Why So Many Athletes Lose the Mental Game (Even When They’re Talented)

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! As golf parents, we hope what our children learn on the course stays with them long after the round ends. Olneya and Olina Fong are living proof. The sisters grew up in First Tee Phoenix and now attend Arizona State University. Together they’ve earned $80,000 in scholarships, multiple associate degrees and a research internship with a Nobel laureate. They brought the ambition. First Tee Phoenix opened the door. In this episode, you’ll hear: The tournament they almost skipped, and how placing second built their confidence How a shy seven-year-old found her voice through First Tee’s “ask, listen, respond” framework Why Olneya stepped away from golf for a year, and what brought her back How the First Tee mindset carried Olneya through seven weeks of failed experiments in a Nobel laureate’s lab The scholarships that changed everything “You can miss shots in golf, but the game isn’t over.” Sponsored by Bruce Bolt Premium Genuine Leather Golf Gloves. Use code GMM15 for 15% off. Help the next game changer: → Donate to First Tee Phoenix → Get involved Golf Mom Recommendations Products our family uses, loves or recommends for practice, tournaments, style and golf travel: → PUTTAIM putting training → BRUCE BOLT Junior Golf Gloves: code GMM15 for 15% off → Ship Sticks golf travel: code GMM20 for 20% off → Liteyear Golf Clubs: code GOLFMOM for 15% off → My Junior Golf Amazon Storefront → Mom-and-son golf looks on LTK → Kids’ golf clothes at Fox Den Fairways → Luxury golf looks from G/FORE → Modern golf style from Malbon → Everything golf at PGA Store Affiliate Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. Golf Mom Mindset may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe may help golf families. Stay Connected Follow @golfmommindset on Instagram Visit GolfMomMindset.com for more junior-golf resources Share this episode with a golf parent who needs this reminder

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! For the golf parent who has held back tears, questioned whether they’re doing enough, or struggled to find the right words after a tough round… I see you. In this heartfelt bonus episode of Golf Mom Mindset, I’m sharing a reminder from one parent to another: junior golf is about so much more than scorecards, rankings, and results. It’s about helping our children work through disappointment, find their courage, and know they are loved through all of it. It’s also about us—the parents learning alongside them, trying our best even when we feel overwhelmed or unsure. Take a few minutes for yourself. You are not alone in this journey. ⛳💚 Golf Mom Recommendations Products our family uses, loves or recommends for practice, tournaments, style and golf travel: → PUTTAIM putting training → BRUCE BOLT Junior Golf Gloves: code GMM15 for 15% off → Ship Sticks golf travel: code GMM20 for 20% off → Liteyear Golf Clubs: code GOLFMOM for 15% off → My Junior Golf Amazon Storefront → Mom-and-son golf looks on LTK → Kids’ golf clothes at Fox Den Fairways → Luxury golf looks from G/FORE → Modern golf style from Malbon → Everything golf at PGA Store Affiliate Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. Golf Mom Mindset may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe may help golf families. Stay Connected Follow @golfmommindset on Instagram Visit GolfMomMindset.com for more junior-golf resources Share this episode with a golf parent who needs this reminder

