The Golfing Mind

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowThis week's podcast previews the 151st Open Championship, played at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, also known as Hoylake. As always, Mike Kershaw, Neil Falconer, and the host Robin Sieger attempt to analyse their top players who they believe have the best chance of walking off with the Claret Jug. Never an easy task- however, in previous major previews, we have picked two winners, so who knows, can we make it three out of four? This year sees a new hole coming into play on the 17th, which will guarantee edge-of-the-seat drama until the end. Sit back and enjoy this week's informal good-humoured discussion between Robin, Mike and Neil. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Who is the greatest golfer of all time? This question has often been the source of heated differences of opinion, and writers clearly believe there can never be the greatest of all time. There can only be the greatest of a particular era. In this week's podcast, we put ourselves on the spot, and each of us picks who we believe is the greatest golfer of all time. In this week's podcast, Robin Neil and Mike make a case for their top three players and look at several often-overlooked players. Though major titles seem the best way to rank greatness, it falls short in identifying the most talented or gifted all-around player. One or two players may be mentioned that will surprise you, and doubtless, you will have your thoughts on the matter. Another aspect of the greatest players is their mental strength and resilience, which is also examined.https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkout A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowFormer European tour professional and SKY Golf commentator Richard Boxall is my guest on this one-off special edition of The Golfing Mind. Richard shares his thoughts and reflections from his time on the tour, how the game has changed and recalls in detail his single most extraordinary exit from an open championship that has now become the stuff of legend.With a 40-year career in and around the professional game and as a commentator for SKY Television his insights and reflections make for a great listen. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Slow play, for many players, is disruptive and makes a fun day into an endurance test. One of the great challenges is how to, keep it moving and reduce standing around on waiting for tee boxes without getting frustrated and angry.Robin, Mike and Neil discuss ways it may be improved or an alternative way to get along with it without losing your cool.https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-now. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Over the past two years, we have previewed the major championships with extraordinary success at picking winners and runners-up. Can we do it again?Rob and pick the winner of the USPGA, and is confident you can do it again at the US Open, or at least he hopes so. Mike Kershaw and Neil Falconer give their reasons for their picks (which include two long shots) and the guys talk a little bit about the course and the tournament.https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-now A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text We can all (sadly) suffer a catastrophic loss of form on the golf course. It may last for a few holes, and it may last for the whole round. In every golfer's life, there will be weeks, if not months, when this loss of form is as puzzling as the pyramids and the solution as remote as a banjo-playing unicorn. It can not only be demoralising but also spoil our enjoyment of the game to such an extent that people end up retiring from the game. However, that we should lose our form is not such a mystery as we are human and, therefore, Will experience highs and lows in many of our personal and professional endeavours. The real question is what can we actively do about the situation to restore our game or at least not be dragged into (as happens so often with professionals) go down the paralysis-by-analysis path. Believing there is a straightforward thing we need to do to turn it all around. In the professional game, there are some significant Major winners, who two years have fallen out of the top 100 rankings and, a few years after that, have disappeared entirely from the Tour. Fortunately, we don't play golf for a living, but there are things that will get us back to playing good golf and restoring personal satisfaction. https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-now A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Bunkers! Love or hate them, they are a big part of the game, and I suspect, on the balance of evidence, most people do not love them. However, for the average club golfer, they can be a source of catastrophe, and once confidence is gone, it can make for very challenging and often upsetting experiences. In this week's podcast, Mike and Robin look at bunkers in a more pragmatic light and ask, what is the big fuss about? Is it a shot that depends more on technique rather than feel? What makes the great bunker players? Is it ever worth taking a drop inside a bunker when faced with an impossible lie? Technology today is naturally as good as ever, yet the required skill level remains the same. The importance of confidence cannot be understated, yet for the average golfer, it is precisely this factor which is the cause of much upset. Therefore what can you do to build confidence and go from being a person who dreads being in the bunker to one who gleefully pulls their sand wedge out of their bag with a spring in the step and the certainty they're getting out and putting it close? https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-now A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIn every good drama, there are the good guys and the bad guys. These characters are the staple of most movies, urban myths and timeless morality tales. Sport, in particular, is an area where there are famously well-known grudge encounters between teams and personalities that have a chequered history.In martial arts, boxing, wrestling and more recently MMA there are infamous encounters between people who really don't (appear) to like each other very much at all. This may be a marketing ploy to sell tickets - with one character defined as the baddie, nowhere is this more apparent than in professional wrestling. Which one could easily argue is a combination of sport and theatre.In golf are there heroes and villains? In this week's podcast, we look at situations and characters where the average spectator would find themselves unwittingly taking sides often quite passionately. Are there heroes and villains and golf? Let's find out A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowNext week the USPGA Championship -the year's second major gets underway. As always, we at The Golfing Mind podcast put on our thinking hats and bookmakers' mindset, then offer our thoughts and reflections before picking our three picks for who will take away the prize. Over the past five majors, we have been consistently getting our picks finishing in the top ten spots as well as picking two winners. Can we make it six in a row? It's easy to pick the hot favourite, but as we know, it is rarely the winner. