Ep 19: Taking Ownership and Moving the Needle - Michael Whitehead, Former Professional Golfer - Fitness Expert

In this episode of The Connected Instructor, Landon Michelson sits down with former professional golfer Michael Buttacavoli. From a stellar collegiate career at Rice University to four victories on the PGA Tour Latin America, Michael shares his journey through the highs and challenges of life in professional golf. Discover how he navigated the demanding world of pro tours, battled perfectionism, and ultimately found peace and perspective after stepping away from the game. Michael reflects on lessons learned, including the power of acceptance, managing performance pressure, and finding joy in competition again through amateur events like the US Mid-Am. Key Takeaways: 🎯 Persistence Through Pressure: How resilience fueled Michael's career despite setbacks. ⛳ The Art of Letting Go: The mental shift from chasing technical perfection to trusting his game. 🏌️ Life After Golf: How Michael's competitive edge now powers his career in real estate. 💡 Pro Tips for Golfers: Play for stakes—whether money or pride—and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Timestamps: [00:01:06] Michael’s journey from Rice University to PGA Tour Latin America [09:05] Life on the Hooters Tour & early pro struggles [20:43] Insights into qualifying for the Korn Ferry Tour [27:11] The power of acceptance in golf and life [56:09] Competing in the US Mid-Am as an amateur Connect with Michael: Instagram: @ButtaInMiami Website: michaelbuttacavoli.ewm.com

Show Notes: In this insightful episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, Landon sits down with Michael Whitehead, a former professional golfer, Rice University standout, and current fitness professional at Whitehead Fitness. They delve into Michael’s journey from college golf to competing in the U.S. Open, his unexpected shift to fitness, and how his approach to training evolved along the way. Now as a fitness trainer, Michael applies his unique experiences to help athletes, especially golfers, improve both on and off the course. His philosophy of “intentional training” and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for golfers and trainers alike. What You'll Learn: - [00:05:00] Michael’s college golf career and transition into professional play - [00:11:00] How losing and injury led to his shift toward fitness training - [00:20:00] Insights into the psychology of competition and handling pressure - [00:35:00] Tips on strategic training for high-stakes play: driver control, shot shaping, and optimizing scoring - [00:50:00] Balancing strength with precision—why “gaining speed” is only part of the equation - [01:03:00] The future of golf training: integrating fitness, data, and personalized coaching to maximize performance Follow Michael on social media to learn more about his work with golfers at Whitehead Fitness in Houston.

In this episode, Landon Michelson sits down with Joel Turner, creator of Shot IQ and Mind IQ, to explore the transformative power of mental training for athletes. Known for his revolutionary approach to handling performance anxiety and refining motor skills, Joel shares his insights on how shooters, archers, and golfers alike can benefit from conscious decision-making, speech-based focus techniques, and understanding open vs. closed loop systems in sports. Key topics include: The psychology of performance anxiety and Joel’s approach to overcoming "target panic" in shooting—paralleled to the golfer’s struggle with the “yips.” Open and closed loop control systems: how golfers can use these principles to adjust their swing and improve consistency. The concept of “getting loud in your head” and how conscious self-talk can help athletes remain focused, even under intense pressure. Practical applications of Shot IQ and Mind IQ for golfers, as well as Joel's insights on how conscious attention to detail can help athletes build repeatable, reliable performances. Gender differences in perception and vision in sports, and how these nuances can influence performance. Listen in to discover how to apply these groundbreaking mental techniques in your game, develop a stronger mindset, and take control of your performance. You can connect with Joel Turner and explore his work through various platforms: - Instagram Follow [@shotiq] - YouTube: [SHOT IQ YouTube channel] - Mind IQ Course: [Mind IQ online course]

