

The Mental Golf Show
Josh Nichols
Host Josh Nichols shares from his own 20 years of competitive and golf psychology coaching experiences, along with years of learning psychology, as well as interviews with players, coaches, and experts in the golf industry, all with the goal of helping you think better on and off the golf course.
*This podcast is not meant to apply to every individuals’ mental health. And not all opinions expressed by guests reflect Josh’s opinions and experiences.
*This podcast is not meant to apply to every individuals’ mental health. And not all opinions expressed by guests reflect Josh’s opinions and experiences.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 27min
How to Play Golf Like Scottie Scheffler
Explore the fascinating mindset of Scottie Scheffler and how it can elevate your own golf game. Discover the balance between achievement and fulfillment, as success in golf often feels fleeting. Delve into the importance of personal values and relationships over mere accolades. Learn to embrace acceptance and confidence, minimizing pressures to win and viewing failures as growth opportunities. This insightful discussion encourages a deeper appreciation for the sport.

Jul 22, 2025 • 49min
On-Course w/ Matt Davis - Putting Visualization, Ego Protection, and Honest Emotion
Join Matt Davis, founder of PutterCup Training Aids, as he shares innovative strategies to enhance putting skills through visualization and focused practice. Dive into the psychological aspects of golf, including how ego influences performance and the importance of managing expectations. Matt discusses the unique PutterCup tools designed for specific challenges and emphasizes the balance between technical skills and simplicity in practice. Expect insights on maintaining a positive mindset amidst challenges and effective techniques to master downhill putts.

Jul 15, 2025 • 49min
How Equipment can Boost Confidence, Commitment, and Acceptance (Titleist T-Series Iron Fitting)
Discover how well-fitted clubs can amplify your confidence and enhance your mental game on the course. The transformative impact of the new Titleist T-Series irons takes center stage, showcasing their innovative technology and design. From the thrill of a fitting session to the importance of tailored routines, the discussion emphasizes how the right equipment can redefine your performance. Enjoy insights on maximizing ball speed, control, and distance, all while boosting your enjoyment of the game!

Jul 8, 2025 • 17min
Breathing Techniques for Golf Performance
Discover how controlled breathing can transform your golf game, especially under pressure. Learn about the internal stress responses that can affect performance. Explore practical breathing techniques like deep inhalations and box breathing to enhance focus and composure. Unveil a new online course designed to optimize your pre-shot routine, ensuring you're mentally prepared for each swing. It's all about mastering mindset and breathing to conquer the course!

7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
Jim Waldron - Guaranteed Yips Cure, Radical Acceptance, Willingness to Suffer, and Eliminating Fear
Jim Waldron, a nationally acclaimed golf professional and mental game coach with a staggering 94% success rate in curing the yips, shares invaluable insights. He breaks down the psychological aspects of the yips and introduces the 'Two Minds Theory.' Jim emphasizes the importance of radical acceptance and sheds light on how identity impacts performance. Listeners will discover techniques for emotional regulation, the significance of a solid pre-shot routine, and the power of confronting discomfort as a pathway to resilience in both golf and life.

