The 18STRONG Podcast

This week we have Markus Westerberg, author of The Golfer´s Sixth Sense, and world-renowned golf coach with his background in psychology and the behavioral aspects of learning and teaching the game. Markus is a former professional golfer hailing from Sweden who has taken a special interest in the connection between the mind and the mechanics of golf. Typically we talk about one or the other, the mental game vs. the mechanics but in Markus’ book, he explains how the two are inseparable. You can’t talk about one without considering the other. Markus Westerberg’ Background Among his career highlights are 8 professional victories, a Swedish Amateur title and a unique Scandinavian Tour record score of 60 strokes (11 under par) in Landskrona 2006.Markus who grew up in the North of Sweden. After a successful amateur career, he turned professional in 1994 and spent over 15 years on the golf tours of the world earning 8 victories. Today he works as a full-time golf coach, author, and speaker. Markus lives and in the South of Sweden and coaches out of the prestigious Ljunghusen Golf Club.Apart from golf, Markus´passion is people and especially the human mind. This passion brought him to Lund University and a BA of Science in Psychology. Another of Markus´ interests is writing. He released his first book, Golfarens Sjätte Sinne October 8, 2016. The English version The Golfer´s Sixth Sense was released 27 July 2017. In spring 2018 he will release The Golfer´s Sixth Sense – Practice handbook and rumor says he also has a novel in the making…Westerberg lives in Ljunghusen, south of Malmö. He is working nationally and internationally as a golf coach, personal coach, author and speaker. He also assists the Swedish PGA education program for coming coaches. Highlights from this Episode With a background in golf as far back as he can remember, Markus talks about his history of sports, and how he quickly became a professional golfer in Sweden in the European and Nordic tours.What made him switch from being a professional golfer to a professional coach with a passion and knowledge base in the behavioral and psychology aspects of the game.What the Psychomotor connection is and the different pieces of how it affects the golfer in the game. He also dives into where he would start with someone who has that anxiety, whether it be in front of a coach, competitively, or recreationally.We crack open his latest book The Golfer´s Sixth Sense and talk on some of the key topics of golf psychology like learning how to accept what happens in your body, looking into being over-mechanical and perfectionist with our golf swing, and the difference between procedural and declarative memory and how to use them to benefit your golf game.The three major things that he says are required to make a good shot: Impact, Speed, and Direction, what the “fundamental paradox” is, and the difference between internal and external focus. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song to the first tee? Eminem – Lose Yourself If you could play 18 holes of golf with anyone, who would it be and where would you play?Socrates, Jesus, and Carl Jung at Burning Bush What has you most excited for your career coming up? I’m going to start writing on my third book and turn The Golfer’s Sixth Sense into an audiobook Any last piece of advice for the 18Strong audience? Be mindful of your practice habits. Where to Find Markus Westerberg: Facebook Instagram Website Book – The Golfer’s Sixth Sense Episode Sponsor: SuperSpeed Golf: Use code “18STRONG” to save 10%

Today I am especially excited to have on our special guest, Jason Moore from TRUE Linkswear. One of my favorite responsibilities here at the show is finding guests from the world of golf that we know our audience will resonate with. Whether that be a golfer, coach, fitness professional, or brand, my hope is that in some way it is going to provide you some value when you go to the gym, the golf course, or in your daily life. Our guest this week, is Jason Moore, president of TRUE Linkswear and one of the co-founders of the company along with his PGA pro brother Ryan Moore. Since founding TRUE 10 years ago after realizing there was something was missing in golf wear, Jason and the team at TRUE have seen more and more golfers “enjoying the walk” as their brand and movement has taken off. Jason Moore’s Background Grew up in Tacoma, WAHe and his brother Ryan Moore (PGA TOUR) grew up learning to play golf at their dad’s driving range.Played golf in high schoolMoved to Australia for school after deciding not to pursue competitive golf.Caddied for his brother Ryan on the PGA Tour for several years before they decided to start a revolutionary new shoe brand, TRUE LINKSWEAR Highlights from this Episode What his background in golf looked like, including practicing at his father’s driving range, and how his love/hate burnout relationship with the game coupled with seeing his brothers passion for the game as he caddied for him, carved his path and led him to the beginnings of True Linkswear.How he and his brother went from having no background in making golf wear, let alone shoes, to making the first (self-proclaimed “horrible”) designs and learning how to make the innovative shoes that have changed both the game and the market.What the different features (zero-drop, wider toe box, etc.) do and what they mean in improving your golf game, and where the phrase “enjoying the walk” comes from.What trials and tribulations they saw over the last decade of growth and how through their initial exponential growth, they lost a sense of self in the True brand, and have done a coming home with their initial mission. He also dives into what defines a Truelinks wear golfer and what that community looks like. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk-up song to the first tee?  The Shins but after that, it’s 90’s hip hop If you could play 18 holes of golf with anyone, who would it be and where would you play? David McLay Kidd at Gamble Sands Any last piece of advice for the 18Strong audience?  Staying true to yourself and doing whatever you do with passion and conviction. Where to Find TRUE Linkswear and Jason Moore: WebsiteInstagram (@truelinkswear)Instagram (@jasonthemoore)