In this episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist and mental performance coach. We dive into Dr. Lardon's fascinating background, his unique approach to sports psychology, and what it takes to truly understand the needs of athletes. We cover a range of topics, from balancing the demands placed on athletes with creating a supportive environment, to how parenting styles can shape athletic success. Dr. Lardon also provides insightful strategies for managing anxiety and fear during high-pressure moments. A key part of our discussion revolves around the mental side of competitive sports, especially golf. Dr. Lardon explains how mastering anxiety, developing effective pre-shot routines, and using mental scorecards to track performance can make all the difference in your game. He also shares a new mental training tool designed specifically to help golfers elevate their performance. Understand each athlete’s unique needs. Every athlete is different, and recognizing those differences is essential for growth. Balancing pressure and support is key to effective coaching. Parenting styles have a significant influence on an athlete’s drive and determination. Anxiety can be a tool in small doses, helping athletes reach peak performance. Fear vs. Anxiety: Fear is primal, while anxiety is a normal response to pressure, but understanding the distinction is critical. Listening to athletes is one of the most important things a coach can do. Managing anxiety isn’t about avoiding it; it’s about embracing it to improve performance. The mental game is as important as the physical game. Relaxation techniques and desensitization help athletes thrive in competition. Pre-shot routines are essential for consistency. The left brain and right brain play distinct roles in decision-making, and understanding this balance can lead to more successful shots. The mental scorecard is a valuable tool for tracking performance and mental processes, which can boost success rates. Discipline in mental training leads to better outcomes in competitive environments. Transitioning between mental states helps maintain focus during gameplay. Playing under pressure can actually make the game more enjoyable. 00:00 - Introduction to Sports Psychology and Dr. Lardon02:20 - Family Background and Early Influences06:42 - The Role of Parenting in Sports Success10:33 - Balancing Pressure and Support in Coaching14:58 - Understanding Athlete's Unique Needs18:43 - Fear vs. Anxiety in Sports Performance24:57 - Strategies for Managing Anxiety25:56 - Understanding Anxiety in Competitive Sports32:28 - The Pre-Shot Routine: Left Brain, Right Brain, No Brain39:22 - The Mental Scorecard: Tracking Performance46:23 - Transitioning Between Mental States49:49 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, host Landon Michelson sits down with Dr. Michael Kay, a renowned physical therapist and golf performance specialist, to explore innovative approaches to improving your golf game. Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Kay's journey into physical therapy and golf performance The importance of understanding individual body shapes and movement patterns How different body types (e.g., "kangaroo" vs. "gorilla") affect golf swings The relationship between physical structure and golf swing mechanics Strategies for developing motor patterns and improving performance Dr. Kay explains his unique approach to analyzing golfers' bodies and movements Discussion on how professional golfers like John Rahm and Justin Thomas optimize their swings based on their physical attributes Insights on training beginners and developing foundational movement skills The importance of variability in training, especially for young golfers Why traditional strength training may not always be the best approach for improving golf performance Highlights: About the Guest: Dr. Michael Kay is the founder of K Performance Physio in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Helix Golf. He combines cutting-edge physical therapy techniques with performance training to help golfers of all levels improve their game. His client list includes athletes from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, MLB, NFL, and UFC. Tune in to learn how understanding your body's unique characteristics can help you unlock your full potential on the golf course!

Eddie Martinez, owner of Planet Golf in Miami, Florida, joins us for a fascinating look at how a small family business grew into one of South Florida's premier golf retailers. In this episode, we explore: - The humble beginnings of Planet Golf as Alf's Golf and how Eddie's family got their start in the golf industry - How the introduction of the Callaway Big Bertha driver revolutionized golf equipment and fueled a retail boom - Eddie's philosophy on creating a positive atmosphere in his stores and why customer experience is paramount - The importance of passing on golf knowledge and passion to the next generation of players and entrepreneurs Join us for an inspiring conversation about family, golf, and building a thriving business in the ever-changing world of golf retail. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring business owner, Eddie's insights offer valuable lessons on success both on and off the course. Don't miss this episode that showcases the heart and soul behind one of Miami's most beloved golf institutions. Tune in to hear how Planet Golf continues to shape the local golf scene and foster a love for the game across generations.

In this enlightening episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, host Landon Michelson welcomes Steven Yellin, creator of the groundbreaking Fluid Motion Factor program. With over four decades of experience, Yellin shares his unique approach to sports psychology, focusing on how athletes can access peak performance states more consistently. This episode is a must-listen for golfers, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental aspects of sports performance. Key Topics Discussed: 1. The origin and development of the Fluid Motion Factor program 2. How the quality of space before motion impacts performance 3. Breaking free from "swing prison" and traditional mechanics 4. The mind-body connection in golf and other sports 5. Achieving wholeness and its effect on timing and execution 6. The role of simplicity in improving motion 7. Why attention doesn't equal execution in golf 8. The importance of silence and surrender in peak performance 9. Transcendental Meditation's influence on Yellin's approach 10. Practical tips for instructors to help students access fluid motion Notable Quotes: "The quality of space before you initiate a motion will more or less determine the quality of the motion." - Steven Yellin "Attention does not equate to execution because if attention equated to execution, Rory would have won 10 of those 40 majors." - Steven Yellin Takeaways for Listeners: - Understand the importance of mental preparation before physical execution - Learn how to access deeper levels of the mind for improved performance - Discover the value of simplicity and wholeness in golf and other sports - Gain insights into breaking free from mechanical swing thoughts - Explore the spiritual aspects of golf that contribute to peak performance Resources Mentioned: - Steven Yellin's website: stevenyellin.com - Book: "Simplicity" by Steven Yellin - Book: "The Fluid Motion Factor" by Steven Yellin Connect with Steven Yellin: Website: stevenyellin.com Location: Vero Beach, Florida For golf instructors, players, and enthusiasts looking to revolutionize their approach to the game, this episode provides invaluable insights into the mental aspects of performance that are often overlooked in traditional instruction.