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Can junior golfers and young athletes earn sponsorships even if they're not ranked #1? According to this week's guest, the answer is yes. In this episode, I sit down with sports mom and sponsorship strategist Mandy Holmes, Founder of Sponsor My Athlete to discuss how parents can help their young athletes build meaningful relationships with brands—without adding pressure or focusing solely on wins and rankings. Mandy shares the exact mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped her own athlete earn sponsorships and explains what companies are really looking for when choosing ambassadors. From personal branding and storytelling to approaching sponsors with confidence, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for golf families and parents in every youth sport. In this episode, you'll learn: Why sponsorships aren't just for the top-ranked athletes The biggest mistakes parents make when approaching brands What companies are actually looking for in junior athletes How to help your child stand out in an authentic way Simple steps parents can take today to begin creating sponsorship opportunities How mindset and strategy work together to open doors Connect with Mandy Holmes 🎯 Sponsor My Athlete Blueprint Learn how to help your junior athlete build sponsorship opportunities and meaningful brand partnerships. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the Golf Mom Mindset Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. ⭐ If this episode inspired you, please leave a 5-star review and share it with another golf family. Episode Sponsor This episode of the Golf Mom Mindset Podcast is proudly sponsored by Ship Sticks—the easiest and most convenient way to ship your golf clubs to your next destination. Skip the hassle of traveling with your clubs and let Ship Sticks handle the heavy lifting. Save 20% on your next shipment with code GMM20, or use the link in the show notes to book your shipment. Visit our website for inspiring blog posts, valuable resources, and our Mom-Approved Amazon Store, where you'll find our favorite golf gear, travel essentials, and products for junior golfers and golf families.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this powerful episode of The Golf Mom Mindset Podcast, Ryan Murray shares his incredible journey from a successful 25-year sales career to chasing a completely new path as a professional golf caddie. Ryan opens up about the mindset shift that led him to leave corporate life behind, the fear and uncertainty that came with starting over, and how networking and relationships completely changed the course of his life. We also dive deep into the world of caddying — what caddies really do beyond carrying clubs, how they help manage pressure and emotions, and why the right caddy can make such a difference for junior golfers. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for parents navigating competitive junior golf, including: • How to reduce pressure on kids during tournaments • Why independence is critical for young athletes • The importance of coach-parent communication • When hiring a professional caddy may actually help • Lessons junior golfers can learn both on and off the course Ryan shares honest advice, memorable stories, and a refreshing perspective on success, growth, and enjoying the game. Whether you're a golf parent, junior golfer, coach, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode will leave you inspired to trust the process and embrace change. 🎙️ Follow @GolfMomMindset for more conversations around junior golf, mindset, parenting, and performance.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Kohout, a devoted golf mom whose life has been deeply shaped by the game—not just as a sport, but as a family legacy. For more than six years, Lisa homeschooled her son while supporting his journey as a competitive junior golfer—all while building her brand, Good Girl Golf Collective. She takes us behind the scenes of what that life really looks like—early tournament mornings, constant travel, emotional highs and lows, and the pressure that comes with performance-driven junior golf. But through it all, Lisa discovered something powerful: success isn’t built in chaos—it’s built in calm. She shares how she created structure around academics, nutrition, and mindset to support her son’s development while protecting his love for the game. This conversation dives deep into her philosophy of presence over pressure—and how families can create an environment where young athletes don’t just perform… they thrive. ✨ In this episode, we cover: • The reality behind competitive junior golf life • Homeschooling while raising a high-level athlete • Building a brand while managing the demands of junior golf • Managing pressure, expectations, and emotions • Creating routines around mindset, nutrition & structure • How to protect your child’s love for the game • Creating a calm, supportive environment for success 💬 Whether you're in the thick of junior golf or just starting the journey, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and inspired. 📲 Connect with Lisa Kohout: Instagram: @goodgirlgolfcollective Website: www.goodgirlgolfcollective.com ✨ Enjoy 15% OFF Good Girl Golf Collective with code: GOLFMOMMINDSET Support the Podcast & Shop Golf Mom Mindset: 🎯 Website: golfmommindset.com 📦 Amazon Golf Products 👗 Golf Fashion on LTK 📩 Instagram: @GolfMomMindset 📧 Collaborations & Sponsorships: [email protected] Featured Partners & Exclusive Discounts: ⛳ Ship Sticks – 20% OFF code GOLFMOM20 🐢 Turtlebacks – 15% OFF code GMM15 📣 Calliope Golf – 15% OFF code GOLFMOMMINDSET ⛳ Foxden Fairways – 15% OFF code GOLFMOM ✨ G/FORE (Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)