When Rounds Go Sideways: Decisions, Pressure, and Staying in Your Process

You prepare. You put in the work. You expect to compete.And then… it doesn’t go as planned.In this episode, Richard breaks down his recent tournament rounds at Spanish Oaks—the highs, the mistakes, and the moments that changed everything. From a brutal opening hole to equipment decisions, mental battles, and course management under pressure, this is an honest look at what really happens when you step into competition.This isn’t about perfect golf—it’s about how quickly you recover, the decisions you make when things go wrong, and what it actually takes to stay in the round.If you’ve ever struggled to translate your game to competition, this episode will hit home.

Winning the Masters isn’t about playing perfect golf—and this year proved it.In this episode, Richard Christensen and Steve Nelson break down the final round and uncover what really decided the tournament. From Rory McIlroy’s early double bogey to the missed opportunities from players like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, and Cameron Young, this wasn’t a story of perfect swings—it was a story of decision-making under pressure.They walk through the key moments that shifted momentum, the sequences that cost players the tournament, and the mindset that allowed Rory to separate himself when it mattered most.If you’ve ever wondered why some players close… and others don’t—this episode breaks it down.Because in the end, it’s not about avoiding mistakes.It’s about what you do next.

There are tournaments you watch… and then there’s The Masters.In this episode of When It Counts, Richard and Steve take a step back from analysis and predictions to talk about what makes Augusta National and The Masters Tournament so memorable.Steve shares what it’s like to be on the grounds at Augusta—where to watch, what you can’t see on TV, and why the course is even more dramatic in person. Together, they revisit the shots, players, and moments that have stayed with them over the years, and reflect on the traditions that make this tournament unlike any other.Because The Masters isn’t just a tournament—it’s a collection of memories that stays with you long after the final putt drops.

Most golfers have experienced it.You’re hitting it great on the range—pure strikes, solid contact, everything feels right. Then you step onto the first tee… and it’s gone.In this episode of When It Counts, Richard and Steve break down the difference between practice and playing, and why your range game doesn’t always transfer to the course.They discuss:Why the range can give you a false sense of confidenceHow pressure and consequence change your swingThe dangers of “block practice” and mindless repetitionHow to practice with purpose so your game holds up when it mattersSimple ways to add pressure and competition to your trainingBecause it’s not just about how you swing—it’s about how you practice.And if your practice doesn’t transfer, it won’t hold up when it counts.

Golf isn’t lost on one swing — and it’s not won in one moment either.In this episode, Richard and Steve break down why golf is truly a marathon, not a sprint. Over five hours and 18 holes, the real challenge isn’t avoiding mistakes — it’s how you respond when they happen.They dive into:When a round is actually lostThe “snowball effect” that turns one mistake into threeHow ego and decision-making impact scoringManaging energy and focus over a full roundA practical reset system to stay in the roundWhether you’re playing competitively or just trying to score better, this episode will help you stay composed, avoid big numbers, and keep moving forward — one shot at a time.Because the players who succeed aren’t the ones who play perfect…They’re the ones who stay in it when it counts.

In this episode of When It Counts, we explore one of the most important — and counterintuitive — ideas in golf: if you want to shoot your best scores, you have to be willing to shoot a bad one.Many golfers try to protect their score by playing safe, avoiding mistakes, and steering the ball. But that mindset often leads to tension, indecision, and average golf.We discuss:why fear shows up during a round — and how it affects your swingwhat happens when you start protecting your scorehow tour players handle pressure and stay aggressivethe difference between smart decisions and playing scaredhow to commit fully to a shot, even when the risk is realThrough real on-course stories and practical examples, we break down how to shift from a mindset of avoidance… to one of commitment.Because the players who go low aren’t the ones avoiding mistakes —they’re the ones willing to accept them.And when it counts… that’s what makes the difference.

Golfers spend all winter working on their swings—practicing indoors, hitting balls into simulators, and watching their numbers improve. But when the golf season finally starts, many players experience the same frustrating problem: the swing that felt great all winter suddenly doesn’t show up on the course.In this episode of When It Counts, Richard Christensen and Steve break down why the transition from indoor practice to real golf can be so difficult—and what golfers can do to make their offseason work actually translate into better scores.In this conversation, they cover:• Why indoor practice can create false confidence• The biggest differences between simulator swings and real golf shots• Why many great range players struggle on the course• How to recalibrate distances early in the season• Why rhythm and trust matter more than mechanics when you compete• How competitive golfers should approach the first few rounds of the yearIf you’ve ever wondered why your swing feels great on the range but different on the golf course, this episode will help you understand why—and how to make sure your winter practice pays off when it counts.

The golf season may be months away, but serious competitors know that winter is where next season is built.In Episode 4 of When It Counts, Richard and Steve take a look at off-season preparation through two different eras of golf. Steve reflects on what winter training looked like in the 1970s—long before indoor simulators, launch monitors, and structured fitness programs—while Richard shares how modern players are using indoor facilities, data, and targeted training to prepare for the coming season.Together they explore what has changed, what hasn’t, and which off-season habits actually translate to better performance when competition returns.In this episode:What winter preparation looked like for competitive players in the 1970sHow modern tools like indoor simulators and launch monitors are changing preparationWhat serious players should actually focus on during the off-seasonThe biggest mistakes golfers make in winter trainingHow to use the off-season to return better when the season beginsIf you’re working indoors this winter and thinking about next season already, this conversation will help you use the off-season with intention.

Most competitive rounds don’t fall apart because a player suddenly loses their swing. They fall apart because of decisions, pressure, and the moment when a player drifts away from their process.In Episode 3, Richard and Steve break down what really happens when a round starts to go sideways. They discuss how pressure speeds up thinking, why players begin chasing shots, and how small decisions — not one bad swing — determine whether a round stabilizes or continues to unravel.Through tournament stories and coaching insight, they explore how disciplined players reset, return to their process, and keep a round from getting away from them.Work with Steve → https://puregolfplayersclub.com/lessons/Purchase an Automatic Swing Trainer → https://automaticswingtrainer.com/Follow Richard on Instagram → https://instagram.com/pursuingbirdiesFollow Richard and Steve on TikToc → https://www.tiktok.com/@user7106300726257

In competitive golf, the players who stick around aren’t always the ones with the most natural talent. They’re the ones who learn how to last. In this episode, we look at what really sustains a player over years of competition—through qualifiers, slumps, injuries, and changing life demands—and why raw ability alone rarely carries someone for long.We talk about the habits, mindset, and preparation patterns that keep players showing up and improving when the early excitement fades. From managing expectations to handling pressure and staying committed to the process, we break down what separates the players who burn out from the ones who keep competing season after season.If you’ve ever wondered why some golfers disappear after early success while others continue to contend year after year, this episode focuses on the traits that endure—and how you can build them into your own competitive game.Work with Steve → https://puregolfplayersclub.com/lessons/Purchase an Automatic Swing Trainer → https://automaticswingtrainer.com/Follow Richard on Instagram → https://instagram.com/pursuingbirdiesFollow Richard and Steve on TikToc → https://www.tiktok.com/@user7106300726257