Ever feel that pit in your stomach when you get paired with golfers who have a lower handicap than you? Yep—welcome to the comparison trap. In this episode, we dive into what really happens when you measure your worth against someone else’s number on paper. Spoiler: It’s not helping your game.

I’m sharing a relatable client story, a size-six-at-a-party analogy (you’ll get it), and the mindset shift you need to stop letting other people’s handicaps hijack your confidence. Whether you're playing with a scratch golfer or someone still figuring out which end of the tee goes in the ground, this episode will help you stay present, show up proud, and play YOUR best golf—no matter who’s in your group.

You know the feeling—you’re standing over a “hard” shot and your brain goes, “Ugh, I hate this.” Suddenly, you’re gripping the club like it wronged you and praying for a miracle flop.

In this episode, we’re calling out the real troublemaker: that little word hard.

I’ll show you how labeling shots as “hard” instantly triggers your brain into tension and doubt—and what to say instead to stay calm, clear, and in control. We’ll talk about why “hard” is usually code for “I don’t know how to get it close,” and how to shift your focus from looking good to playing smart.

Plus, I’ll walk you through a few short-game mindset tools (and club choices!) that’ll help you stop trying to be fancy and start saving strokes.

Inside:

• The hidden power of how you talk to yourself
• When your brain freaks out—and how to stop it
• Why simpler shots lead to lower scores

This one’s for anyone who’s ever chunked it, bladed it, or second-guessed their whole short game.

Let’s stop calling it hard. Let’s start calling it manageable.

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 Kathy@KathyHartWood.com

Website: KathyHartWood.com

Real talk time. Your phone might be the biggest threat to your golf game. Not your swing. Not your putting. That little dopamine machine in your pocket.

In this episode, I break down why picking up your phone during a round—especially in a tournament—is silently wrecking your focus, raising your stress, and pulling you out of your zone. I share a wild story about a client who got a “congrats” text before he even finished his round... and what happened next.

We’ll talk about the psychology behind your scroll urges, the science of distractions (yep, it takes 23 minutes to refocus), and how to break the habit without judgment. Plus, what to do instead when you're tempted to check.

Let’s protect your mental game like it's part of your equipment.

Leave the phone in your bag.

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 Kathy@KathyHartWood.com

Website: KathyHartWood.com