In this insightful conversation, Andreas Kali shares his journey from aspiring pro golfer to passionate golf coach. Andreas dives deep into his philosophy on player development, the importance of clear communication, and why he focuses on helping students improve rather than maximizing profit. He also discusses how he organizes his teaching approach, how he learns from other top coaches, and his dedication to continuously refining his craft. Whether you're a coach, player, or simply a fan of golf, this episode is packed with wisdom on what it really takes to get better at the game.
Unique Takeaways:
The difference between shallow learning and deep mastery in golf coaching
Why Andreas believes coaching is about outcomes, not just techniques
His experience building a coaching philosophy through trial, error, and mentorship
The value of structured frameworks for diagnosing and fixing player issues
How Andreas balances coaching junior players through growth and development phases
Timestamps:
00:00 – Andreas’s path from Denmark to Texas and into coaching
13:00 – Lessons learned from early teaching challenges
22:00 – The role of clear frameworks in golf instruction
30:00 – How Andreas integrates knowledge from other top coaches
1:14:00 – His online learning resources and approach
Find Andreas:
🌐 andreaskaligolf.com
🌐 thecoachalliance.co
📸 Instagram: @andreaskaligolf
In this episode, I sat down with Scott Shepard, a physical therapist and sports performance coach who's been at the forefront of golf-specific training for over 20 years. We got deep into the biomechanics of the golf swing, why movement quality matters more than brute strength, and how Scott helps golfers at every level improve performance and avoid injury.
Scott shared how he transitioned from working with injured athletes to helping healthy ones optimize their movement. We talked about his custom PFX program, the importance of understanding swing mechanics, and how training with purpose can fast-track your progress—no matter your skill level.
Here’s what we covered:
The biggest mistakes golfers make with fitness
Why understanding your swing should guide your training
How to warm up properly to activate your body and protect against injury
The disconnect between what pros do in the gym and what amateurs really need
My favorite insight: “If you train the right patterns, you don’t need to hit 500 balls to get better.”
This one’s packed with practical tools—whether you're a coach, weekend golfer, or a fitness pro looking to get into golf performance. Big thanks to Scott for bringing the heat and making the science feel simple.
👉 Follow Scott on Instagram
In this episode of The Connected Instructor, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Brixton Albert, the founder of Performance Golf and one of the most driven people I know. Watching him turn his passion for golf into a $100 million company has been nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his journey—from Division I college golf to late nights building a brand from scratch, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Brixton’s story is about more than just business. It’s about discipline, mindset, and the power of knowing your “why.” We also explore the parallels between golf and entrepreneurship, and how working on the right things in the right order can completely change your game—on and off the course.
Here’s what we cover:
How Brixton built Performance Golf while still working full-time
His “lead domino” philosophy for solving problems
Taking big risks early on—and why they paid off
The moment he realized life is short and it’s time to go all in
How he uses past failures as fuel for growth
The habits and mindset that make elite athletes and entrepreneurs successful
Lessons from Tiger Woods, Ray Allen, and what they taught us about showing up
Timestamps:
00:40 - Brixton’s story: from Lancaster, PA to Performance Golf
05:20 - Starting the business and making bold moves
13:10 - The real “first step” every entrepreneur needs
24:00 - Reframing failures into fuel
40:50 - Daily habits and mental strategies
51:00 - Playing golf with values and intention
Brixton’s been a huge influence on me, and I think you’ll take a ton from this conversation. Let me know your favorite moment, and if you liked it, please share the episode with someone who could use a little motivation.
What happens when golf meets Kundalini energy and spiritual awakening? In this radically honest and vibrantly layered conversation, I dive deep with Megan Michelle—an unconventional thinker reshaping how we relate to golf, ourselves, and the cosmos. Megan shares how a spontaneous decision to buy a school bus on New Year’s Eve triggered a profound spiritual awakening and led her to view golf as a multidimensional portal of personal evolution.
From navigating the divine feminine on the fairway to turning every shot into a mirror for the soul, Megan breaks down how the game of golf is a spiritual playground—if you’re willing to surrender. She reflects on golf as both a sport and a ceremonial practice, revealing how emotional energy, moon cycles, and sexual aliveness all impact performance on the course.
