Talking Performance Ep 185 - Owen Eastwood - Unveiling Europe's Ryder Cup Triumph: Strategy, Leadership, and Belonging
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Nov 2, 2025 
Owen Eastwood is a Kiwi performance coach who has made waves with elite teams like the European Ryder Cup side. In this engaging discussion, he explores the role of data analytics and team cohesion in high-pressure sports. Owen shares how rituals and storytelling foster belonging among athletes. He also reflects on preparing players for hostile crowds and the lessons learned from the past, emphasizing the need for joy and connection in sports culture. His insights on emotional resilience and the importance of identity provide a fresh perspective on performance.
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Opted Out To Preserve Perspective
- Owen chose not to attend Bethpage because his presence would have risked emotional overinvolvement and disrupted the team's sacred locker-room space.
- He watched at home with his son and stayed available remotely via WhatsApp to preserve perspective.
Rituals Build Lasting Team Identity
- Rituals and repeated touchpoints create a persistent team identity across years, not just during an event week.
- Weekly captain messages and annual one-on-ones turn infrequent gatherings into continuous belonging.
Use One-On-Ones To Improve Feedback
- Hold regular one-on-ones with key players to surface honest feedback they might avoid giving directly to the captain.
- Feed those insights into leadership to triangulate perspectives and improve selection and strategy.
