What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Robert's solo practice rounds at Augusta before tournament week, playing the course alone with full access and no crowds
• His 88-year-old grandmother walking the front nine and watching the back nine from a cabin with a cocktail
• Getting an impromptu lesson from Davis Love Sr. on the Augusta practice tee the week of the tournament
• The birdie on 18 in round one that tied him for the lead and earned him a piece of Masters crystal
• Being paired with Jack Nicklaus in the final round and the story that had the whole group laughing on the 11th green
• The hidden design details Augusta National doesn't want you to figure out, from grass grain direction to Alister Mackenzie's visual tricks
• His one tip for playing Augusta National and why knowing your lines matters more there than anywhere else

(0:00) Intro

(3:26) Earning the Masters invitation

(6:27) Solo practice rounds at Augusta

(11:38) Family, the locker room, and the atmosphere

(14:37) Getting a lesson from Davis Love Sr.

(19:31) Round one: co-leading after shooting 69

(22:41) Paired with Jack Nicklaus in the final round

(25:07) Hidden design details of Augusta National

(53:54) Robert's one tip for playing Augusta

Resources / Next Steps: Share this one with a golfer who loves the Masters. It's one you'll want to listen to every year during Masters Week.

For many people who have attended the tournament at Augusta National, the experience exceeds even the highest expectations. The course is immaculate, the atmosphere is calm, and the hospitality feels intentional in ways that are rare in modern sports.

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy Thompson sits down with author John Sabino to explore what makes the Masters so special and the ideas behind his book, The Augusta Principles.

John explains that the project began with a simple question he asked himself after leaving the Masters one year. Why can the world not be more like the Masters?

From that question came a study of the principles that define Augusta National. These include attention to detail, respect for tradition, thoughtful use of technology, limited commercialization, and a commitment to improving the patron experience every year.

John also shares the personal story behind the book. After being diagnosed with leukemia, he stepped away from his business career and began researching the history and leadership of Augusta National. The project became both a research journey and part of his recovery. Augusta National has spent nearly a century refining the experience of the Masters. The conversation explores how those principles extend beyond golf and into business and leadership.

(0:00) Why the Masters experience feels different

(2:48) John Sabino’s first Masters and the origin of the book

(7:00) A leukemia diagnosis and the journey to writing the book

(12:08) What makes Augusta National such a unique place

(15:58) Continuous improvement and attention to detail

(21:15) Business examples that reflect the Augusta principles

(27:29) Favorite Masters memories and practice round traditions

(34:14) Civility and trust in the culture of the Masters

(36:05) Counterintuitive decisions such as low prices and limited commercialization

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play, to explore how the science of play can reshape the way we approach golf.

Mia shares the story behind the research of her grandfather, Dr. Stuart Brown, whose work helped establish play as a fundamental human need and led to the creation of the National Institute for Play. Together they explore how play affects learning, performance, creativity, and how golfers can reconnect with the reason they started playing in the first place.

The conversation also looks at how reframing success in golf can lead to deeper learning, greater presence, and often better performance.

Play personalities include:

1. Competitor
2. Explorer
3. Mover
4. Dreamer
5. Creator
6. Joker
7. Storyteller
8. Director

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction to the Power of Play

(3:20) Mia Sundstrom’s Background and the Origins of the National Institute for Play

(7:42) What Play Really Means and Common Misconceptions

(10:06) Play as Both a State and a Personality Trait

(12:53) Understanding Play Personalities

(16:09) Applying Play Styles to Golf

(22:24) Reframing the Way We Approach the Game

(28:53) How Play Can Improve Golf Performance

(33:27) Flow, Relaxation, and Being Fully Present

(37:26) How to Discover Your Own Play Personality

(39:22) Reframing Success and Enjoyment in Golf

(41:16) Resources and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Learn More About the National Institute for Play: https://nifplay.org

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with golf coach Brian Coleman to talk about the difference between lessons and coaching, why most golfers plateau, and what long term improvement really requires.

