In this episode of the Golf Psycho Podcast, golf mental game coach Carlos sits down with Johnnie, founder of the Austin golf community Caddy Issues. Together they dive into how Carlos completely re-wrote his golf mental game, finally breaking 20+ year scoring plateaus with proven strategies for focus, confidence, and mindset on the course.
You’ll learn:
- Mental game shifts to overcome frustration and self-sabotage.
- How to build a resilient golf mindset that lowers scores.
- Why “keeping the vibes high” is key to better performance (Caddy Issues’ mantra).
- Takeaways you can use immediately to stay calm, focused, and competitive.
Whether you’re a weekend golfer or chasing tournament wins, these golf psychology tips will help you break your old scores and enjoy the game at a higher level.
⛳ Episode Highlights
0:00 – Welcome w/ Carlos & Johnnie (Caddy Issues)
1:22 – Building a golf community in Austin & growing the game
6:08 – Taking a 10-year break & returning with old habits
9:00 – Golf meltdowns, frustration & almost quitting again
10:04 – Rewriting the mental game: accountability & progress tracking
12:00 – Why gratitude became the foundation of mindset change
14:18 – Anxiety = future, depression = past… golfers do both
16:52 – Shooting 70s, then 80s… and the breakthrough shift
18:07 – The real scoring key
19:23 – Nervous system control & fight-or-flight on the course
22:18 – “Loading the Who”: the pre-shot mindset reset
30:44 – The Mo Willy tournament that changed everything
35:42 – Golf, anxiety, depression & healing through presence
38:34 – Golf as a spiritual practice & personal growth mirror
42:36 – Breaking a 20+ year scoring plateau at Wolf Dancer
47:34 – Shooting 74, 72, 71 after decades of struggle
52:02 – Golf mental game = freedom & enjoyment again
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💬 Share your favorite takeaway in the comments
🔥 Follow us on Instagram: @thegolfpsycho
🌐 Learn more or work with us: www.thegolfpsycho.com
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