Ep 23: Smarter Golf, Better Scores - Eric Duffett, Founder of Shot Pattern App

In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, I sit down with Karl Morris, Europe’s leading golf performance coach and founder of the MindFactor Institute. Karl has worked with over six major champions and more than 100 professional golfers, helping them unlock their full potential by focusing on the mental side of the game. We dive deep into: ⛳ Threat vs. Opportunity – How do you see the golf course? Is it holding you back? ⛳ The Power of Adaptability – Why consistency is a myth and how to focus on what really matters. ⛳ The Perception of Difficulty – How changing your mental approach can make tough shots feel easier. ⛳ The Value of Journaling – How a simple habit can transform your golf game. ⛳ Better Coaching Questions – How great instructors guide players without overwhelming them with swing positions. Karl shares incredible insights from his time coaching major champions and explains how you can train your mind like a pro. Whether you're a weekend golfer or competing at the highest level, this episode is packed with practical strategies to improve your game. 📝 Resources Mentioned: MindFactor Institute: MindFactor.com The Mind Caddie App – Your personal golf mental game coach The Lost Art of Golf by Karl Morris & Gary Nicol The Mind Caddie Podcast (New episodes every Friday) 📲 Follow Karl Morris: Instagram: @themindfactor Twitter: @themindfactor 🎧 Tune in now and take your mental game to the next level!

Show Notes:In this episode of The Connected Instructor, I sit down with renowned performance psychologist Dr. Raymond Prior. With a background in sport and exercise psychology, Dr. Prior has worked with elite athletes, major champions, and even Grammy and Oscar winners. He is also the author of Golf Beneath the Surface: The New Science of Golf Psychology, a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional sports psychology approaches. Together, we explore what it truly means to unlock peak performance, why common advice like "just be confident" is often misleading, and how stable confidence is built from within. Dr. Prior also dives deep into the neuroscience of anxiety, impulse control, and why some golfers get "stuck in second gear" when it matters most. Key Takeaways:⛳ The difference between "junk food confidence" and stable confidence🧠 How anxiety hijacks performance and what to do about it🎯 Why expectations and fear of success can derail even the best athletes🗝️ The surprising traits that separate elite performers from the rest📚 How Dr. Prior's book redefines golf psychology for serious competitors Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone striving for personal excellence, this episode is packed with valuable insights that go far beyond the world of golf. 📖 Connect with Dr. Raymond Prior: Website BUY HIS BOOK

Welcome to The Connected Instructor Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Walkey and Tony Greco, co-founders of Helix Golf Institute, to discuss their revolutionary approach to golf instruction. By integrating biomechanics, performance training, and a deep understanding of individual body structures, they’ve developed a principle-based method that’s reshaping how golfers learn and improve. ⛳ The founding story of Helix Golf Institute🏌️‍♂️ How posture and setup dictate swing success📊 The importance of screening players based on body shape🔄 Breaking down common misconceptions in golf instruction🏋️‍♂️ The role of fitness in golf—and why one-size-fits-all training doesn’t work🎯 Simple yet powerful changes that can improve any golfer’s game Whether you're a golf coach, a competitive player, or a weekend warrior, this episode will challenge the way you think about swing mechanics, training, and performance. Follow Chris & Tony and the Helix Golf Institute for more insights: Helix Golf Institute Website Helix Golf Instagram Chris' Instagram Tony's Instagram

Show Notes: Join host Landon Michelson as he sits down with Jason Sutton, better known as The Golf Guru, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Director of Instruction at the prestigious Colton River Club in South Carolina. With over three decades of teaching experience, Jason has coached everyone from beginners to PGA Tour professionals. In this episode, you'll discover: Jason's journey from head pro to world-class instructor and podcast host. How coaching curiosity and a growth mindset drive his teaching philosophy. The role of technology in modern golf instruction and how Jason uses tools like TrackMan and Smart2Move force plates. Insights on teaching putting and the nuances of short-game instruction, including Jason’s step-by-step approach to analyzing and improving players' strokes. A detailed look at creating long-term coaching plans tailored to individual player needs. Jason also shares compelling anecdotes, explains common misconceptions in golf, and offers practical advice for both players and instructors looking to elevate their game. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of coaching golf! Guru's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfgurutv/

