Golf Yourself Happy | The Mental Game of Golf for Confidence, Mindset & Enjoyment

Kris Lynch | Golf Mindset Coach & Mental Game of Golf Specialist

Struggling with golf anxiety? Choking under pressure? Getting angry after bad shots?
Golf Yourself Happy helps golfers improve their mental game of golf, manage emotions on the course, build confidence, and enjoy golf again.

Most golfers spend years working on their swing and almost no time working on the mental game of golf.

When scores rise, confidence disappears, pressure builds, and frustration takes over, the instinct is often to practice harder, search for another swing fix, or try to force confidence back into the game.

But the real challenge is rarely technical.

It's the way we respond to anxiety, expectations, mistakes, pressure, and the stories we tell ourselves on the golf course.

Golf Yourself Happy explores the mental game of golf through a different lens. Instead of chasing emotional control or mental toughness at all costs, this show helps golfers build awareness, resilience, self-trust, and a healthier relationship with the game.

Hosted by golf mindset coach Kris Lynch, each episode explores golf confidence, golf anxiety, golf psychology, self-talk, expectations, emotional wellbeing, and the habits that shape how we experience golf.

Whether you're struggling with first-tee nerves, frustration after a bad hole, confidence under pressure, or simply wondering how to enjoy golf again, you'll find practical conversations and fresh perspectives designed to help you improve your golf mental game without losing yourself in the process.

This podcast accompanies the Happy Hackers community, where golfers choose happiness first, handicap later.

If you want more confidence, less anxiety, greater resilience, and a healthier relationship with golf, you're in the right place.

Subscribe Play latest Open in podnodRSS feed Show website

15 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Support the show

Support the show!