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 22min
Ross Macleod - Putting Fundamentals, Putting Under Pressure, and Curing the Putting Yips
Ross MacLeod joins The Mental Golf Show. Ross is a putting coach to players of all skill levels. Click here to find him on X. And click here to check out his Putting Coaching offerings.
Timestamps & Topics:
(00:00) Putting Under Pressure and Tendencies It Causes
(06:06) Does mental game cause bad putting? Or does bad putting cause mental issues?
(14:25) Can a bad golfer be as good of a putter as the best players in the world?
(18:34) Basic and Custom Practice Plans - joshnicholsgolf.com/practice
(20:41) Why do golfers focus on their swing when putting is a simpler fix?
(24:46) Is putting the most important part of golf?
(29:27) Why did Ross choose to teach JUST putting?
(36:48) NEW Online Course: The Perfect Pre-shot Routine - joshnicholsgolf.com/course
(38:32) What makes Phil Kenyon (Scottie Scheffler’s putting coach) such a good putting coach?
(42:03) Why is it important to measure putting stats?
(45:34) What is a good putting pre-shot routine?
(50:44) 10% off The Divot Board - divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow with code MENTALGOLF10
(52:48) Where should our “mind’s eye” be while we’re putting?
(55:29) Putting Speed Control
(1:03:57) Does the putter matter?
(1:10:14) Are you born a good/bad putter?
(1:12:14) Putting Yips
(1:17:00) Ross MacLeod
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🎓 The Perfect Pre-shot Routine Digital Course
Six modules plus downloadable practical exercises to help you be consistently present and freed up on every shot.
Check out the Pre-Shot Routine course here
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🏌️♂️🗓️ Plan Your Practice Better
A Basic Practice Plan to organize your busy life while staying flexible to a changing schedule. And a Custom Practice Plan built for you to structure your entire week of golf down to the minute.
Check out the Practice Plans here
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Get 10% off a Divot Board!
Go to divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow and use the code MentalGolf10 to get 10% off your entire purchase.
Get a great deal AND support The Mental Golf Show. Thank you! 🙏
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🏋️ Nerd Fitness
Get stronger, feel better, change your habits, and improve your life. Start working with a personal coach by going to nerdfitness.com and mention Josh at The Mental Golf Show sent you.
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FREE Weekly Mental Game Newsletter
Click here to sign up for The Mental Re-Grip ⛳️ Newsletter to receive mental game tips in your inbox every week.
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Assess Your Mental Game
Take the FREE Mental Game Assessment and learn your top mental game traits and your areas in most need of improvement.
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1-on-1 Mental Coaching
Are you a competitive golfer? Interested in working 1-on-1 with Josh as your Mental Coach? Email Josh directly at josh@joshnicholsgolf.com or head to joshnicholsgolf.com.
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📚 2025 Book Club!
Click here to join the exclusive group chat where we discuss the books we're reading, questions and struggles about the mental game, and first access to Q&A's and event info.
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Want to be a SPONSOR on The Mental Golf Show? Email us with inquiries at mentalgolfshow@gmail.com
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Follow Josh on social:
X/Twitter: @joshlukenichols
Instagram: @joshlukenichols
YouTube: Josh Nichols Golf

8 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h
Dr. David Spiegel - Hypnosis, Trauma, the Yips, Breathing, and Why Golf is So Hard
Dr. David Spiegel, a renowned Stanford psychiatrist and co-founder of the self-hypnosis app Reveri, shares insights on overcoming golf trauma and the psychological hurdles that golfers face. He discusses how hypnosis can enhance performance and self-image, while also addressing the notorious 'yips.' Spiegel emphasizes the importance of a structured pre-shot routine and self-hypnosis for boosting focus. He introduces techniques like visualization and breathing exercises to manage anxiety on the course, revolutionizing the way we perceive challenges in golf.

7 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 47min
Webb Simpson - U.S. Open Nostalgia, What Scottie Does Different, and Building (and Losing) Confidence
Webb Simpson, a professional golfer and 2012 U.S. Open champion, shares his reflections on the emotional highs and lows of competitive golf. He discusses the importance of a solid pre-shot routine and how it influences confidence on the course. Webb highlights distinguishing traits of fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler, particularly his exceptional control. The conversation delves into the mental game, balancing focus and relaxation, and the self-identity journey as a golfer. Webb's insights reveal the intricate mental strategies behind golf performance.

8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 11min
Mike Booker – No More Golf Victimhood, Embrace the Suck, and Become a Tournament Golfer
Mike Booker, a Texas Golf Hall of Famer and former tour pro, dives deep into the psychology of golf. He discusses building and losing confidence, and how to embrace mistakes on the course. Booker emphasizes the importance of a disciplined pre-shot routine and visualization techniques for performance. He contrasts tournament golfers with recreational players, advocating for a proactive mindset to combat negativity. The conversation also touches on creating structured practice plans to enhance skills and the responsibility players have in facing challenges in golf.

12 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Joe Bronson - Exclusive Golf Courses, Balancing Golf and Life, and Simplifying a Complex Game
Joe Bronson, author of PARdon Me and a seasoned golfer who's played nearly all of the Top 100 courses, shares insights on balancing the game with life. He discusses how confidence can stem from experience rather than just practice. Joe reflects on memorable rounds at iconic venues like Augusta and Pine Valley, emphasizing the joy of good company over competition. He also explores the significance of a structured pre-shot routine and how to cultivate a deeper love for golf while managing life's responsibilities.