This week we have Liesbeth “Lizzy” Pauwels, one of the premier golf fitness and yoga instructors in the Netherlands, on to talk about her golf fitness journey and the growing state of golf fitness in Europe as compared to North America. Lizzy was born in Belgium, grew up in Spain, studied at the University of B.C., and is currently in Amsterdam where she has become one of the most prominent golf fitness professionals and enthusiasts in the Netherlands. Initially, she was pursuing her dream of playing competitive golf with the goal of playing in the LPGA, however, injuries changed her path to becoming a golf fitness professional and finding out more about the world of golf and kinesiology are intertwined and her current mission: developing a golf community that plays forever. Liesbeth Pauwels’ Background Liesbeth graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Kinesiology and went on to apprentice under rotational fitness coach, Jason Glass, which taught her how she could help other golfers to work from their physical capabilities.She is the Spanish Long Drive Champion of 2007, a collaborator with the Dutch Golf Federation & PGA Holland, and is a Registered Yoga Teacher.On top of all of this, she is Titleist Performance Institue Certified, a Golfers Magazine Fitness Instructor, and a National Golf Magazine Columnist.10 years later, she is proud to own and operate LP Golf Performance and have helped so many golfers and to remove the complaints from golfers throughout the BeNeLux for a more enjoyable and better golf game. Highlights from this Episode How she got into golf at a young age and how that love of golf, and subsequent injuries, led her down the path of kinesiology and helping other golfers get stronger and prevent injuries.The state of golf in Europe and Holland, how she kickstarted amateur golf fitness in Holland, and the different involvements she has had through the golf world from her work at LP Golf Performance.The results and revelations she has seen from the growing community that goes to see her and have their eyes opened to the possibilities of golf fitness and how it can affect their game and their lives.Lizzy dives into her Golf-Yoga methodology; how it is derived from TPI to make it personal and tailored to each person, but also how she uses a broad yoga concept to improve mobility and stability.Simple things that people don’t do that she would like to see golfers implement into their golf and fitness like having morning/evening routines that work for you where you are in your strength and conditioning. Parting Questions: CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore?  Happy Gilmore What’s you’re walk-up song to the first tee?  Run the World by Beyoncé If you could play 18 holes of golf with anyone, who would it be and where would you play?My dad at Pebble Beach What has you most excited for your upcoming year and your career? Starting to see the golf fitness movement and culture liftoff is so exciting to see Any last piece of advice for the 18Strong audience? Training and practice are great, but go out of your mind and into your body Find out more about Lizzy and LP Golf and Fitness at: Facebook Instagram Twitter Website To ask any questions you may have, head over the 18STRONG Facebook page.

This week we have a pioneer in the world of golf, John Ashworth, of LINKSOUL. Our mission here at 18Strong is to not only bring you information on exercises, game improvements, and fitness, but also cool people and cool things going on in the things of golf and we have definitely tapped into that this week in our interview with. John now has a history of multiple successes in the golf apparel and fashion industry, beginning with his first brand Ashworth Golf Company, which was one of the first major brands in golf. With his most recent success as the founder of LINKSOUL, a golf apparel company with a West Coast vibe that has been exploding in the past few years, John and his team are bringing the “cool factor” back to the game of golf. John Ashworth’s Background The Ashworth Golf Company was founded in 1987 by Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth as Charter Golf, Inc, from an office in the Los Angeles garment district. Ashworth was a golf enthusiast and Montiel ran a sporting goods store.They observed that golf fashions in the 1980s could use more style. After the sporting goods store went out of business, Ashworth started designing the clothes while Montiel raised money for his idea. Eventually, he raised $685,000 by early 1988 and the company was launched as Charter Golf, Inc.Under the Ashworth label, he redefined what the golf shirt was all about in the late 1980s and early 1990s.. Ashworth made golf shirts that were not only cool to wear on the course, but also off.Since leaving the brand that carried his name, John Ashworth went on to start Fidra and most recently LINKSOUL, which is worn on the PGA TOUR by Ryan Moore, Lucas Glover, and Geoff Ogilvy. LINKSOUL’s mission under Ashworth’s tutelage is to “reconnect people to the art and soul of the game.” And much like his designs 25 years ago, Ashworth is once again making golf shirts cool to wear on and off the course. Highlights from this Episode With the golf lifestyle and fashion being a big part of his life, John talks about where his love for the game began and where his golf game took him, from studying turf/grass management to golf fashion and apparel. How he feels some déjà vu with LinkSoul when looking back on Ashworth, and what he attributes Ashworth’s success to in it’s incredible growth to what it is today.The history of Goat Hill Park, a 9-hole coarse on ocean view property that they LinkSoul team owns and manages, and the story on their initiative to save it from redevelopment and using it to introduce the game to more people.Challenges that he has faced with LinkSoul and what he sees for the future of the game. Parting Questions . . . Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song to the first tee? Eminence Front by The Who If you could pick a foursome to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Bill Murray at Cypress Point. What has you most excited for LinkSoul and GoatHill?  They keep me on my toes, so I’m excited to see how they grow organically with our upcoming projects. Any last piece of advice for the 18Strong audience? If you never, never go then you never, never know. Find out more about John and LINKSOUL at: Facebook Instagram Twitter For your 25% discount on LINKSOUL gear, use the code “18STRONG” at LINKSOUL.com when checking out. To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over the 18STRONG Facebook page.