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes15

Newest first

Wednesday · 32 min
How Golfers Really Improve: Practice, Putting & Better Golf Coaching | Will Stubbs, Zen Golf
Most golfers have experienced it. You hit the ball beautifully on the driving range, then step onto the golf course and suddenly it feels like a completely different game. So why is it so difficult to take what we learn in practice and actually use it when we play? In this episode of the Golf Yourself Happy Podcast, Golf Mindset Coach Kris Lynch is joined by Will Stubbs, Head of Education at Zen Golf, to explore how golfers actually learn and why some of the traditional ways we practise and receive coaching might be holding us back. Together, Kris and Will explore the “practice gap” between the driving range and the golf course, why repetition alone isn't enough, and how play, experimentation and problem-solving can help us become more adaptable golfers. They also explore why putting offers such a powerful opportunity for enjoyment and learning - before the conversation leads to a bigger question: What if golf coaching became less about fixing golfers and more about empowering them to understand and develop their own game? Kris and Will discuss golf's obsession with quick fixes, why golfers need to become active participants in their own learning, and how curiosity, autonomy and a better relationship with improvement could ultimately help us become not only better golfers, but happier ones too. Whether you're struggling to take your range game onto the course, constantly searching for the next swing fix, or simply want to learn more effectively, this episode will encourage you to think differently about what getting better at golf really means. In this episode: Why your range game doesn't always transfer to the course How play and experimentation can improve learning Why putting is such a rewarding skill to develop The problem with golf's obsession with quick fixes Why great coaching should empower, not simply fix, golfers Key Takeaways ✔ Practise for the golf course, not just the driving range. ✔ Be curious and take ownership of your learning. ✔ Great coaching should leave you more capable, not more dependent. ✔ Don't wait until you're a better golfer to enjoy golf, learn to enjoy becoming one. Resources Subscribe to Golf Yourself Happy on YouTube Book a free 30-minute Golf Yourself Happy Coaching Discovery Call Explore Zen Golf Connect with Will Stubbs on LinkedIn
July 22 · 18 min
How to Enjoy Golf More (Without Shooting Lower Scores)
Most golfers believe they'll enjoy golf more once they start playing better. But what if we've got it the wrong way round? In this episode of the Golf Yourself Happy Podcast, Golf Mindset Coach, Kris Lynch explores why the happiest golfers aren't necessarily the lowest handicappers - they're the golfers who've built a version of the game that's authentic to them. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, one of the world's most researched theories of human motivation, Kris introduces three psychological needs that influence not only how we play golf, but how much we enjoy it: Autonomy – Are you playing the golf you want to play? Mastery – Are you continuing to learn and grow? Purpose – Do you know why golf matters to you? You'll learn why judging every round by your scorecard can leave you frustrated, how to build more resilient motivation, and why lasting enjoyment comes from something much deeper than your handicap. Whether you're trying to break 100, lower your handicap or simply rediscover your love for the game, this episode will encourage you to rethink what success in golf really looks like. In this episode: Why scores aren't the best measure of a good round The psychology behind lasting golf motivation Why comparison steals enjoyment How to define your own version of golf Why learning is more rewarding than perfection The coaching question every golfer should ask themselves How purpose transforms performance Practical reflection questions to take to your next round Key Takeaways ✔ Play the golf that's right for you—not the golf you think you should play. ✔ Measure progress, not perfection. ✔ Connect your golf to something bigger than your handicap. ✔ Build a version of golf that fits your life. Memorable Quote "The happiest golfers aren't necessarily the best golfers. They're the golfers who've found a version of the game that's truly their own." Resources Book a free 30-minute Golf Yourself Happy Discovery Call Subscribe on YouTube Follow Golf Yourself Happy on Instagram
July 8 · 28 min
Break 100 Without Chasing Perfection | Ian Taylor on Smarter Golf, Better Processes & Enjoying the Game
Most golfers think lower scores come from hitting more great shots. PGA Professional Ian Taylor disagrees. Known as The Break 100 Guy, Ian has helped countless everyday golfers become more consistent - not by chasing perfection, but by reducing the costly mistakes that ruin scorecards. In this episode, Kris and Ian explore: Why breaking 100 is about eliminating big numbers rather than making more birdies Why your expectations may be holding you back The hidden reason many golfers turn down corporate golf days Why identity should come before outcome when setting golf goals How mastering the "boring" parts of golf leads to more enjoyment Practical coaching insights that any recreational golfer can apply immediately Whether you're trying to break 100, become a more confident golfer, or simply enjoy your golf more, this conversation is packed with practical advice and a refreshing perspective. Resources 🏌️ Free Goal Setting Session (5 August) - https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/goal-setting 📲 Follow Ian Taylor Website - iantaylorgolf.co.uk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iantaylorgolf
June 24 · 34 min
Golf Goal Setting: How to Set Goals You'll Actually Achieve | Creator Cup Lessons with Goof Golf
