The Airway

Episode 7: Humility & Patience — The Unseen SkillsIn this episode, I get real about the mental challenges that come with golf — the humility of showing up after great practice but feeling lost on the course, the patience required to trust the process when progress feels slow, and the struggle to commit to every shot without second-guessing. I share personal stories, reflect on the power of talking your shot out loud, and explore how these quiet mental skills can make golf—and life—a little more enjoyable. Plus, a reminder to never lose sight of the fun in the game.

In this episode, I take a step back and talk about what it really means to improve—on the course and off. It’s not just about swing tweaks or new gear; it’s about having a strategy, measuring progress, and staying honest with yourself. I share how I’m building a focused plan to lower my handicap, increase consistency, and stay mentally strong. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to level up your game, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I take you inside my first-ever 54-hole tournament — the Washington Women’s Mid-Am at The Home Course in DuPont. From the nerves and emotion of the practice round to the grind of tournament play, I walk through each day, every high and low, and what I learned competing at this level. It was a mental and physical test, but one I won’t forget. Come along for the full ride.

This week on The Airway, I take on the most intense golf challenge yet—7 rounds in 8 days, including a 36-hole marathon, a scramble with friends, and preparation for the Washington Women’s Mid-Am tournament. In this episode, I dive into the physical and mental grind of back-to-back rounds, the lessons I'm learning, and how I am managing nerves and expectations as I gear up for my first tournament. Join me for insights into tournament prep, handling fatigue, and the joy of competing.

This week on The Airway, I break 90 for the first time on the podcast with a confident 88 at Tumwater Valley. From smart gear swaps to a breakthrough in chipping, it’s a round full of personal bests, learning moments, and one very satisfying 3-wood. Tune in for reflections on progress, preparation, and the beauty of a few bogey-free par 3.

This week on The Airway, I recap a Monday round that had everything: a snowman on 2, scrambles on the front, a mental reset at the turn, and a gritty finish. From blow-ups to breakthroughs, I break down what worked, what didn’t, and how knowing I’d review every shot changed the way I played. Final score: 93 (with heart). Airway Score: 3.25/5.

Every golfer has a story. Here’s mine. In this debut episode of The Airway, I talk about how I got into golf, why I keep showing up, and what I’ve learned on the way—plus some gear talk, swing thoughts, and a little bit of chaos.

Welcome to The Airway—a podcast about the weekly pursuit of better golf. I’m your host, Erica (Air) Early, sharing real rounds, honest gear talk, and all the ups and downs that come with chasing the game. Subscribe and join the ride.