"Down the middle, down the middle, chip one putt." That was the mantra Phylly sang in her head throughout her breakthrough club championship win at Durand Eastman, Rochester's notoriously difficult municipal course.After years of close calls, including a tough shank into the water on the 16th hole during a Florida club championship, Phylly finally broke through. She entered day two tied for third, grouped with three-time defending champion Deb Wood, who had just dominated at Wanakah Country Club days earlier with a 76.The mental game nearly derailed her before she started. Coming off a brutal 92 at Wanakah (where Wood won), Phylly arrived with zero expectations. She didn't even warm up or practice putting. Instead, she treated it like any other league day rather than the championship finale.While Wood and the other leaders shot 44s on the front nine, Phylly fired a smooth 40. Her strategy was pure consistency: "I can't get on par fours in two 'cause I only hit my drive like 160, 170." So she chipped and one-putted her way to pars and bogeys while others chased birdies.The 18th hole loomed as her "arch nemesis": a par five so treacherous it was featured in Golf Magazine. "I thought, oh, second place isn't so bad," she admitted, already accepting potential defeat. But when Wood failed to reach the green in three, Phylly knew she had it.The celebration was subdued. She didn't even realize she'd won until others confirmed no one ahead had caught her. After decades of trying, her 82 delivered the breakthrough, proving that sometimes the best strategy is simply playing your own game!For more information on our 2025/2026 Women’s Golf Event Schedule, please visit: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com.Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.comBe sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!
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"Down the middle, down the middle, chip one putt." That was the mantra Phylly sang in her head throughout her breakthrough club championship win at Durand Eastman, Rochester's notoriously difficult municipal course.After years of close calls, including a tough shank into the water on the 16th hole during a Florida club championship, Phylly finally broke through. She entered day two tied for third, grouped with three-time defending champion Deb Wood, who had just dominated at Wanakah Country Club days earlier with a 76.The mental game nearly derailed her before she started. Coming off a brutal 92 at Wanakah (where Wood won), Phylly arrived with zero expectations. She didn't even warm up or practice putting. Instead, she treated it like any other league day rather than the championship finale.While Wood and the other leaders shot 44s on the front nine, Phylly fired a smooth 40. Her strategy was pure consistency: "I can't get on par fours in two 'cause I only hit my drive like 160, 170." So she chipped and one-putted her way to pars and bogeys while others chased birdies.The 18th hole loomed as her "arch nemesis": a par five so treacherous it was featured in Golf Magazine. "I thought, oh, second place isn't so bad," she admitted, already accepting potential defeat. But when Wood failed to reach the green in three, Phylly knew she had it.The celebration was subdued. She didn't even realize she'd won until others confirmed no one ahead had caught her. After decades of trying, her 82 delivered the breakthrough, proving that sometimes the best strategy is simply playing your own game!For more information on our 2025/2026 Women’s Golf Event Schedule, please visit: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com.Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.comBe sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!
168. 4 Ways to Set Yourself Apart with Your Mental Game with Debbie O'Connell
T-Time with Tori Totlis
55 minutes
8 months ago
168. 4 Ways to Set Yourself Apart with Your Mental Game with Debbie O'Connell
Today, I’m sitting with Debbie O'Connell to discuss the profound impact of state of mind on your golf game. To Debbie, maintaining a positive mind is just as critical as a well-executed swing. She illustrates the power of mental fortitude through Amy Bockerstette's inspiring performance, explains how you can use positive self-talk and body language to boost your confidence on the course, and shares personal experiences around the transformative effects of gratitude and mindset on your golf game. We also talk about the role of meditation, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques in achieving peak performance. Reflecting on the wisdom of legends like Tiger Woods, we look at how taking responsibility for our game, rather than succumbing to external pressures, can empower us to excel under any condition.About Debbie O’Connell:Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur, and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible’s series “Golf Positive.” She has also had multiple appearances on the Golf Channel and has hosted numerous golf-oriented radio shows as well as the television show “Par Fore the Course.” Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, “Golf Positive! Live Positive!” which offers insight and practical solutions to help one achieve their goals both on and off the golf course.Connect with Our Guest:E-Book | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFor more information on all our Practice Programs and Freebies, Women's Golf Retreats and Partner Tournaments, visit ToriTotlis.com.Register for the 2025 Danzante Bay Invitational hereCheck out the upcoming 2026 Wimbledon and Scotland Retreats hereGet in touch!Instagram: @tori_totlisTikTok: @tori_totlisYouTube: @tori.totlisWebsite: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
T-Time with Tori Totlis
"Down the middle, down the middle, chip one putt." That was the mantra Phylly sang in her head throughout her breakthrough club championship win at Durand Eastman, Rochester's notoriously difficult municipal course.After years of close calls, including a tough shank into the water on the 16th hole during a Florida club championship, Phylly finally broke through. She entered day two tied for third, grouped with three-time defending champion Deb Wood, who had just dominated at Wanakah Country Club days earlier with a 76.The mental game nearly derailed her before she started. Coming off a brutal 92 at Wanakah (where Wood won), Phylly arrived with zero expectations. She didn't even warm up or practice putting. Instead, she treated it like any other league day rather than the championship finale.While Wood and the other leaders shot 44s on the front nine, Phylly fired a smooth 40. Her strategy was pure consistency: "I can't get on par fours in two 'cause I only hit my drive like 160, 170." So she chipped and one-putted her way to pars and bogeys while others chased birdies.The 18th hole loomed as her "arch nemesis": a par five so treacherous it was featured in Golf Magazine. "I thought, oh, second place isn't so bad," she admitted, already accepting potential defeat. But when Wood failed to reach the green in three, Phylly knew she had it.The celebration was subdued. She didn't even realize she'd won until others confirmed no one ahead had caught her. After decades of trying, her 82 delivered the breakthrough, proving that sometimes the best strategy is simply playing your own game!For more information on our 2025/2026 Women’s Golf Event Schedule, please visit: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com.Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.comBe sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!