Takeaways:
Golf is not linear—it's energetic, cyclical, and deeply connected to nature.
How Kundalini energy and personal spiritual work transformed Megan’s golf experience.
The role of emotional balance and sacred play in peak golf performance.
Creative surrender, the divine feminine, and embracing your “competitive kink.”
Why the moon might be your best coach.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Megan’s origin story: from pandemic school bus to golf spirituality
02:45 – The booby traps of the higher self
06:40 – Golf as a reflection of self and relationship
13:45 – Moving beyond one-dimensional golf
17:00 – Emotions as divine language on the course
25:00 – Kundalini explained (plus some Pleiadean energy and sass)
43:00 – Setting intentions and spiritual sabotage on iconic courses
58:00 – Surrender vs control: how to channel unknown energy
1:03:00 – Moon phases, goal setting, and golf as a portal to bliss
Follow her on Instagram
In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, I sit down with Karl Morris, Europe’s leading golf performance coach and founder of the MindFactor Institute. Karl has worked with over six major champions and more than 100 professional golfers, helping them unlock their full potential by focusing on the mental side of the game.
We dive deep into:
⛳ Threat vs. Opportunity – How do you see the golf course? Is it holding you back?
⛳ The Power of Adaptability – Why consistency is a myth and how to focus on what really matters.
⛳ The Perception of Difficulty – How changing your mental approach can make tough shots feel easier.
⛳ The Value of Journaling – How a simple habit can transform your golf game.
⛳ Better Coaching Questions – How great instructors guide players without overwhelming them with swing positions.
Karl shares incredible insights from his time coaching major champions and explains how you can train your mind like a pro. Whether you're a weekend golfer or competing at the highest level, this episode is packed with practical strategies to improve your game.
📝 Resources Mentioned:
📲 Follow Karl Morris:
🎧 Tune in now and take your mental game to the next level!
Show Notes:
In this episode of The Connected Instructor, I sit down with renowned performance psychologist Dr. Raymond Prior. With a background in sport and exercise psychology, Dr. Prior has worked with elite athletes, major champions, and even Grammy and Oscar winners. He is also the author of Golf Beneath the Surface: The New Science of Golf Psychology, a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional sports psychology approaches.
Together, we explore what it truly means to unlock peak performance, why common advice like "just be confident" is often misleading, and how stable confidence is built from within. Dr. Prior also dives deep into the neuroscience of anxiety, impulse control, and why some golfers get "stuck in second gear" when it matters most.
Key Takeaways:
⛳ The difference between "junk food confidence" and stable confidence
🧠 How anxiety hijacks performance and what to do about it
🎯 Why expectations and fear of success can derail even the best athletes
🗝️ The surprising traits that separate elite performers from the rest
📚 How Dr. Prior's book redefines golf psychology for serious competitors
Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone striving for personal excellence, this episode is packed with valuable insights that go far beyond the world of golf.
📖 Connect with Dr. Raymond Prior:
Welcome to The Connected Instructor Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Walkey and Tony Greco, co-founders of Helix Golf Institute, to discuss their revolutionary approach to golf instruction. By integrating biomechanics, performance training, and a deep understanding of individual body structures, they’ve developed a principle-based method that’s reshaping how golfers learn and improve.
⛳ The founding story of Helix Golf Institute
🏌️♂️ How posture and setup dictate swing success
📊 The importance of screening players based on body shape
🔄 Breaking down common misconceptions in golf instruction
🏋️♂️ The role of fitness in golf—and why one-size-fits-all training doesn’t work
🎯 Simple yet powerful changes that can improve any golfer’s game
Whether you're a golf coach, a competitive player, or a weekend warrior, this episode will challenge the way you think about swing mechanics, training, and performance.
Follow Chris & Tony and the Helix Golf Institute for more insights:
Show Notes:
Join host Landon Michelson as he sits down with Jason Sutton, better known as The Golf Guru, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Director of Instruction at the prestigious Colton River Club in South Carolina. With over three decades of teaching experience, Jason has coached everyone from beginners to PGA Tour professionals.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Jason also shares compelling anecdotes, explains common misconceptions in golf, and offers practical advice for both players and instructors looking to elevate their game.
Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of coaching golf!
