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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 209

The Mental Part of Short Game Touch

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 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 208

Bounce Back: Protecting Your Confidence on the Golf Course

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 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 207

Elevate Your Game: Thought Management On and Off the Course

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 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 206

Why Winning Isn’t the Golf Goal (And What You Should Focus On Instead)

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 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 205

Mental Golf Resolutions

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 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 204

Deserving Good Golf: Entitled, Worthy, or Earned

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 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 203

4 Mental Skills Every Golfer Should Practice This Winter

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! 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 202

Your Golf Year in Review: Discover Your Wins and Set Up 2025 for Success!

In this reflective episode, Kathy guides listeners through a powerful "Year in Review" process designed to set them up for a successful 2025 golf season. Sharing insights from her live membership call, Kathy encourages golfers to take a "post-year evaluation" similar to a post-round analysis. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what went well — a mindset shift from the usual tendency to dwell on mistakes. Listeners are guided to assess key areas like their handicap progression, rounds played, practice habits, tournament experiences, mental growth, course management, and even social wins. Kathy poses thought-provoking questions, challenging golfers to recognize small wins that often go unnoticed, such as managing emotions, recovering from mistakes faster, and making smarter course decisions. With humor and insight, she reminds golfers to "shake their hamster cage" by embracing challenges and stepping out of their comfort zones. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with actionable steps to close the year feeling proud and ready for growth in the coming season. Connect with Kathy 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 201

Why Your Golf Results Aren't Happening Fast Enough

In this episode Kathy dives into a topic every golfer (and human) can relate to: the frustration of not seeing results as quickly as we’d like. Whether it’s on the course or in life, we’ve all been tempted to quit when the payoff doesn’t match the effort. Kathy breaks down why this happens, how our brains play tricks on us, and what we can do to shift our mindset for better outcomes. Learn how to: Identify the mental roadblocks that hold you back. Detach your self-worth from your performance. Replace impatience and shame with curiosity and acceptance. Use powerful questions to reframe your journey. Stop arguing with reality and embrace the process. By the end, you’ll understand why you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be and how to grow from here. Key Moments: [00:01] Introduction: Why quitting feels easier than pushing through. [05:30] The two types of quitting: The big quit vs. the little quit. [10:15] Why effort doesn’t always equal results in golf. [15:40] The shame spiral: How we attach self-worth to results. [20:00] Reframing expectations: How fast should progress happen? [25:10] The ultimate question: How do you think you’ll feel when you “get there”? [30:00] The secret to faster results: Feeling fulfilled right now. Resources Mentioned: Think Above Par Membership: Join weekly calls and live coaching sessions with Kathy. Learn more here! Kathy Hart Wood website 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 200

10 Life-Changing Lessons Mental Golf Teaches You—Beyond the Course

n this milestone 200th episode of Think Above Par, Kathy dives into "10 Ways Golf Impacts Your Life." She shares heartfelt insights on how mastering the mental game of golf doesn't just improve your performance on the course but transforms your daily life. From managing emotions and building self-confidence to creating stronger relationships and even reducing road rage, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration. Tune in to celebrate this special episode and discover why working on your mental game is the gift that keeps on giving—on and off the course. 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 199

The Power of Gratitude for You and Your Golf Game

This episode dives into the transformative power of gratitude both on and off the course. Learn how practicing thankfulness can boost your resilience, calm your nerves, and improve your golf game—even when you're struggling to find the fairway. With research-backed insights, practical tips, and relatable humor, this episode will help you shift your mindset and elevate your performance. Tune in, and discover why gratitude is the ultimate game-changer for golfers and life. 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 198

Breaking Golf Barriers: A Conversation with Suzy Whaley

In this inspiring and insightful interview, Kathy sits down with trailblazer Suzy Whaley, the first woman to become the President of the PGA of America and one of only a few women to have played in a PGA Tour event. Suzy shares her journey of breaking barriers in the male-dominated golf world, from qualifying for the Greater Hartford Open to leading one of golf's most influential organizations. The conversation dives into the challenges women face in the sport, the importance of fitting equipment, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the joy of playing golf without perfection. Suzy emphasizes the significance of enjoying the game, staying present, and giving yourself grace, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor. With humor and honesty, Suzy and Kathy discuss the importance of mindset, how to embrace competition, and ways to empower more women to own their place on the golf course. 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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