The title of this episode, “Should You Lower Your Expectations,” might sound a little negative at first. But once you understand how changing your expectations can provide a whole new outlook on how you approach a goal, I promise that by the end of this recording, you will appreciate how this alteration can lead to a more successful outcome. Listen to the full episode here: Resource Mentioned: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Episode Sponsor: SuperSpeed Golf

This week we are going back into the archives once again to bring you an absolute favorite, and one of our most downloaded episodes of all time. Michael Breed is one of the most notable personalities in golf. He previously hosted the number one golf instruction show on television, The Golf Fix. which aired on the Golf Channel for many years. Michael is an absolute ambassador for the game of golf and loves nothing more than helping players drop scores and enjoy the game. He is on a continuous mission to help grow the game. This interview is one of my personal favorites, quite frankly, because I am still shocked at how enthusiastic and genuine Michael is when it comes to his passion and gratitude for the career and adventures that he’s had the fortune to experience. Michael Breed’s Background Michael Breed is the host of A New Breed of Golf on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio weekday mornings from 8-10 AM EST, and the digital series A New Breed of Golf, available on Facebook Watch and YouTube.Michael has led the way in digital golf instruction, and previously hosted the highest-rated golf instruction series for Golf Channel, The Golf Fix. Michael is also a member of the Fox Sports broadcast team for USGA Events, and for the PGA of America in their digital broadcast of the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup. He further serves as the Chief Digital Instructor for Golf Digest, focused on innovating golf instruction and overseeing the “Best Young Teachers” program.In 2003, he was selected as a Top 100 Instructor in America by Golf Magazine.In 2011, he was voted one of the Top 50 Instructors in America by Golf Digest (now 13th on this list, and #1 in the state of New York.).In 2012, Michael was chosen as the PGA’s National Teacher of the Year.Michael teaches at the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point Highlights from this Episode Michael’s background, and how he originally got started in the world of golf and eventually teaching.We talk about the most influential people in Michael’s career, in regards to golf, teaching, media, and otherwise. Michael views every situation as a learning opportunity.Michael’s take on ‘thinking’ and how it plays into golf. He believes that Tiger Woods was one of the greatest golfers to ever live because he thought well.A few of Michael’s favorite memories from working at the US Masters during tournament time.How Michael handles criticism and negative feedback. Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Caddy Shack Who would you like to spend a day on the course with, and where? My father at Augusta National What would be your “walk-up song” to the tee? Bruce Springsteen – She’s the One Luther Vandros – She Loves Me Back What has you most excited? The fact that rounds of golf across the country are up 5%, and in the south, rounds are up 15%. People are playing more golf! Where to find Michael Breed: Website: https://michaelbreed.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelBreed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelBreedGolf/ Episode Sponsor: SuperSpeed Golf

