Show Notes
Purchase Jared Tendler's new book, Everyday Golf Psychology here
Join the free community Jared created around the book here
In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by Jared Tendler to break down the biggest misconceptions in the mental game and the release of his new book Everyday Golf Psychology. They explore why golfers are obsessed with “finding it,” why that mindset is fundamentally flawed, and how real improvement comes from managing variability—not eliminating it. The conversation dives into frustration, pressure, and negative thinking, with a focus on identifying root causes and using simple, repeatable logic to respond more effectively on the course. They also discuss why golf isn’t “90% mental,” but why your worst golf often is—and how improving your C-game is the fastest path to lower scores. The episode ultimately reframes how golfers should think about improvement: less about perfection, more about awareness, perspective, and learning how to “suck less” when it matters most.
Thanks to our show sponsors Rhoback, LMNT, and Ethos:
Staying properly hydrated is critical for performance, and electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, cramps, and brain fog—exactly what you don’t want on the golf course. That’s why we recommend LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink trusted by athletes and everyday golfers alike. They now offer a convenient 12 oz sparkling version with great flavors like pineapple, lemonade, and black cherry—perfect to grab before a round or workout. Sweet Spot listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/sweetspot.
•
Rhoback makes some of the best golf apparel we’ve worn. Their polos are incredibly comfortable with moisture-wicking fabric, plenty of stretch, and a crisp collar that works on and off the course. They're got a couple of new releases for spring - the Highlands Hoodie—lightweight with great mobility for golf—and the Brookline Vest, a perfect layering piece for cooler tee times. Get 20% off your first order https://rhoback.com/ using promo code SWEET.
•
Protect your family’s financial future with life insurance through Ethos. Ethos makes the process simple and 100% online—you can get a quote in seconds and apply in as little as 10 minutes, with coverage options up to $3 million and some policies starting around $30 per month. There’s no medical exam required—just answer a few health questions online to get started. Learn more and get your free quote at https://ethos.com/SWEETSPOT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast
In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by elite mid-amateur Matt Lowe to break down one of the most unconventional games they’ve seen at a high level. Matt explains why he plays extremely fast, shapes the ball both ways under pressure, rarely hits full iron shots, and relies heavily on instinct, feel, and a lifetime of experimentation rather than launch-monitor data or rigid routines. They also discuss the work it took to build his ball striking, why he now practices far less and leans on “go-to” shots when his game isn’t cooperating. Matt also opens up about his long-running struggles with putting and the mental side of the game, despite having one of the best competitive seasons of his career. And you'll also hear about his social media "explosion" at the U.S. Amateur. The conversation is ultimately a fascinating look at how an elite player can break many conventional rules of modern golf and still perform at an exceptionally high level.
Everyone talks about swing tempo very generically. Terms like “swing smooth” have been thrown around for decades, but in this episode, we talk with an expert on swing tempo: Jon Novosel Jr. from Tour Tempo. Find out why it has been one of Jon's favorite practice methods for years, and learn why training for tempo the right way can benefit your swing.
Use code PG25 to get 25% off all gear at https://zerorestriction.com/
Karl Morris rejoins the show to discuss his new book, The Mind Caddie, and practical ways golfers can simplify the mental game and access more of the skill they already have. Karl explains why attention is such a powerful performance tool, how the time between shots can shape an entire round, and why golfers often make things worse by resisting bad shots, slow play, nerves, and other parts of the game they can’t fully control. They also explore Karl’s “ones, twos, and threes” framework for accepting the full range of shots you’ll hit, along with simple ways to use your senses, perspective, and humor to reduce the feeling of threat on the course.
In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by golf coach and researcher Luke Benoit to explore how motor learning research can change the way golfers practice, build their swings, and ultimately perform on the course. Luke explains his framework of separating construction, calibration, transfer, and performance, arguing that golfers often get stuck in a “messy middle” where they’re trying to change mechanics and hit good shots at the same time.