What if the reason you're struggling to achieve your golf goals isn't a lack of talent or effort, but the goals themselves? Like countless golfers, you probably started this season with high hopes and ambitious goals. 💯 Break 100. ⛓️‍💥 Break 90. 📉 Reach single figures. 🏆 Win a competition. The problem is that most golfers either struggle to achieve the goals they set themselves, or they know they're capable of reaching them but lack a clear plan to get there. In this episode, I sit down with James Wood, founder of Goof Golf, to unpack his recent experience of playing his first ever competitive round at The Creator Cup. Ahead of the event, James had set himself a number of goals. But when the day arrived, things didn't quite go to plan. Together, we explore what happened, what he learned from the experience, and why many golfers unknowingly set goals that are either unrealistic, unhelpful, or disconnected from what they actually want from the game. Through a live coaching conversation, you'll discover: • The most common mistakes golfers make when setting goals • Why outcome goals alone rarely lead to lasting satisfaction • How to build goals that support both enjoyment and performance • A simple framework for creating a healthier relationship with golf • Practical ideas you can apply immediately to your own game This conversation also serves as a preview of an upcoming free online workshop that James and I are hosting together: A Better Relationship With Golf 🎯A Goal Setting Workshop for Golfers Who Want to Enjoy Golf More and Improve More Consistently In the workshop, you'll learn how to build better goals, create a practical plan for achieving them, and discover why the happiest golfers often approach the game very differently from everyone else. 🎟️ Reserve your free place: https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/goal-setting 📅 Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026 ⏰ Time: 8pm (20:00) BST (UTC+1) Connect with Kris Lynch @ Golf Yourself Happy: 🌐 Website - https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/about 👥 Join Happy Hackers - https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community 💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-lynch-a9166037/ 📱 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/golfyourselfhappy/ Connect with James Wood @ Goof Golf: 📱 https://www.instagram.com/goof.golf/ 🌐 https://www.goofgolf.co.uk/pages/our-story
June 10 · 25 min
Golf is Healthy...BUT it's making you miserable!
Golf helped me through one of the darkest periods of my life. Following the loss of my son, golf gave me something I desperately needed: routine, purpose, connection, and a place to direct my attention when life felt overwhelming. That experience led me to launch Golf Yourself Healthy, inspired not only by my own journey but also by a growing body of research highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits of golf. But over time, I found myself wrestling with a difficult question: If golf is so good for us, why are so many golfers struggling because of it? In this episode, I share the story behind the evolution from Golf Yourself Healthy to Golf Yourself Happy, and explore two of the core convictions that now underpin everything I do. We discuss: Why golf may have defined success too narrowly How golfers often move the goalposts on their own achievements The hidden cost of tying self-worth to performance Why belonging might be more important than playing ability The subtle ways golf culture can make people feel like outsiders The difference between measuring golfers and valuing golfers Along the way, I share a personal story about joining a golf club in Wales, serving on the board of directors, and an encounter that revealed something deeper about how we decide who belongs in golf. If you've ever felt frustrated by the game, doubted whether you're "good enough" to call yourself a golfer, or found your enjoyment of golf rising and falling with your scorecard, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Golf is good for us, but its benefits are not automatic. Golfers are remarkably good at telling themselves they're not "good enough" Success becomes almost impossible to achieve when it is defined too narrowly. The same culture that narrows success can also narrow belonging. Your right to belong should not depend on your performance. 💚 Join the Happy Hackers Club https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community The Happy Hackers Club is a community for golfers who want a healthier, happier, and more sustainable relationship with the game. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to invite you to join us. Mentioned in this Episode Kris and Innes story features in the PGA's GBQ magazine -https://www.gbqdigital.com/featuresarchive/inspiration-golf-yourself-healthy Golf Yourself Healthy - www.golfyourselfhealthy.com Golf Yourself Happy - www.golfyourselfhappy.com Golf and Health report - https://www.randa.org/en/key-projects/golf-and-health World Handicap System - https://www.whs.com/ Closing Thought Remember to put your Happiness First and your Handicap Later
May 27 · 24 min
NCG Top 100s Part 3: What Edgbaston Taught Me About Self-Judgement, Belonging and Acceptance