As the major season has finished up and the Fed Ex Cup Finals begin, we are have gone back in the vault to bring you one of our most popular past episodes. Webb Simpson, is lighting up the golf world right now, on the verge of making the President’s Cup team and finishing up one of the most impressive (and lucrative) seasons of his career. We thought it would be fitting to bring back one of our favorite conversations that we’ve ever had on the podcast. This episode originally aired in February of 2017 [episode 129] just as Webb’s golf started heating back up, and he hasn’t slowed the momentum since! From the time of this interview until now, Webb won the 2018 Player’s Championship, had his 5th kid, and has made close to $15 million in just the last 3 seasons (I would venture to say that by the end of this season, 2019, he will definitely have that number locked up)! Highlights from this Episode Webb’s background and how he got into playing golf.How Webb balances golf with family life. Webb is a father of four, so needs to organize his time well. He takes the approach of making better use of his time and playing smarter, not harder. We talk about what a regular week looks like for Webb Simpson.How Webb knows exactly what he needs to work on from week to week. We discuss how he puts his schedule together and adapts it based on the areas that need improvement.How Webb has changed his fitness routine in the last few years. He had an ‘epiphany’ moment one day and decided that he needed to change his diet and exercise routine. We talk about the specific steps Webb took and how it affected his game.We talk about what an average day on the PGA Tour looks like.Webb tells the story of winning the US Open, and what that weekend looked like. Webb didn’t expect to play very well that tournament. We discuss the extra exposure, confidence, sponsorships etc. that all come into play when you win a major.We discuss the struggles and tough times Webb has faced during his career. At one point, Webb nearly lost his PGA Tour card. We talk about what Webb did to reset and come back from the slump to become a champion. Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore What’s the biggest number of practice swings you’ve made on one hole? 14 – on the 17th hole at Tampa. Who would you choose to spend a day on the course with, and where? My wife at Augusta Any parting words of advice? Whatever you’re doing, do it 100%. If you’re playing golf, play golf. If you’re with your family, be with your family. Compartmentalize your life to be completely focused on what you’re doing at the time.

We are continuing our “best of” series this week with 4 more incredible past guests, diving deep into the mental side of golf and mindset in general. As a follow-up to last week’s episode , our guests this week include a world renowned sports psychologist, a golf mental game coach, a duo that has worked with hall of fame golfers, and one of the most prominent peak performance coaches in the world. I can’t think of a game or sport that can mess with your mind more than golf. And while many believe the key to playing better lies in hitting more shots on the range and working on the perfect swing, this episode (or better yet, this 2-part series) suggests that controlling your thoughts, emotions, and focus can override even the best technique when the pressure is on. Highlights From This Episode Dr. Michael Gervais, Sports Psychologist for the Seattle Seahawks, Red Bull, and host of the Finding Mastery Podcast: Dr. Gervais is a world-renowned sports psychologist that has worked with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and Red Bull athletes, helping them master the mental toughness it takes to overcome fear and win championships. He is also the host of the Finding Mastery Podcast. In this episode Dr. Gervais explains the concept of the Razor’s Edge and how we respond under pressure. Listen to the original episode with Dr. Gervais here [episode 81]. David Mackenzie, Performance Coach and founder of Golf State of Mind. David has been working with golfers of all levels from youth amateurs to PGA Tour pros. In this episode, David helps us with our mental “pre” and “post” round routines and explains how great posture not only gives you a physical advantage, but also a distinct mental advantage when stepping on the course. Listen to the original episode with David here [episode 71] Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, Founders of Vision 54, authors of several best-selling golf books. Pia and Lynn have worked with some of the best golfers on the planet, including hall of fame golfer Annika Sorenstam. Their program Vision 54 is based on the mental mindset of playing a perfect round (18 under, 54). Their approach to the game incorporates all facets of the golfer; physical, technical, mental, emotional, social and spirit of the game. Listen to the original episode with Pia and Lynn here [episode 76]. Ed Mylett, Peak Performance Coach, host of the Ed Mylett Show podcast. Ed Mylett is one of the most dynamic speakers and coaches in the world of performance. Ed works with athletes, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other people at the highest levels of their field. Ed’s podcast is one of the most downloaded shows in all of iTunes on a regular basis where he interviews many peak performing individuals that you would recognize. Listen to the original episode with Ed here [episode 216]. Episode Sponsor: Superspeed Golf Click here to find out more about the SuperSpeed Live Clinics.

