this episode of Above Par, we dive into the common challenges golfers face when standing over the ball. Through real Q&A snippets from the Think About Par Club, we explore issues like dealing with uncertainties, focusing on difficult versus easy shots, and maintaining discipline and awareness. Learn practical tips on committing to shots and improving mental focus that can translate to better performance on the course and in life. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies to help you play your best game. Connect with Kathy KathyHartWood.com/join Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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Episode 186

Master Your Golf Brain: Insights from My New Book

Kathy wrote a book! In this episode, Kathy shares exciting news about her new book, 'Mastering Your Golf Brain: A Guide to Self-Coaching.' The book is currently available in Kindle format on Amazon. Kathy, a former tour player and top 50 golf teacher turned mental golf coach, takes listeners through her journey of discovering the importance of mindset in golf. She narrates her struggles with putting, the pivotal revelation that changed her game, and how managing thoughts can unlock true potential. Download the book, understand the mental challenges of golf, and find fulfillment beyond the greens. Link to Mastering Your Golf Brain on Kindle Connect with Kathy @ KathyHartWood.com Receive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE 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 Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com

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