📝 Show Notes What happens when you finally put your mindset framework to the test... and discover that the biggest challenge isn't your golf swing? In this final episode of my NCG Top 100s mini-series, I reflect on my experience playing at Edgbaston Golf Club and share what the day revealed about judgement, belonging, self-awareness and acceptance. I arrived with a plan. To stay present. To focus on enjoyment. To connect with my playing partners. However, I was given a timely reminder that competitive golf has a way of exposing the gap between our intentions and reality. 🧠 What we cover: Why seeing my playing partners' handicaps before the round instantly triggered comparison The assumptions I made about what better golfers might think of me Why being filmed added pressure...and what it revealed about my fear of judgement The surprising moment that challenged my belief that I didn't belong What acceptance actually means when performance still matters How self-awareness often comes before meaningful change 🔑 The shifts Acceptance isn't pretending you don't care I discovered that wanting to perform well didn't disappear simply because I'd decided enjoyment was important. The challenge wasn't eliminating competitive thoughts. It was learning how to respond to them differently. Nobody was judging me I spent the opening holes worrying about what everyone else thought of me. Then I realised something: 👉 Nobody was judging me. I was doing that job perfectly well myself. Belonging isn't something other people give you I arrived wondering whether I deserved to be there. By the end of the round, I realised nobody else was asking that question. Only me. 🏌️‍♂️ The Experiment Continues The purpose of this series was never to prove that my coaching framework works perfectly. It was to test it under pressure. To expose blind spots. To learn. And to bring those lessons back to the everyday golfers I work with. Because growth doesn't happen when we talk about ideas. It happens when we test them in the real world. 🔁 Part of the NCG Top 100s Mini-Series This is Episode 3 of 3. Across the series I've explored: First tee nerves Competitive pressure Acceptance and control Social connection Comparison Judgement What it really means to enjoy golf 👉🏻 Check out the full NCG Top 100s Tour Schedule (use discount code GYH10 at checkout for 10% off your booking) 💬 Join the Community 👉 https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community 🎁 Claim Your Free 5-Day Reset 👉 https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/free-5-day-reset 🏌️‍♂️ Final Thought Most golfers aren't struggling because they don't belong. They're struggling because they've convinced themselves they don't. Happiness First. Handicap Later.™
May 22 · 41 min
Why Good Golf Is Never Good Enough with Tom Higson, Raglan Golf Club
📝 Show Notes In this episode, I sit down with PGA professional and Raglan Golf Club manager, Tom Higson, to explore what it really means to enjoy golf - and why happiness and performance might be far more connected than most golfers realise. 🧠 What we cover: Why so many golfers struggle to separate their identity from their scores The hidden cost of becoming obsessed with performance How Tom's wife helped him rediscover perspective during his professional career Why half of on-course golfers don't even consider themselves "real golfers" What golf clubs can do to create a genuine sense of belonging Why process goals often matter more than handicap goals The surprising idea that could completely change the way you keep score 🏌️ A different kind of golf club We also explore the remarkable story of Raglan Golf Club. After closing completely, the club has been rebuilt around a simple philosophy: 👉 Golf is for everyone. From mixed-gender competitions and flexible tee choices to creating a welcoming space for families, non-golfers and newcomers alike, Raglan is challenging many of golf's traditional assumptions. 🔑 The shift Most golfers judge themselves through one question: "What did you score?" But what if that isn't the most important question? Tom shares a fascinating example of a golfer who stopped tracking scores and started tracking whether she followed her process instead. That simple shift opens up a bigger conversation: 👉 Who do you want to be as a golfer? Not just what handicap do you want. Not just what score do you want. But what kind of golfer - and person - do you want to become? 🎯 A preview of our coaching partnership This conversation also introduces an exciting new coaching collaboration between Tom and myself. By combining traditional PGA coaching with mindset coaching, our aim is simple: Help golfers enjoy the game more Build healthier relationships with golf Improve confidence and resilience Create performance gains as a natural by-product Because happier golfers tend to become better golfers. 🌳 Stop and look around Golf is one of the few sports we can play for a lifetime. Yet many of us spend our rounds frustrated, distracted or chasing perfection. Tom's challenge is wonderfully simple: 👉 Pause. 👉 Look around. 👉 Notice where you are. You might discover that golf has already given you more than your scorecard ever could. 🎁 Claim your Free 5-Day Reset 👉 Link here - https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/free-5-day-reset 💬 Join the Community 👉 https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community 📧 Get In Touch hello@golfyourselfhappy.com 🏌️‍♂️ Final Thought Golf isn't who you are. It's something you do. The score is just the score. So next time you play, don't just ask how many shots you took. Ask yourself: Did I enjoy it? Happiness First. Handicap Later.
May 13 · 18 min
NCG Top 100s Part 2: Royal North Devon review
📝 Show Notes What actually happens when you try to enjoy competitive golf… and it doesn’t go fully to plan? In this episode, I reflect on my experience playing an NCG Top 100 event at Royal North Devon - and preview my next round at Edgbaston. 🧠 What we cover: What it really felt like stepping onto the first tee How quickly simple habits break down under pressure The moment that forced a complete reset mid-round 🔑 The shift Golf constantly presents things outside your control: The conditions Your swing Other players The question is: 👉 Do you fight it… or accept it? After six holes of frustration and no score, a flashpoint on the 12th forced me to reset - and changed the rest of the round. 🧭 Looking ahead: Edgbaston This next round isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about continuing the experiment: Staying anchored to enjoyment Letting go of what I can’t control Showing up in a way that’s true to me 🔬 This is still an experiment I haven’t figured this out. But I experienced something different — and that matters. 🔁 Part of a NCG Top 100s mini-series This is Episode 2 of 3. 🗓️ Next episode on Wednesday 27 May: what actually happened at Edgbaston. 👉🏻 Check out the full NCG Top 100s Tour Schedule (use discount code GYH10 at checkout for 10% off your booking) 💬 Join the Community 👉 https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community 🎁 Claim your Free 5-Day Reset 👉 Link here - https://tinyurl.com/2udzf3ze 🏌️‍♂️ Final Thought You don’t need a perfect round to enjoy golf. Happiness First. Handicap Later.
