Simon Sinek, who wrote the influential book Start With Why, probably doesn't know Don McDougall, but I'll bet the author would say the founder of the Toronto Blue Jays has always had a clear sense of 'why. 'Picture: Trot Magazine/Brian Acton We broke a 100. Howard Glassman and I recorded our 100th episode of Swing Thoughts last week. It’s quite a milestone for us or any podcast. Doing the podcast has given us an opportunity to talk … [Read more...]
Why your storytelling leads to the ‘spiral vortex of death’ and more missed putts
January 15, 2019 By
As he rushed past me at a university golf tournament this fall, the wide-eyed young player exclaimed, "I've missed five putts within 10 feet. I can’t putt!” He was telling himself one hell of a story. As a coach of a university golf team (Guelph), I hear plenty of stories from anguished players who don’t want to let their teammates down. ‘I can’t close a good round; I’m such a choker.’ ‘I can't get a break.' In other coaching, I also … [Read more...]
Get results by focusing on what you really can control
August 29, 2016 By
I wrote this column for the recent issue of Canadian Junior Golf Association magazine, and added a few new bits. I believe that focusing on process rather than results can pay dividends in most everything we do. During a recent phone call with a 16-year-old client, he said gravely, “Coach, can I ask you something?” He was bummed out about the qualifying event that he had played that day. He teed off focusing on a low number. But his front … [Read more...]
There was evidence Canadian amateur would make his case
July 28, 2016 By
Canadian amateur Jared du Toit appeared to come out of nowhere to contend in the RBC Canadian Open. In fact, we shouldn’t have been that surprised: the Arizona State junior had won the prestigious Glencoe Invitational—one of Canada’s top amateur events—in June. He shot a competitive course-record 63 at San Francisco’s Olympic Club at the Trans-Miss Amateur Championship three weeks prior. There’s a massive difference between amateur events … [Read more...]
Karl Morris and Danny King featured on Swing Thoughts podcast
February 1, 2016 By
On the latest Swing Thoughts podcast (click here), we learn about quieting The Voice, the questionable pursuit of the "consistent swing" and ponder the kick point of spears with Karl Morris, Europe's top mental game coach. Co-host Humble Howard Glassman and I also learn the secrets of eternal youth with Danny King, who at 47 won three PGA of Canada championships in 2015. Just listening to this podcast will knock couple strokes off … [Read more...]
