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.

In this episode, Landon Michelson sits down with Joel Turner, creator of Shot IQ and Mind IQ, to explore the transformative power of mental training for athletes. Known for his revolutionary approach to handling performance anxiety and refining motor skills, Joel shares his insights on how shooters, archers, and golfers alike can benefit from conscious decision-making, speech-based focus techniques, and understanding open vs. closed loop systems in sports.

Key topics include:

• The psychology of performance anxiety and Joel’s approach to overcoming "target panic" in shooting—paralleled to the golfer’s struggle with the “yips.”
• Open and closed loop control systems: how golfers can use these principles to adjust their swing and improve consistency.
• The concept of “getting loud in your head” and how conscious self-talk can help athletes remain focused, even under intense pressure.
• Practical applications of Shot IQ and Mind IQ for golfers, as well as Joel's insights on how conscious attention to detail can help athletes build repeatable, reliable performances.
• Gender differences in perception and vision in sports, and how these nuances can influence performance.

Listen in to discover how to apply these groundbreaking mental techniques in your game, develop a stronger mindset, and take control of your performance.

You can connect with Joel Turner and explore his work through various platforms:

- Instagram Follow [@shotiq]

- YouTube: [SHOT IQ YouTube channel]

- Mind IQ Course: [Mind IQ online course]

In this episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist and mental performance coach. We dive into Dr. Lardon's fascinating background, his unique approach to sports psychology, and what it takes to truly understand the needs of athletes.

We cover a range of topics, from balancing the demands placed on athletes with creating a supportive environment, to how parenting styles can shape athletic success. Dr. Lardon also provides insightful strategies for managing anxiety and fear during high-pressure moments.

A key part of our discussion revolves around the mental side of competitive sports, especially golf. Dr. Lardon explains how mastering anxiety, developing effective pre-shot routines, and using mental scorecards to track performance can make all the difference in your game. He also shares a new mental training tool designed specifically to help golfers elevate their performance.

• Understand each athlete’s unique needs. Every athlete is different, and recognizing those differences is essential for growth.
• Balancing pressure and support is key to effective coaching.
• Parenting styles have a significant influence on an athlete’s drive and determination.
• Anxiety can be a tool in small doses, helping athletes reach peak performance.
• Fear vs. Anxiety: Fear is primal, while anxiety is a normal response to pressure, but understanding the distinction is critical.
• Listening to athletes is one of the most important things a coach can do.
• Managing anxiety isn’t about avoiding it; it’s about embracing it to improve performance.
• The mental game is as important as the physical game. Relaxation techniques and desensitization help athletes thrive in competition.
• Pre-shot routines are essential for consistency.
• The left brain and right brain play distinct roles in decision-making, and understanding this balance can lead to more successful shots.
• The mental scorecard is a valuable tool for tracking performance and mental processes, which can boost success rates.
• Discipline in mental training leads to better outcomes in competitive environments.
• Transitioning between mental states helps maintain focus during gameplay.
• Playing under pressure can actually make the game more enjoyable.

00:00 - Introduction to Sports Psychology and Dr. Lardon
02:20 - Family Background and Early Influences
06:42 - The Role of Parenting in Sports Success
10:33 - Balancing Pressure and Support in Coaching
14:58 - Understanding Athlete's Unique Needs
18:43 - Fear vs. Anxiety in Sports Performance
24:57 - Strategies for Managing Anxiety
25:56 - Understanding Anxiety in Competitive Sports
32:28 - The Pre-Shot Routine: Left Brain, Right Brain, No Brain
39:22 - The Mental Scorecard: Tracking Performance
46:23 - Transitioning Between Mental States
49:49 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, host Landon Michelson sits down with Dr. Michael Kay, a renowned physical therapist and golf performance specialist, to explore innovative approaches to improving your golf game.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Kay's journey into physical therapy and golf performance
• The importance of understanding individual body shapes and movement patterns
• How different body types (e.g., "kangaroo" vs. "gorilla") affect golf swings
• The relationship between physical structure and golf swing mechanics
• Strategies for developing motor patterns and improving performance

• Dr. Kay explains his unique approach to analyzing golfers' bodies and movements
• Discussion on how professional golfers like John Rahm and Justin Thomas optimize their swings based on their physical attributes
• Insights on training beginners and developing foundational movement skills
• The importance of variability in training, especially for young golfers
• Why traditional strength training may not always be the best approach for improving golf performance

Highlights:

About the Guest: Dr. Michael Kay is the founder of K Performance Physio in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Helix Golf. He combines cutting-edge physical therapy techniques with performance training to help golfers of all levels improve their game. His client list includes athletes from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, MLB, NFL, and UFC.

Tune in to learn how understanding your body's unique characteristics can help you unlock your full potential on the golf course!

Eddie Martinez, owner of Planet Golf in Miami, Florida, joins us for a fascinating look at how a small family business grew into one of South Florida's premier golf retailers. In this episode, we explore:

- The humble beginnings of Planet Golf as Alf's Golf and how Eddie's family got their start in the golf industry

- How the introduction of the Callaway Big Bertha driver revolutionized golf equipment and fueled a retail boom

- Eddie's philosophy on creating a positive atmosphere in his stores and why customer experience is paramount

- The importance of passing on golf knowledge and passion to the next generation of players and entrepreneurs

Join us for an inspiring conversation about family, golf, and building a thriving business in the ever-changing world of golf retail. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring business owner, Eddie's insights offer valuable lessons on success both on and off the course.

Don't miss this episode that showcases the heart and soul behind one of Miami's most beloved golf institutions. Tune in to hear how Planet Golf continues to shape the local golf scene and foster a love for the game across generations.

In this enlightening episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, host Landon Michelson welcomes Steven Yellin, creator of the groundbreaking Fluid Motion Factor program. With over four decades of experience, Yellin shares his unique approach to sports psychology, focusing on how athletes can access peak performance states more consistently. This episode is a must-listen for golfers, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental aspects of sports performance.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The origin and development of the Fluid Motion Factor program

2. How the quality of space before motion impacts performance

3. Breaking free from "swing prison" and traditional mechanics

4. The mind-body connection in golf and other sports

5. Achieving wholeness and its effect on timing and execution

6. The role of simplicity in improving motion

7. Why attention doesn't equal execution in golf

8. The importance of silence and surrender in peak performance

9. Transcendental Meditation's influence on Yellin's approach

10. Practical tips for instructors to help students access fluid motion

Notable Quotes:

"The quality of space before you initiate a motion will more or less determine the quality of the motion." - Steven Yellin

"Attention does not equate to execution because if attention equated to execution, Rory would have won 10 of those 40 majors." - Steven Yellin

Takeaways for Listeners:

- Understand the importance of mental preparation before physical execution

- Learn how to access deeper levels of the mind for improved performance

- Discover the value of simplicity and wholeness in golf and other sports

- Gain insights into breaking free from mechanical swing thoughts

- Explore the spiritual aspects of golf that contribute to peak performance

Resources Mentioned:

- Steven Yellin's website: stevenyellin.com

- Book: "Simplicity" by Steven Yellin

- Book: "The Fluid Motion Factor" by Steven Yellin

Connect with Steven Yellin:

Website: stevenyellin.com

Location: Vero Beach, Florida

For golf instructors, players, and enthusiasts looking to revolutionize their approach to the game, this episode provides invaluable insights into the mental aspects of performance that are often overlooked in traditional instruction.