April 29 · 18 min
NCG Top 100s Part 1: Can an Average Golfer like me enjoy this?
📝 Show Notes What does it actually feel like for an everyday golfer to play in a Top 100 event? In this episode, I take you inside my mindset ahead of playing on the NCG Top 100 Tour - not from the perspective of performance, but from the perspective of experience. Why? Because these are exactly the kind of days that used to make me enjoy golf less… not more. 🧠 What we cover: Why high-pressure or “big” golf days can feel harder to enjoy The hidden mental patterns that show up before you even hit your first shot How comparison, expectation, and over-preparation can shape your round Why playing well doesn’t always mean feeling good 🔑 The shift Instead of focusing on score or performance, I’m approaching this round differently: Can I actually enjoy it? ✅ The 2 simple habits I’m using: Pause before every shot - A breath, a reset, and a moment to arrive in the present No immediate judgement after each shot - Good or bad - notice it, and move on Simple, repeatable, and something you can actually use when it matters most. 🔬 This episode is an experiment I don’t know how this is going to go. I might play well. I might not. I’ll probably get frustrated at times. But that’s kind of the point. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about seeing whether I can experience golf differently. 🔁 This is part of a mini-series In the next episode, I’ll reflect on what actually happened at Royal North Devon - honestly, and in full. So make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast! 👉🏻 Check out the full NCG Top 100s Tour Schedule (use discount code GYH10 at checkout for 10% off your booking) 💬 Join the Community (Free) If this episode resonated with you, come and join Happy Hackers — my free WhatsApp community for everyday golfers who want to enjoy the game more. No pressure. No egos. No unsolicited advice. Just real golfers, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between. 👉 Join here: https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/happy-hackers/free-community 🙏🏻 If You Enjoyed This Episode Follow / subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Share this with a golfing mate who needs to hear it Leave a quick rating or review — it really helps more golfers find the show 🏌️‍♂️ Final Thought Happiness First, Handicap Later
April 15 · 53 min
Why You Don’t Need Confidence to Play Great Golf
✨ Episode Summary What if playing better golf had less to do with fixing your mindset… and more to do with how you respond to what shows up? In this episode of Golf Yourself Happy, I’m joined by PGA professional and mental performance coach Trevor Jones to explore a different way of approaching the mental game — one that doesn’t rely on trying to feel confident or getting rid of nerves before you play well. We dig into Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), the model that sits at the heart of the HAPPY framework, and unpack why so many golfers get stuck trying to manage their thoughts and emotions… instead of learning how to play alongside them. This is a conversation about performance, yes — but more importantly, it’s about your experience of the game and how you want to show up on the course. 🎯 What You’ll Learn Why trying to “fix” your mindset can actually hold you back The truth about confidence (and why you don’t need it to play well) What mental toughness really looks like on the golf course How avoidance shows up in golf (often without you realising) A different way to respond to pressure, nerves, and doubt How ACT can help you build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with the game 🧠 Key Takeaway You don’t need the perfect mindset to play good golf. You just need to learn how to play with whatever shows up. 👥 About Trevor Trevor Jones is a PGA professional and mental performance coach who works with golfers across all levels of the game. Over the past decade, he has specialised in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), helping players perform under pressure without needing to control their thoughts or emotions. Follow Trevor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorjones_aware/ 💬 Join the Community (Free) If this episode resonated with you, come and join Happy Hackers — my free WhatsApp community for everyday golfers who want to enjoy the game more. No pressure. No egos. No unsolicited advice. Just real golfers, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between. 👉 Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cl5a39HM4GbAXN59T7NwRT 🔁 If You Enjoyed This Episode Follow / subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Share this with a golfing mate who needs to hear it Leave a quick rating or review — it really helps more golfers find the show 🏌️‍♂️ Final Thought Happiness First, Handicap Later
April 1 · 10 min
The Happy Hackers Club Is Open!
The Happy Hackers Club is officially live! This is a free WhatsApp community for golfers who love the game… but don’t always love how it makes them feel. If you’ve ever walked off the course frustrated, sat in the car wondering why you even play, or felt like you don’t quite belong in traditional golf spaces — this is for you. 🏌️‍♂️ What This Is The Happy Hackers Club is a space for everyday golfers. Just normal people who enjoy golf… but want it to feel better. Inside, you’ll find: Honest conversations about how golf actually feels A place to vent after tough rounds A space to celebrate small wins Support without judgment or unsolicited advice Golfers who understand exactly what you’re going through 🧠 What Makes It Different Most golf communities focus on improving your game. This one focuses on improving your experience. Feelings first, scores optional No unsolicited advice Showing up is the win You don’t need to play well to belong here. 👥 Who It’s For This is for you if: You love golf but often leave the course frustrated You feel pressure to perform or improve You don’t relate to traditional golf culture You play for enjoyment, not perfection You just want golf to feel lighter, more social, and more enjoyable 🚪 Join the Happy Hackers Club It’s completely free to join. No commitment. No pressure. You can even just join and read. 👉 Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cl5a39HM4GbAXN59T7NwRT