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The mental game of golf is, to many, a mystery. There is no precise formula to its mastery, yet throughout golfing history, there have been players who appear more than others to have unlocked their fullest potential by having a solid mental game. What did they know that others didn't? Or perhaps, to be more precise, what shaped their mental development, that gave them the competitive edge in The Crucible of competition at its very highest. This week we discuss those players we believe had the most significant command mentally and explore what we can learn from their mental approach to the game. Robin has spent many years exploring all aspects of the mental game as it applies to golf and has his personal view on what gives great players their mental edge. He believes we can learn from them and apply some of the attitudes and course management skills that they possess. https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-now A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowThe Open Championship and the United States Open Championship. They are the most significant major tournaments in the eyes of purists. The competitors are there by merit alone, not by invitation or association; they are the original majors. In this week's podcast, we explore the unique qualities which make them so wonderful a test of golf. Plus, explore traditions or idiosyncrasies associated with one but not the other. There has long been the debate about which is the greatest of the majors; frankly, I think this is a rather pointless debate as it is up to the individual to decide for themselves which Major Championship they believe is the most significant test of golf and holds itself accountable to the highest standards and traditions of the game. In truth, there is nothing to choose between them, and it does come down to personal preference. Often this is more of a Geographic loyalty rather than a detailed analysis So to be clear, this podcast is not about which is better; instead, we explore the Championships in some detail. Express our likes and dislikes and look at it in terms of tradition. Mike and I don't agree on everything, but there are some curious outcomes from the conversation and one surprise that both of us aback. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIn the United States, if you mention in casual conversation to someone that you played college golf, chances are the person would be a little impressed and believe you to be an excellent golfer. However, that would not be the case if you made the same comment in Europe In this week's podcast, Robin and Michael compare the two systems in creating winners, and take a very light-hearted look at the glaring differences between the two experiences. They both recall extraordinary tales from their days playing college golf that would cause any coach in America to roll their eyes and immediately expel anyone who followed Robin and Mike's examples. But it was very character-building, they claim. The number of major winners who started playing college golf has been significant from the 1960s onwards. The competitive and professional approach taken by students in the top golf colleges prepares them very well for life on the tour, and in the single matches in the Ryder Cup, they seem to have a much better record. Is this a consequence of playing under extreme pressure every week? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIf you were to ask the average golfer which part of the game would they wish to improve, I think the short game would have the greatest number of requests. It is probably the single area of the game where, when it goes wrong it can go catastrophically wrong and in some cases, a remedy would appear almost impossible.It begs the question, is it a mental problem or a mechanical problem, or do the mental and mechanical feed each other, "the worse you play the less confidence you have, the less confidence you have the worse you play". It then becomes a downward spiral. Conversely, it may be demonstrable that the opposite is true and an upward spiral can be created.Is the technology, wonderful as it is creating more reliance on physics and design than on technique? Plus, what do all the great short-game players appear to have in common? (other than being great short-game players obviously :-)In this week's podcast, we discuss the short game that from our experiences we believe to be key factors, and I will look specifically at the mental side of it which I believe is definitely the keystone to the mechanical. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIn this week's podcast, we share our favourite golf books. Some you may be able to guess, and others I am sure you will never have heard of before. However, we discuss why we like them and what we learned from them and hope you will find some insights, nuggets or straightforward enjoyment from reading them.Given the thousands of books written about instruction, Neil, Mike and Robin's picks may surprise you, and Mikes pick curiously was the 'bible' of instruction that both Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo embraced whilst learning. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIt is that keenly awaited time of the year again when the Masters' tournament appears over the horizon, signifying the end of winter and the start of the major season. The most colourful and exciting of the majors, it is a truly magnificent showcase for professional and elite amateur golf worldwide. It is golfing theatre, at its best, the drama of the final nine holes. It is as close to fantasy golf as we can imagine. There cannot be a golfer alive who does not dream of putting on a green jacket. In this week's podcast, we discuss the current and historical tournament, as well as getting first-hand impressions of playing the course and revealing a few facts that many television viewers will probably be unaware of. Plus, we explore and pick our potential winners of this event. This year there will be the added drama of LIV players alongside the elite of the PGA Tour. The top players use the week before the Masters to practice and get their game in Augusta National shape. As always, predicting the winner will be no easy task, but several players will be in the mix on Sunday afternoon. Last year The Golfing Mind podcast correctly predicted two of the Major winners. So we are naturally hoping to improve on that this year. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowIs mental toughness something we are born with? Is it a skill set we can develop? In Professional Golf, some players are famous for getting the job done. Others are sadly infamous for when their moment of opportunity arose, somehow snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Their failure became a defining moment, and many never returned to the top of a leaderboard again, and in some cases giving up the game of golf entirely. In today's podcast, Robin, Neil, and Mike discuss what lies at the heart of mental toughness and explore players and events that have shaped many careers. There is a division between those who believe it is something we are inherently born with and others who think it is a mental muscle we can develop and grow. As always, there is a difference of opinions and a few areas of commonality. However, it is worth noting that in the age before the arrival of mental conditioning gurus, some of the toughest players in the game had one remarkable thing in common this will be discussed in detail along with other aspects of the game. For more information regards learning about the mental game, go to http://www.siegergolf.com A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutAs if golf was not challenging enough, for many of us, the Rules of Golf can be a minefield of misunderstanding and confusion. How often have you been playing in a four-ball when no one knew exactly the correct ruling in a given situation? It has been famously said that golf is not a fair game. Can the same be said of the rules? The Rules of Golf have evolved over hundreds of years, and the governing bodies are always looking to make the game as fair as possible, but are there any rules that you think are questionable, or would you like to see amended or amended abandoned? What about infringements of the rules that you may witness? Do you call out the other player in a social game or let it go? To discuss this and more, Robin is joined by Neil Falconer and Matt Barr to explore and discuss this aspect of the game that sometimes can be so puzzling. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutGolfers worldwide are always looking for the edge, that secret discovery that will give them immediate improvement. Most average golfers believe that advantage is found in technology, new design, new shaft, new club face or new ball construction. Every year, some golfers buy the latest technology to help them play better, while others elect to play with the same set of clubs for 20 years to an acceptable standard. So what is the right approach? Whilst manufacturers announce their latest innovation to help golfers at all levels improve. The more cynical amongst us may say if these claims were actual, year after year, then why are we not playing significantly better golf than 25 years ago? In today's podcast, Robin discusses with Co-hosts Neil Falconer and Matt Barr the impact of technology and the pros and cons of adopting the latest innovation too soon. To put this in context, in 2023, the global golf equipment market size is expected to be $8.74 billion. Should we all embrace new technology regularly, or maybe there could be another approach that we can benefit from? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWhat is the best match-play strategy? Match play golf is not quite a gladiatorial encounter or combat sport between two people rather it is a perfect mix of tactics, psychology, instinct and golfing ability under pressure. Some players are they are very difficult, if not almost impossible, to beat. One only has to think of Ian Poulter in his Ryder Cup singles, where he is just the most formidable competitor, yet he hasn't in stroke play shown the same level of brilliance that we have seen in his singles matches. In today's podcast, we explore strategies for giving ourselves the edge. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but perhaps there are one or two things we can all benefit from understanding and applying in the game. For example, do you play your opponent, or do you play the golf course? Does it help you if you get mad at your opponent and make it personal? In some parts of the world, it is a more popular format than stroke play, and there are some clubs where it is almost played exclusively. At its best, it can be a tension-packed shot-by-shot encounter where it is never over until it's over. In today's podcast, Robin Sieger and Mike Kershaw. Put their theories and thoughts to the test.https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkout A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWhat do the great putters in the game of golf have in common? Putting has been called a game within a game; for some, it is the ultimate science, yet others, myself included, consider it more of an art. The debate will continue forever, but for now and in this podcast, let's explore this simple question – "what goes into making a great putter"? In today's podcast, we explore this theme and see if any fundamentals appear to be familiar to each. For the average golfer, it is the only part of the game where they can rapidly improve their handicap in the shortest time. Therefore, it begs the question of why so few amateur golfers put in dedicated time to practising that part of the game. In today's podcast, Robin Sieger and Mike Kershaw discuss and disagree on some of the factors that separate the best from the rest. Robin is the author of Silent Mind Putting. This book looks at the mental aspects of this part of the game and believes passionately that for people going through a slump, two things are going on, a significant lack of confidence and, almost certainly, they are overthinking. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowWelcome to the newly formatted Golfing Mind podcast. For the past two years, I have explored the mental game of golf in all its many aspects. In past podcasts, I have spoken about golf in general and the mental game in particular. I am now delighted that the format is reversing that focus, and an extended running time. It also includes two co-hosts. Who have a wealth of experience and a lifelong love of the game, to discuss the diverse aspects of the world of golf with humour and light-heartedness, we will share thoughts, and suggestions, as well as plenty of disagreements and reflections on the game we love. Each week the podcast will have a theme, and we will explore that theme in terms of stories, statistics, lessons learned, curious facts and, always, in as entertaining a manner as possible. Today I'm delighted to introduce the first of the co-hosts, Mike Kershaw, someone I have known for over 35 years who is a fine golfer with a wealth of experience in the game at both a playing level, where he has been a scratch golfer for over 30 years, as well as business interests that include golf course management. He also holds an admirable golfing title but more of that later. Welcome to the all-new Golfing Mind A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowFollowing a short winter hiatus, The Golfing Mind Podcast is back. Hooray!!With the 2023 golf season now underway in the professional world, it is worth taking a look at some of the things which may be of interest and help to players worldwide.The drama or soap opera which is the PGA versus the LIV tour continues to play out how it will finally be as a matter of speculation but I have some thoughts I would like to share as to how I think things will finally end up. Additionally, at the start of the year, most of us set ourselves some very well-intentioned goals but other than hoping we play better golf we don't zero in on what we need to do immediately and work on specifically in our game and with that in mind I have a suggestion.The Golfing Mind will be a weekly podcast but going forward it will be longer with guests and cohosts to discuss the game of golf in general but the mental game of golf more closely. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text If there is one area of golf that every player, regardless of their age or ability, can see dramatic improvement, it is on the putting green. The best putter in the professional game at the moment is the Australian golfer Cameron Smith; in this podcast, I will be discussing in detail what I believe are some of his key methods of giving himself the best possible chance of making the pub.Golf is a strange game - the professionals practice much more than they play, whilst the amateurs play much more than they practice. With the winter months approaching the Northern Hemisphere, this is the perfect time to practice your putting at home, as well as truly develop your mental game.For one month only, I have the pleasure of announcing the Silent Mind golf Silver program will be available with a 50% reduction. This offer ends on the 5th of January, 2023.If you go to the sales page (link above) and type in SMG100, you will be able to get the discount. This discount is only available for this course, not the gold and platinum editions. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text In my professional career helping others in the world of peak performance, there are a number of quick-fix techniques that work every time and work instantly if they are properly applied with 100% commitment. Mental conditioning is similar to physical conditioning, the more you do it the more obvious the benefits become. However, within the mind, there are shortcuts we can apply in stressful situations that will bring immediate relief and help us reset. There is no shortcut to excellence as the old saying goes "What you put in is what you get out".Many world-class chefs have developed techniques in the kitchen that save them a great deal of time and can produce very acceptable results, the same is true in many other professions where effective shortcuts produce acceptable results, golf psychology is no different. In this week's podcast, I share my five top quick-fix mental conditioning hacks you can apply on the course with immediate effect. The only thing you have to do is apply them, believe in them and commit to them. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text When Bobby Jones the legendary golfer was in a position on the final hole to win his first major tournament he faced a very challenging shot over water if he could make a birdie he would win. However, to make birdie would require him not to lay up, but to reach the green in two. Whilst pondering what to do he caught the eye of his club professional a Scotsman called Stuart Maiden, it is recorded that Stuart looked at Bobby Jones and simply said “Take dead aim”. This week we look at the importance of purpose as a tool in your bag. Too many golfers are indecisive, lack commitment to a given shot, or simply hit and hope, none of which are strategies. Over the past five weeks, I have undertaken a long-distance hike that was very challenging but helped me reconnect to the importance of purpose and passion. P.S. Bobby Jones indeed took dead aim and held the green then two-putted for a birdie to win his first major. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-page A loss of confidence generally stems from one aspect of your game, which then creates a domino effect that infects all other areas. Suddenly you dread picking up what used to be your favourite club, and the simplest of shots suddenly take on the appearance of the impossible. At its worst (within the professional game) it is a career-ending situation, for weekend amateurs, it leads to misery and a sense of loss for a game we used to enjoy so much.What can you do about it?Lots, This podcast gives 6 fixes to implement A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageEveryone can benefit from lessons, but too often we overload ourselves with way too many tips and fixes, so rather than develop a solid and repetitive swing we end up, with way too many swing thoughts that keep chopping and changing. This leads to inconsistency and the dreaded loss of confidence. If you seek to play better and more consistency the lessons you most need to implement are perhaps much simpler than you may imagine. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWhen competing in matchplay or strokeplay, the question arises: Would you rather be in the lead with six holes to go, or would you rather be chasing the leader? The evidence often suggests it is easier to pursue as you have a fixed goal and a need to play well than trying to defend a lead. Players have proven themselves to be fantastic in the chase while others are better in the lead. There is no correct answer to this. It has to be a personal preference. In this episode, Robin weighs up the pros and cons of both approaches. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWith over 30 years of research and experience, Robin explores what he believes to be the number one mistake amongst amateur and recreational golfers. The curious thing is though it is a widespread mistake, it is probably the easiest fix. It, therefore, is overlooked not cause it's easy to fix but cause people don't realise it is a huge problem and is impacting their game much more negatively than they would have imagined. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThough golf may not be as tactical as chess, there is no doubt that we have to apply strategy to our play. Nowhere is this considered more evident than in match play. So the big question is, what is the most effective tactic to adopt to give ourselves the best advantage. A seemingly simple and straightforward question with a few more variables than may appear obvious at first. This podcast examines what Robin considers the three most essential factors tactically in match play. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/Here are seven tips for mastering the mental game. Who doesn't love a tip? However, unless we repeatedly revisit and apply them, they will remain tips, and information we know but cannot apply. Pick the tip that resonates best with you and apply it every time you play.You'll soon appreciate the benefit. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/Some of the decisions golfers make on the course at times would strain a jury to believe possible unless made under some unknown duress. The sheer stupidity, of the player's choice of shot, really beggars belief. This is almost the exclusive domain of the amateur or recreational golfer, which would be fine if it didn't appear to cause so much distress when the immediate abject failure of the shot become evident.What can you do?....... A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageAt a critical moment in a match, playing poorly or hitting a shot that is just silly can be very demoralising and upsetting. We frequently fail in competition or coming down the stretch when the pressure is at its greatest. There are multiple reasons why this may be the case, but the outcome is the same we failed. What to do? I think we have to get success and failure in context. Still, more importantly, when we experience loss, we need to interpret the experience and use it to our advantage, not as a stick to beat ourselves endlessly. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageIs there anything good that comes out of getting mad, on the golf course, (or off the golf course for that matter)? I am firmly of the opinion that getting angry and upset is natural enough but allowing it to control our thoughts and actions is most definitely - going to mess us up. We allways have a choice as to how we respond to upset - the secret is learning how to employ that choice to work for us and help us be our best. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWhat do tour professionals have in common with the average club golfer? Not very much to be honest, and one thing they have in abundance is 'belief'. They put in the practice and believe they have the ability to make the shots down the stretch when under pressure. You never hear them say after a bad shot "Oh I just KNEW I was going to do that".We need to lay within our comfort zone with a positive outlook and belief, this episode looks at a couple of things you can do to help that happen. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageWe have all witnessed shots which are quite simply amazing, they take our breath away and almost cause us to rub our eyes in disbelief. More often than not they happen on television whilst watching a tournament (frequently a major). It is a popular question that golfers ask each other, and I too have been asked at many times I always give the same answer much to the surprise of those who asked me. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageIf you ask the average golfer what they would like to achieve this year, chances are they will say they would like to play better golf, in fact, there is not a golfer alive who would not like to be better. So why are so few golfers becoming better? Many will invest in technology gimmicks, gadgets and the odd lesson but still, no change is there something we're missing and if there is what is it? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThis week I thought I would reflect upon the recent Open Championship at St Andrew's. Mainly because I want to take a closer look at Cameron Smith's putting approach from a mental point of view, plus because I picked him or Victor Hovland to win the tournament.This hasn't promoted me to move to Las Vegas and become a bookmaker, but I do want to look at the factors I saw that I thought made them both good picks. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThe three questions I frequently get asked by listeners are the subject of this week's podcast. Not much more to say really. Enjoy!! A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comIt's that time of year when the Open Championship rolls around and experts make their predictions as to who may win. Being played at St Andrew's adds a touch of legacy to the eventual winners' resume, so what does it take to lift the Claret Jug? In this episode I reflect on the course itself and some thoughts and reflections with my good friend and fellow golf nut Matt Barr from Salisbury NC - but don't go rushing to the bookies just yet as we haven't picked the winner yet..........or have we? :-) A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThe professional tour has been thrown into turmoil by the emergence of the new Liv tour. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? In this week's podcast, I look at the potential upside and downside of the new tour and explore the possible consequences going forward of this new development. Nothing stays the same. However, things usually evolve organically to a better and more efficient model than before. I am not sure what the outcome will be in the long term, but I reflect on some things to ponder in this week's podcast. Though I suspect it is unnecessary, I should point out this is a wholly independent, unsponsored podcast, so I have no vested interest, and I'm only expressing my thoughts and opinions on this matter. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Is there any more wonderful shot to experience than the perfectly hit bunker shot? Equally, is there any shot which can cause more pain to one psyche than a solid thin up the face or quite simply just leaving the ball in the bunker? The bunker shot has been called the only shot you can buy. Because it is all in the technique; therefore, everyone can learn the method and all men are equal in the bunker as they are on the putting green. However, I had an experience I wanted to share with you on this podcast which looks at the aspects of the bunker play which often we don't consider, and when we do consider and apply, can make a remarkable and immediate difference to our level of play.http://www.siegergolf.com A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageOne of the best investments you can ever make in life is to invest in yourself, or so popular business wisdom suggests. I would endorse that belief, and I would add that we should invest in ourselves when it comes to playing golf. Too often, golfers will spend their money on the newest club, the most expensive putters, and the latest golf balls in the hope that there will be a technological fix to get their game going in the right direction. There is, however, another area where investment will probably yield the best returns, but sadly it is overlooked time and time again. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comThe US Open is like all the major tournaments an opportunity for us to get our crystal balls out, and try to pick our winners. As I am in America at the moment visiting friends I thought I would create an informal podcast, following an excellent discussion with a lifelong golf enthusiast and knowledgable analyst. So this short podcast we discuss the pressures - and each selects their top three picks to win, who will all be worth a bet. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comThe world of golf is full of articles, instruction videos and experts showing or telling you how to improve your game, but there is one tried and tested method which I think is available to all of us. It's less to do with active learning and more to do with absorption of information at an almost subconscious level. It also involves the individual's active engagement to concentrate for reasons they usually wouldn't. And though that may seem a little counterintuitive, when you listen to the podcast, you know exactly what I mean. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comIn golf, match play involves more psychology than Strokeplay because not only are we playing the course, we are playing our opponent as well, and often as we seek to get a mental advantage over our opponent, but all too often, this backfires. We become not the challenger, but the challenged. Some Tour Professionals are more famous for performing well in match play though they are not necessarily as successful in Strokeplay. I believe it is mental strength, attitude and a game plan which they stick to, - we can learn a lot from their approach. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThere are a few critical and obvious things that professional golfers do that amateur golfers do not do. I am not talking about breaking par regularly I am talking about pre-shot habits that we simply don't have, but if we were to have them I believe it would make an immediate and major difference. Just as you cannot think your way to having a 6 pack, you cannot think your way to a better swing however with a combination of thinking and repetitive action we can embed fantastic positive habits that will serve us well A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageThe dreaded yips. It belongs to that list of words that golfers must never speak, Which include but are not limited to Shank Hook Thin Whiff Skull and Knife.  There is an old saying, "Once you've got em, you've got em". Which has been an unspoken truth for many years. However, we know if we are honest with ourselves, that is not strictly true. I think people will likely give up or stop believing the yips can be fixed. They can be fixed!!In this podcast, I take an overview of this subject and share one or two things you can do immediately, even if your yips are not confined to the green but are found with the short irons or even the driver. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comWho is the greatest golfer of all time? How often has this question been discussed amongst friends experts pundits and wise people, I can't imagine. There is no definitive answer to this question we can only express a point of view that we hold and try to justify it the same names generally come into the pot, but different names generally emerge. I was recently asked this question by a group of friends and it started a lively discussion I thought it would be worth my sharing my thoughts on this Evergreen question. There are players who are incredibly exciting and entertaining who win a few tournaments but will never be listed amongst the greats of the game if we simply use frequency of winning or a number of Majors then that is as close as we can come to a scientific examination but it's never usually that simple, so I have no doubt some of you will agree with me and many of you will not but this light-hearted reflection just gives my thoughts on this question. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices