In this episode of The Connected Instructor, Landon Michelson sits down with former professional golfer Michael Buttacavoli. From a stellar collegiate career at Rice University to four victories on the PGA Tour Latin America, Michael shares his journey through the highs and challenges of life in professional golf.

Discover how he navigated the demanding world of pro tours, battled perfectionism, and ultimately found peace and perspective after stepping away from the game. Michael reflects on lessons learned, including the power of acceptance, managing performance pressure, and finding joy in competition again through amateur events like the US Mid-Am.

Key Takeaways:
🎯 Persistence Through Pressure: How resilience fueled Michael's career despite setbacks.
⛳ The Art of Letting Go: The mental shift from chasing technical perfection to trusting his game.
🏌️ Life After Golf: How Michael's competitive edge now powers his career in real estate.
💡 Pro Tips for Golfers: Play for stakes—whether money or pride—and get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:06] Michael’s journey from Rice University to PGA Tour Latin America
• [09:05] Life on the Hooters Tour & early pro struggles
• [20:43] Insights into qualifying for the Korn Ferry Tour
• [27:11] The power of acceptance in golf and life
• [56:09] Competing in the US Mid-Am as an amateur

Connect with Michael:
Instagram: @ButtaInMiami
Website: michaelbuttacavoli.ewm.com