March 23 · 9 min
Introducing Golf Yourself Happy & The Happy Hackers Club
The secret’s out. After weeks of teasing, the name is finally official — Golf Yourself Happy — and in this episode, Kris explains exactly what that means… and what it doesn’t. Kris also introduces The Happy Hackers Club — a free community for recreational golfers who love the game but don’t always love how it makes them feel. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Golf Yourself Happy exists The philosophy behind “happy first, handicap later” What the Happy Hackers Club actually is What it definitely isn’t (no tips overload, no comparison culture) Why “hacker” isn’t an insult — it’s a badge of belonging How this community will work (and why it will always be free) 🚪 Big Announcement — Doors Open April 1st The Happy Hackers Club officially launches on: 👉 Wednesday, 1st April 2026 In the next episode, we’ll explain exactly how to join and walk you through everything inside the community. So if this episode resonated with you… 📅 Make sure you come back on April 1st. You don’t need to be exceptional to deserve enjoyment. You just need to show up. Happy first. Handicap later.
March 9 · 17 min
Unlock Your Golf Happiness
In this episode, Kris introduces the innovative HAPPY Framework - a mental game system designed specifically for recreational golfers. Discover how acceptance, presence, purpose, and commitment can transform your golf experience, reducing frustration and amplifying joy. Key Topics: The fundamentals of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) applied to golf The five components of the Happy Framework: Habits, Acceptance, Presence, Purpose, and Call to Action Practical insights on accepting difficult feelings and embracing the game’s challenges How psychological models tailored for everyday golfers can boost happiness on the course The upcoming launch of a supportive golf community for average players Differences between elite mental toughness training and approachable mental strategies for amateur golfers The importance of aligning your golf game with your personal values Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing the Happy Framework for recreational golfers 01:20 - What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)? 02:47 - Core belief: lean into difficult thoughts and feelings 04:10 - How happiness in golf is about values, not fleeting victories 06:04 - Breakdown of the five components: Habits and Acceptance 07:20 - Understanding and auditing your mental habits 08:02 - Embracing acceptance: golf is hard, and that’s okay 08:57 - The importance of presence and being in the moment 09:53 - Clarifying your purpose in golf: why do you play? 11:16 - Moving from mindset to action: commitment as progress 11:51 - Personal story: accepting current skill level 14:23 - Accepting conditions and refraining from self-criticism 15:49 - The Happy Framework is for the 95%, not just elites 16:25 - Upcoming community launch to support your golf happiness journey Resources & Links: Stephen Hayes - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Learn more about ACT 🗓️ Save the Date for our Big Launch! - Wednesday 1st April 👉🏻 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/golfyourselfhealthy/ 🎦 Watch this episode exclusively on YouTube
February 23 · 24 min
Why Trying Harder Is Making Your Golf Worse
This week, Kris explores the science behind playing Golf on autopilot, overthinking your swing, and how a simple mindset shift can lead to more consistent and enjoyable golf rounds. Kris also discusses the following topics: The impact of overthinking on golf performance and how to avoid the "paralysis by analysis" trap Insights from research by Sian Beilock on autopilot and choking under pressure How experienced golfers can benefit from playing faster to prevent overthinking The difference between internal and external focus in golf coaching, based on Gabriele Wulf's studies Practical tips for shifting your mindset from scoring to feeling good and enjoying your game more 🗓️ Save the date for our big launch! - 1st April 2026 Connect with Kris: Instagram - @golfyourselfhealthy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-lynch-a9166037/ E-mail - kris@golfyourselfhealthy.com Other useful links Sian Beilock TED talk Skillest - database of online and in-person Golf coaches
February 10 · 17 min
How Golf has Failed average golfers
This week, Kris teases a major forthcoming GYH launch and shares his impassioned view that the Golf industry is not doing enough to cater for average Golfers. He reflects on the PGA's Golf For All research project, which found that 22.4 million people in Great Britain and Ireland engaged with Golf in some form, yet only 70% of people who play Golf identify as a Golfer. As Kris argues, there isn't a participation problem in Golf, there is an identity crisis. He offers his experiences and insights around how and why this problem has come to exist in the first place and offers his own unique solution, to help Golfers feel the sense of belonging they crave and are otherwise currently lacking. 🗓️ Save the date - 1st April 2026 🔗 Check out the PGA's Golf for All research paper for yourself 📧 Get in touch - kris@golfyourselfhealthy.com to share your own experiences and perspectives on the topic 🎦 Watch this episode in full video only on YouTube 🎧 Listen to this episode on your favourite podcast player