In this episode of the Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon interviews Adam Fonseca, owner of Golf Unfiltered and host of the Golf Unfiltered podcast. They discuss the evolving landscape of golf entertainment and the recent Topgolf-Callaway split. Key Topics: 1. Golf Industry Evolution - Impact of Tiger Woods on modern golf - COVID-19 golf boom and its effects 2. Topgolf and Callaway - Rise of Topgolf as an entertainment venue - Merger with Callaway and subsequent challenges - Reasons behind the potential split 3. Future of Golf Entertainment - Role of technology (e.g., Top Tracer) in driving ranges - Importance of consumer education on equipment 4. Golf Equipment and Fitting - Significance of custom club fitting - Misconceptions about shaft flex - Introduction to Forward Golf fitting system 5. Influencers and Content Creators in Golf - Impact on younger audiences - Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club - Changing landscape of golf media consumption 6. Growing the Game - New avenues for engagement through social media - Balancing traditional golf with new forms of entertainment Resources Mentioned: - Golf Unfiltered website and podcast - Forward Golf fitting system - Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club Connect with Adam Fonseca: - Website: golfunfiltered.com - Social Media: @golfunfiltered on all platforms We hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion on the future of golf entertainment. Don't forget to subscribe to the Connected Instructor Podcast for more engaging conversations about the world of golf!

Key Topics Discussed: 1. Mental Game in Golf - Importance of affirmations and mindset shifts - Concept of mental golf type and personalized strategies - Managing expectations and focusing on the process 2. Practical Golf Improvement Strategies - Developing a clear pre-shot routine - Importance of intentional practice and addressing weaknesses - Emphasis on short game development 3. Goal Setting and Achievement - Setting long-term and yearly goals - Breaking down big goals into actionable steps - Correlation between distance and lower handicaps 4. Performance Enhancement - Value of consistency and accountability - Benefits of tournament play - Importance of self-belief and positive thinking Key Takeaways: - Mental game improvement is crucial for overall golf performance - Understand your mental golf type to develop a personalized approach - Implement a clear process and routine for every shot - Set ambitious goals and break them down into measurable steps - Aim for increased distance (250+ yards) to lower your handicap - Engage in tournament play to improve performance under pressure - Cultivate a positive mindset and strong self-belief both on and off the course Guest Information: Michael Leonard, host of the Wicked Smart Golf podcast, shares insights on golf improvement, mental game strategies, and goal setting techniques. Action Items for Listeners: 1. Assess your mental golf type and develop a tailored mental game plan 2. Establish a consistent pre-shot routine 3. Set specific, measurable goals for the year ahead 4. Incorporate intentional practice sessions focusing on weaknesses 5. Consider participating in local tournaments to challenge yourself This podcast offers valuable insights for golfers of all levels looking to improve their game through mental strategies, practical techniques, and goal-oriented approaches.

In this solo episode, Landon reflects on his experiences as a golf coach and shares insights on the mental side of the game. He emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques in improving performance. Landon introduces the concept of creating an alternate persona on the golf course, someone who embodies calmness, coolness, and connectedness. He encourages listeners to imagine this persona and incorporate its traits into their own game. Landon also highlights the significance of focusing on the simple things and developing good fundamentals in golf and life. Takeaways Emotional regulation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques are essential for improving performance in golf. Creating an alternate persona on the golf course can help embody calmness, coolness, and connectedness. Focusing on the simple things and developing good fundamentals is key to becoming an outstanding golfer. The mental side of the game is just as important, if not more, than technique and skill. The Connected Instructor podcast aims to provide a safe space for conversations about vulnerable aspects of golf.