Show Notes:

In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon Michelson dives into the transformative power of mindset coaching and hypnotherapy in golf with special guest Paul Salter. Paul, a high-performance mindset coach and hypnotherapist, shares how mental barriers often hold golfers back and how uncovering their origins can unlock true potential on and off the course.

Highlights from this Episode:

• Paul's Journey: From a competitive young athlete to a professional poker player and now a mindset coach, Paul shares his evolution and why he shifted focus to helping high performers excel.

• Golf & Poker Parallels: Discover how resilience, emotional regulation, and mindset play pivotal roles in both games.

• Overcoming Mental Hazards: Practical tips for moving from unconscious reactions to conscious responses on the course.

• The Role of Hypnotherapy: Paul explains how looking back at the origins of mental blocks can lead to breakthroughs in confidence and performance.

• Crafting Your Golf Identity: Why embodying the habits and mindset of a lower handicap golfer can transform your game.

Key Takeaways:

1. Emotional resilience is crucial in golf—learn to respond instead of react.

2. Breathwork can help shift from high emotional states to focused, logical action.

3. Visualization and regression through hypnotherapy uncover mental blocks and build self-belief.

4. Approach practice with intentionality, focusing on small, consistent improvements.

If you’re curious about leveraging mindset techniques to elevate your game or life, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com/

Social Media: @thegolfhypnotherapist/⁠

Podcast: The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

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

Show Notes:

In this insightful episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, Landon sits down with Michael Whitehead, a former professional golfer, Rice University standout, and current fitness professional at Whitehead Fitness. They delve into Michael’s journey from college golf to competing in the U.S. Open, his unexpected shift to fitness, and how his approach to training evolved along the way. Now as a fitness trainer, Michael applies his unique experiences to help athletes, especially golfers, improve both on and off the course. His philosophy of “intentional training” and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for golfers and trainers alike.

What You'll Learn:

- [00:05:00] Michael’s college golf career and transition into professional play

- [00:11:00] How losing and injury led to his shift toward fitness training

- [00:20:00] Insights into the psychology of competition and handling pressure

- [00:35:00] Tips on strategic training for high-stakes play: driver control, shot shaping, and optimizing scoring

- [00:50:00] Balancing strength with precision—why “gaining speed” is only part of the equation

- [01:03:00] The future of golf training: integrating fitness, data, and personalized coaching to maximize performance

Follow Michael on social media to learn more about his work with golfers at Whitehead Fitness in Houston.