Why You Talk Yourself Out of Good Shots (And How to Stop)

From Linked By Golf by Ross McGuire

April 28, 2026 · 53 min · Season 1 · Episode 85

About this episode

This episode explores the mental challenges golfers face under pressure and how to improve their game through better self-talk and routines.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolfpodcast What's really going on inside a golfer's mind under pressure? And how much of what we tell ourselves on the course is actually making things worse? In this episode of the Linked By Golf golf podcast, I sit down with John Mathers — sports psychologist and expert in the mental game of golf — to explore why so many golfers struggle mentally on the course, and what you can do to play better golf by fixing how you think. John has spent 30 years working with elite performers across golf, tennis, snooker and motorsport. In this golf psychology conversation, he breaks down why it happens — and what you can actually do about it at any handicap level. Whether you're a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, if you've ever wondered why your best golf disappears when it matters most — this golf podcast episode is essential listening. Why golf psychology is no longer just for players with problems What elite golfers are really thinking under pressure — it's not what you'd expect The difference between judging yourself on outcome vs process What acceptance actually means on the golf course How to build a pre-shot routine that holds up under…

People in this episode

Host: Ross McGuire

Guest: John Mathers

Topics covered

golf psychology
mental game
performance under pressure
self-talk
pre-shot routine
handicap improvement

Keywords

golf
sports psychology
mental habits
self-judgment
performance
golf tips
handicap
pressure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Linked By Golf