Why Golf Feels So Hard Mentally | Laura Scott on Pressure, Mindset & Confidence

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Scott to talk all about the mental game of golf. We explore anxiety, confidence, fear of failure, pressure, and mental resilience, along with practical techniques that can help golfers manage their thoughts better and play with more freedom. Laura shares her own story, her coaching approach, and why understanding your mindset can be just as important as improving your swing. A really honest and helpful conversation for anyone wanting to enjoy golf more and perform better on the course. Key TopicsMental performance in golfOvercoming anxiety and frustrationThe role of mindset and self-awareness in sports Golf anxiety and mental resilienceBuilding confidence through competency and consistencyPersonalized coaching techniques for mental game improvementChapters00:00 Introduction to the LA Golf Channel Podcast06:19 Transitioning from Team Sports to Golf10:47 Understanding Emotions in Golf14:48 Redefining Success in Golf21:10 Managing Aggression on the Golf Course21:59 Emotional Responses on the Golf Course22:55 Understanding Mental Performance Coaching23:56 External vs. Internal Emotional Expression25:30 The Role of Practice in Emotional Management26:31 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Golf28:10 The Journey of Finding Golf as an Outlet30:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety and Golf32:10 The Loop of Shame and Anxiety in High Performers34:25 Using Golf to Overcome Anxiety35:51 Identifying and Addressing Performance Anxiety38:18 The Importance of Tailored Coaching40:31 Building Confidence Through Competence43:29 The Mental Game and Consistency in Golf46:56 Understanding the Handicap System47:39 Achieving Consistency in Golf48:41 The Importance of Recovery and Scrambling49:39 Mental Game: The Key to Improvement52:02 Managing Expectations and Scores53:25 Dealing with Pressure on the Course55:46 The Power of Language in Golf01:00:37 Opportunities for Growth in Golf01:02:56 The Role of Mental Coaching01:05:57 Overcoming Mental Barriers01:07:59 Playing Golf Shots vs. Golf Swings