Guru's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfgurutv/
Show Notes: In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon Michelson welcomes Eric Duffett, the innovative founder of the Shot Pattern app, designed to revolutionize how golfers approach course management and game improvement. Eric shares his journey from being a passionate high school golfer to creating an app that combines his love for the sport with his expertise in coding.
What You'll Learn:
Memorable Quotes:
Timestamps:
Connect with Eric Duffett:
Don’t miss this deep dive into the game-changing strategies and tools that can take your golf game to the next level!
In this episode of the Connected Instructor Podcast, I sit down with Ryan French, the passionate voice behind Monday Q Info and a dedicated advocate for mini tour golfers. Ryan shares his journey from the restaurant industry to becoming a leading journalist for golf's underdog stories, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of players fighting to make it to the big leagues.
Topics Covered:
Ryan also dives into his advocacy work for mini tour players, his views on the changing landscape of pro golf, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Plus, hear about his unique approach to journalism that’s both heartfelt and impactful.
Follow Ryan on X (@MondayQInfo) or visit MondayQ.com to stay connected with his work.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with insights, advocacy, and a genuine love for the game of golf!
Show Notes:
In this episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon Michelson dives into the transformative power of mindset coaching and hypnotherapy in golf with special guest Paul Salter.
Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they shoot lower scores and play to their potential (on and off the course).
He has more than 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries to help them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.
Highlights from this Episode:
Paul's Journey: From a competitive young athlete to a professional poker player and now a mindset coach, Paul shares his evolution and why he shifted focus to helping high performers excel.
Golf & Poker Parallels: Discover how resilience, emotional regulation, and mindset play pivotal roles in both games.
Overcoming Mental Hazards: Practical tips for moving from unconscious reactions to conscious responses on the course.
The Role of Hypnotherapy: Paul explains how looking back at the origins of mental blocks can lead to breakthroughs in confidence and performance.
Crafting Your Golf Identity: Why embodying the habits and mindset of a lower handicap golfer can transform your game.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional resilience is crucial in golf—learn to respond instead of react.
Breathwork can help shift from high emotional states to focused, logical action.
Visualization and regression through hypnotherapy uncover mental blocks and build self-belief.
Approach practice with intentionality, focusing on small, consistent improvements.
If you’re curious about leveraging mindset techniques to elevate your game or life, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Paul:
Website: https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com/
Social Media: @thegolfhypnotherapist/
Podcast: The Scratch Golfer's Mindset
In this episode of The Connected Instructor, Landon Michelson sits down with former professional golfer Michael Buttacavoli. From a stellar collegiate career at Rice University to four victories on the PGA Tour Latin America, Michael shares his journey through the highs and challenges of life in professional golf.
Discover how he navigated the demanding world of pro tours, battled perfectionism, and ultimately found peace and perspective after stepping away from the game. Michael reflects on lessons learned, including the power of acceptance, managing performance pressure, and finding joy in competition again through amateur events like the US Mid-Am.
Key Takeaways:
🎯 Persistence Through Pressure: How resilience fueled Michael's career despite setbacks.
⛳ The Art of Letting Go: The mental shift from chasing technical perfection to trusting his game.
🏌️ Life After Golf: How Michael's competitive edge now powers his career in real estate.
💡 Pro Tips for Golfers: Play for stakes—whether money or pride—and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Timestamps:
Connect with Michael:
Instagram: @ButtaInMiami
Website: michaelbuttacavoli.ewm.com
Show Notes:
In this insightful episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, Landon sits down with Michael Whitehead, a former professional golfer, Rice University standout, and current fitness professional at Whitehead Fitness. They delve into Michael’s journey from college golf to competing in the U.S. Open, his unexpected shift to fitness, and how his approach to training evolved along the way. Now as a fitness trainer, Michael applies his unique experiences to help athletes, especially golfers, improve both on and off the course. His philosophy of “intentional training” and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for golfers and trainers alike.
What You'll Learn:
- [00:05:00] Michael’s college golf career and transition into professional play
- [00:11:00] How losing and injury led to his shift toward fitness training
- [00:20:00] Insights into the psychology of competition and handling pressure
- [00:35:00] Tips on strategic training for high-stakes play: driver control, shot shaping, and optimizing scoring
- [00:50:00] Balancing strength with precision—why “gaining speed” is only part of the equation
- [01:03:00] The future of golf training: integrating fitness, data, and personalized coaching to maximize performance
Follow Michael on social media to learn more about his work with golfers at Whitehead Fitness in Houston.