This week (and next week) on the podcast, we are digging into the vault and revisiting a few of our favorite episodes and experts on the Mental Game. As a golfer, you know that working on your technique and your swing is only a piece of the puzzle, and no matter how much you practice, when you finally step on the teebox, all of that preparation can be for naught if your head isn’t screwed on right. Here at 18STRONG we’ve had the great fortune of chatting with some of the most influential mindset and mental game coaches in and beyond the golf world, and today we are bringing you a “Best of” compilation of these experts. Highlights From This Episode Dr. Gio Valiante, Sports Psychologist and Author of Fearless Golf.: Dr. Gio was originally featured in Episode #204. In this episode, he defines “Fearless Golf,” and why playing with fear can affect your game, not just mentally, but physiologically. Listen to the original episode with Dr. Gio here [episode 204] Eric Davis, Former Navy Seal Sniper Instructor, author of Habits of Heroes Eric was originally featured in episode #124. In this episode, Eric shares a story of how visualization and golf had a major impact on the training program they implemented in SEAL sniper school. He dives into the concept of “performance under pressure,” whether in combat or on the golf course, can be prepared for by implementing a process he refers to as “Perfect Practice.” Listen to the original episode with Eric Davis here [#124] Dr. Bhrett McCabe, Clinical Sports Psychologist and host of The Mindside Podcast Dr. McCabe was originally featured in episode #122. In this episode, Bhrett shares the meaning behind the title of his book The Mindside Manifesto, and why it is important for each and everyone of us to have our own personal “manifesto.” He also helps us understand the difference (and the importance of knowing the difference) between our athletic “capability” and “capacity” and how this affect the trust we have in ourselves when entering any form of competition (like golf). Listen to the original episode with Dr. McCabe here [#122]. Will Robins, Golf Coach and Founder of The Scoring Method Will was originally featured in episode #159. In this episode, Will explains the mental shift we have to take when approaching the game of golf. After his professional golf career was cut short due to multiple injuries he suffered when he and his wife were unexpectedly caught in a Tsunami in Thailand in 2004, he reluctantly entered the world of golf instruction. Choosing to take the role as a “coach” instead of a teacher, Will explains how most of us approach the pursuit of getting better at golf incorrectly, only causing more frustration and poorer play. By tapping into the emotional and fun side of the game, rather than the technical side, we can learn to love this game again (and get much better in the process!). Listen to the original episode with Will here [#159]

Today I am especially excited to have on our special guest, SMU Golfer and one of the top amateur golfers in the game, Ben Wong. We had the chance to see a lot of Ben at the NCAA finals this past year (where he played his final match against Oklahoma State’s Victor Hovland who recently turned professional) and today we get to sit down with Ben to hear his journey from Hong Kong, to Beijing, and eventually landing in Texas. Since the age of six, Ben began traveling to the United States playing junior golf before moving to Texas to pursue a high-level junior, amateur, and eventually collegiate golf career.   He now finds himself in the line-up of one of the premier collegiate programs at SMU and like many of the top collegiate players of today, has his sights set on an eventual run for the PGA Tour. In today’s interview, Ben walks us through his game, what the NCAA finals were like from his perspective, and what he predicts for not only his future, but the game of golf in general. Access “How To Add 17 Yards In 17 Minutes” now Discover The Fastest Way To Increase Your Club Head Speed… Click here to access your How-To guide Ben Wong’s Background Wong was born in Hong Kong, moved to Beijing when he was 6, and now plays for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. Some Career Highlights include: 1st in The Junior PLAYERS Championship presented by TaylorMade-Adidas Golf (2017), 1st in the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball (w/ partner), and was named to the Arnold Palmer Cup International Rankings and appeared as No. 19 (Fall) and No. 25 (Penultimate). His Coach, Jason Enloe has this to say about him: “This kid is an amazing human being and the SMU family is so lucky that he chose our great university to be his school. . . Ben will make an immediate impact on our team as his skill set is ready for the next step in his golf career.” Highlights from this Episode His background growing up in China and learning golf from a very young age, to flying over to the states occasionally to play junior golf, to moving to Texas and really kick-starting his golf career through playing with the best juniors in the world. He also goes into what the process of deciding on going to SMU for his collegiate golf career. His transition into college golf: the differences he saw between junior golf and collegiate, as well as training and playing with a team. He also talks about what his hectic in-season schedule looks like balancing workouts, work, studies, and managing a social life. What his last season looked like from the tragedy of Coach Enloe’s wife passing to the bonding and determination that pushed them to work twice as hard. He talks post-season, how they were DQ’d through a mistake but came back strong to show their mettle and the remainder of the NCAA finals. What changes he is seeing in the game of golf and what he predicts will be the next big shift in the coming years. Ben shares his future plans regarding his intentions to continue with college golf and prepare for the PGA Tour. Parting Questions Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Happy Gilmore What’s you’re walk up song to the first tee at Sweetens Cove?  Wake Me Up by Avici If you could pick one person to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Tiger Woods at Augusta Any last piece of advice for the 18Strong audience?   People get too caught up in the end goal, you have to focus on learning and enjoy yourself. Where to find Ben: Instagram Episode Sponsor: SuperSpeed Golf  use the code “18STRONG” To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over the 18STRONG Facebook page. Access “How To Add 17 Yards In 17 Minutes” now Discover The Fastest Way To Increase Your Club Head Speed… Click here to access your How-To guide