Show Notes: In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon Michelson welcomes Eric Duffett, the innovative founder of the Shot Pattern app, designed to revolutionize how golfers approach course management and game improvement. Eric shares his journey from being a passionate high school golfer to creating an app that combines his love for the sport with his expertise in coding. What You'll Learn: The science of Strokes Gained statistics and how understanding it can transform your game. How the Shot Pattern app quantifies risk vs. reward, helping you make smarter decisions on the course. Dispersion and its crucial role in course management—what it is, how to measure it, and how to use it to your advantage. Insights into coaching strategies for high school golfers and everyday players, including Eric's newly added Coach Center feature in the app. How practicing smarter, tracking stats, and choosing better targets can lead to career-best rounds. Memorable Quotes: “The best golfers in the world don’t aim at flags—they aim for the safest spot that gives them the best chance to score.” – Landon Michelson “Smart golf isn’t just about hitting great shots—it’s about making great decisions.” – Eric Duffett Timestamps: 1:14 – Eric’s journey in golf and the inspiration behind the Shot Pattern app. 3:57 – Explanation of Strokes Gained statistics and its practical application. 16:00 – The role of dispersion in course management and how it differs by handicap. 38:21 – New Coach Center feature: empowering coaches with actionable data. 42:24 – Landon announces his Connected Community initiative in Miami. 46:58 – How to download the Shot Pattern app and start improving your game. Connect with Eric Duffett: App: Shot Pattern Golf GPS (available in the App Store) Social Media: @ShotPattern on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X Don’t miss this deep dive into the game-changing strategies and tools that can take your golf game to the next level!

In this episode of the Connected Instructor Podcast, I sit down with Ryan French, the passionate voice behind Monday Q Info and a dedicated advocate for mini tour golfers. Ryan shares his journey from the restaurant industry to becoming a leading journalist for golf's underdog stories, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of players fighting to make it to the big leagues. Topics Covered: [0:00] Ryan’s journey: From restaurant manager to mini tour journalist. [11:00] The magic of Q School and incredible Cinderella stories like Will Chandler and Jin Chung. [25:00] The challenges of shrinking opportunities in professional golf. [40:00] Big Money Classic scandal and its impact on the mini tour world. [56:00] Ryan’s philanthropic work through the Drive for the Future Foundation. Ryan also dives into his advocacy work for mini tour players, his views on the changing landscape of pro golf, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Plus, hear about his unique approach to journalism that’s both heartfelt and impactful. Follow Ryan on X (@MondayQInfo) or visit MondayQ.com to stay connected with his work. Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with insights, advocacy, and a genuine love for the game of golf!

Show Notes: In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon Michelson dives into the transformative power of mindset coaching and hypnotherapy in golf with special guest Paul Salter. Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they shoot lower scores and play to their potential (on and off the course).He has more than 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries to help them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter Listen to The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast Learn more about 1-1 Mindset Coaching Highlights from this Episode: Paul's Journey: From a competitive young athlete to a professional poker player and now a mindset coach, Paul shares his evolution and why he shifted focus to helping high performers excel. Golf & Poker Parallels: Discover how resilience, emotional regulation, and mindset play pivotal roles in both games. Overcoming Mental Hazards: Practical tips for moving from unconscious reactions to conscious responses on the course. The Role of Hypnotherapy: Paul explains how looking back at the origins of mental blocks can lead to breakthroughs in confidence and performance. Crafting Your Golf Identity: Why embodying the habits and mindset of a lower handicap golfer can transform your game. Key Takeaways: Emotional resilience is crucial in golf—learn to respond instead of react. Breathwork can help shift from high emotional states to focused, logical action. Visualization and regression through hypnotherapy uncover mental blocks and build self-belief. Approach practice with intentionality, focusing on small, consistent improvements. If you’re curious about leveraging mindset techniques to elevate your game or life, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Paul: Website: https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com/  Social Media: @thegolfhypnotherapist/⁠ Podcast: The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

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]