In this episode, Landon Michelson sits down with Joel Turner, creator of Shot IQ and Mind IQ, to explore the transformative power of mental training for athletes. Known for his revolutionary approach to handling performance anxiety and refining motor skills, Joel shares his insights on how shooters, archers, and golfers alike can benefit from conscious decision-making, speech-based focus techniques, and understanding open vs. closed loop systems in sports.
Key topics include:
Listen in to discover how to apply these groundbreaking mental techniques in your game, develop a stronger mindset, and take control of your performance.
You can connect with Joel Turner and explore his work through various platforms:
- Instagram Follow [@shotiq]
- YouTube: [SHOT IQ YouTube channel]
- Mind IQ Course: [Mind IQ online course]
In this episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist and mental performance coach. We dive into Dr. Lardon's fascinating background, his unique approach to sports psychology, and what it takes to truly understand the needs of athletes.
We cover a range of topics, from balancing the demands placed on athletes with creating a supportive environment, to how parenting styles can shape athletic success. Dr. Lardon also provides insightful strategies for managing anxiety and fear during high-pressure moments.
A key part of our discussion revolves around the mental side of competitive sports, especially golf. Dr. Lardon explains how mastering anxiety, developing effective pre-shot routines, and using mental scorecards to track performance can make all the difference in your game. He also shares a new mental training tool designed specifically to help golfers elevate their performance.
00:00 - Introduction to Sports Psychology and Dr. Lardon
02:20 - Family Background and Early Influences
06:42 - The Role of Parenting in Sports Success
10:33 - Balancing Pressure and Support in Coaching
14:58 - Understanding Athlete's Unique Needs
18:43 - Fear vs. Anxiety in Sports Performance
24:57 - Strategies for Managing Anxiety
25:56 - Understanding Anxiety in Competitive Sports
32:28 - The Pre-Shot Routine: Left Brain, Right Brain, No Brain
39:22 - The Mental Scorecard: Tracking Performance
46:23 - Transitioning Between Mental States
49:49 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
In this episode, host Landon Michelson sits down with Dr. Michael Kay, a renowned physical therapist and golf performance specialist, to explore innovative approaches to improving your golf game.
Key Topics Discussed:
Highlights:
About the Guest: Dr. Michael Kay is the founder of K Performance Physio in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Helix Golf. He combines cutting-edge physical therapy techniques with performance training to help golfers of all levels improve their game. His client list includes athletes from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, MLB, NFL, and UFC.
Tune in to learn how understanding your body's unique characteristics can help you unlock your full potential on the golf course!
Eddie Martinez, owner of Planet Golf in Miami, Florida, joins us for a fascinating look at how a small family business grew into one of South Florida's premier golf retailers. In this episode, we explore:
- The humble beginnings of Planet Golf as Alf's Golf and how Eddie's family got their start in the golf industry
- How the introduction of the Callaway Big Bertha driver revolutionized golf equipment and fueled a retail boom
- Eddie's philosophy on creating a positive atmosphere in his stores and why customer experience is paramount
- The importance of passing on golf knowledge and passion to the next generation of players and entrepreneurs
Join us for an inspiring conversation about family, golf, and building a thriving business in the ever-changing world of golf retail. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring business owner, Eddie's insights offer valuable lessons on success both on and off the course.
Don't miss this episode that showcases the heart and soul behind one of Miami's most beloved golf institutions. Tune in to hear how Planet Golf continues to shape the local golf scene and foster a love for the game across generations.
In this enlightening episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, host Landon Michelson welcomes Steven Yellin, creator of the groundbreaking Fluid Motion Factor program. With over four decades of experience, Yellin shares his unique approach to sports psychology, focusing on how athletes can access peak performance states more consistently. This episode is a must-listen for golfers, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental aspects of sports performance.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. The origin and development of the Fluid Motion Factor program
2. How the quality of space before motion impacts performance
3. Breaking free from "swing prison" and traditional mechanics
4. The mind-body connection in golf and other sports
5. Achieving wholeness and its effect on timing and execution
6. The role of simplicity in improving motion
7. Why attention doesn't equal execution in golf
8. The importance of silence and surrender in peak performance
9. Transcendental Meditation's influence on Yellin's approach
10. Practical tips for instructors to help students access fluid motion
Notable Quotes:
"The quality of space before you initiate a motion will more or less determine the quality of the motion." - Steven Yellin
"Attention does not equate to execution because if attention equated to execution, Rory would have won 10 of those 40 majors." - Steven Yellin
Takeaways for Listeners:
- Understand the importance of mental preparation before physical execution
- Learn how to access deeper levels of the mind for improved performance
- Discover the value of simplicity and wholeness in golf and other sports
- Gain insights into breaking free from mechanical swing thoughts
- Explore the spiritual aspects of golf that contribute to peak performance
Resources Mentioned:
- Steven Yellin's website: stevenyellin.com
- Book: "Simplicity" by Steven Yellin
- Book: "The Fluid Motion Factor" by Steven Yellin
Connect with Steven Yellin:
Website: stevenyellin.com
Location: Vero Beach, Florida
For golf instructors, players, and enthusiasts looking to revolutionize their approach to the game, this episode provides invaluable insights into the mental aspects of performance that are often overlooked in traditional instruction.
In this episode of the Connected Instructor Podcast, host Landon interviews Adam Fonseca, owner of Golf Unfiltered and host of the Golf Unfiltered podcast. They discuss the evolving landscape of golf entertainment and the recent Topgolf-Callaway split.
Key Topics:
1. Golf Industry Evolution
- Impact of Tiger Woods on modern golf
- COVID-19 golf boom and its effects
2. Topgolf and Callaway
- Rise of Topgolf as an entertainment venue
- Merger with Callaway and subsequent challenges
- Reasons behind the potential split
3. Future of Golf Entertainment
- Role of technology (e.g., Top Tracer) in driving ranges
- Importance of consumer education on equipment
4. Golf Equipment and Fitting
- Significance of custom club fitting
- Misconceptions about shaft flex
- Introduction to Forward Golf fitting system
5. Influencers and Content Creators in Golf
- Impact on younger audiences
- Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club
- Changing landscape of golf media consumption
6. Growing the Game
- New avenues for engagement through social media
- Balancing traditional golf with new forms of entertainment
Resources Mentioned:
- Golf Unfiltered website and podcast
- Forward Golf fitting system
- Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club
Connect with Adam Fonseca:
- Website: golfunfiltered.com
- Social Media: @golfunfiltered on all platforms
We hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion on the future of golf entertainment. Don't forget to subscribe to the Connected Instructor Podcast for more engaging conversations about the world of golf!
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Mental Game in Golf
- Importance of affirmations and mindset shifts
- Concept of mental golf type and personalized strategies
- Managing expectations and focusing on the process
2. Practical Golf Improvement Strategies
- Developing a clear pre-shot routine
- Importance of intentional practice and addressing weaknesses
- Emphasis on short game development
3. Goal Setting and Achievement
- Setting long-term and yearly goals
- Breaking down big goals into actionable steps
- Correlation between distance and lower handicaps
4. Performance Enhancement
- Value of consistency and accountability
- Benefits of tournament play
- Importance of self-belief and positive thinking
Key Takeaways:
- Mental game improvement is crucial for overall golf performance
- Understand your mental golf type to develop a personalized approach
- Implement a clear process and routine for every shot
- Set ambitious goals and break them down into measurable steps
- Aim for increased distance (250+ yards) to lower your handicap
- Engage in tournament play to improve performance under pressure
- Cultivate a positive mindset and strong self-belief both on and off the course
Guest Information:
Michael Leonard, host of the Wicked Smart Golf podcast, shares insights on golf improvement, mental game strategies, and goal setting techniques.
Action Items for Listeners:
1. Assess your mental golf type and develop a tailored mental game plan
2. Establish a consistent pre-shot routine
3. Set specific, measurable goals for the year ahead
4. Incorporate intentional practice sessions focusing on weaknesses
5. Consider participating in local tournaments to challenge yourself
This podcast offers valuable insights for golfers of all levels looking to improve their game through mental strategies, practical techniques, and goal-oriented approaches.