Brian shares his journey from aviation to golf, why he left a stable career to pursue coaching, and how he structures development with a new student. They discuss clarity, identity, nervous system regulation, and why “I just want to get better” is not specific enough to build a plan.

This conversation is not about quick fixes. It’s about the process behind becoming better golfers.

(0:00) Intro

(2:02) Brian’s Journey Into Golf and Aviation

(15:18) Lessons Versus Coaching and the Quick Fix Problem

(24:40) What Long Term Golf Improvement Actually Requires

(35:05) How Brian Builds a Plan With a New Student

(41:08) Identity, Letting Go, and Growth

(46:44) Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Learn more about Brian Coleman’s golf coaching at:

https://golfcolemans.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Drawing from 16 years on the PGA Tour, Robert explains why pressure is largely self-imposed, how elite players think differently in high-stakes moments, and why preparation, commitment, and reflection matter more than talent alone. The conversation moves through course management, visualization, breathing, and post-round reflection, while also connecting golf pressure to life, leadership, and growth.

This episode is practical, grounded, and focused on repeatable habits that help golfers perform closer to their potential when it matters most.

(0:00) Intro

(3:30) Pressure Is Self-Imposed

(5:21) Mindset Under Pressure

(15:14) Game Planning and Process

(23:56) Visualization and Commitment

(27:30) Reflection and Improvement

(36:39) Embracing Pressure

(59:27) Final Thoughts

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Together, they explore how the words we use, the identities we claim, and the expectations we carry quietly shape our experience on the golf course and in life.

This episode isn’t about swing mechanics. It’s about learning to accept facts, release false identities, and find freedom from ego driven frustration.

(0:00) Introduction and episode overview

(0:36) Humility and golf

(1:06) Ego and pride in the game

(2:31) Pride, insecurity, and self image

(5:09) Ego vs pride and why language matters

(8:32) Personal experiences with ego on the course

(12:10) Identity and performance

(16:27) Self perception and pressure

(20:56) Philosophy of ego and identity

(30:00) Humility and accepting facts

(40:15) Language shapes belief

(50:02) Practical tools for managing ego

(55:26) Final thoughts and closing wisdom

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

In this episode of Links for Life, Joe and Tommy explore the tension between wanting to grow and actually enjoying the game. They unpack the difference between goals and expectations, process and outcome, and how pressure slowly replaces joy when performance becomes the focus. A powerful conversation on learning how to grow without losing the love of the game.

(0:00) Growth vs enjoyment 

(3:00) How goals shape the round  

(5:52) Process vs outcome  

(9:12) Trusting the process  

(11:56) Finding joy in improvement  

(14:55) Practice vs performance  

(17:49) Defining success beyond score  

(20:55) Staying engaged in the round  

(23:52) Finishing strong  

(26:55) Setting better goals  

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson reflects on a frustrating short-game moment and the question it raised, how do you accept the game you have today while still building the game you want?

The conversation explores the tension every golfer feels, playing safe to protect your score versus taking intentional risks that help you grow. Through personal stories and practical examples, Tommy walks through why improvement doesn’t come from hero shots or playing scared, but from thoughtful practice, honest self-assessment, and taking small, intentional steps forward.

What This Episode Covers

• Playing the game you have while building the game you want
• When playing smart helps and when it holds you back
• Why range confidence doesn’t always show up on the course
• Learning from bad shots instead of getting stuck in frustration
• The difference between reckless risk and purposeful growth
• How to practice with intention and bring it onto the course

Key Takeaways

• You can’t grow your game if you never try new shots on the course
• Playing smart all the time can quietly cap your ceiling
• Improvement happens in small, intentional steps
• Practice builds skill, but course reps build trust
• Bad shots aren’t failures if they teach you something
• Focus on one area of improvement at a time

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction to Golf Improvement

(2:08) The Challenge of Finesse Shots

(5:41) Understanding Limits in Golf

(9:44) The Game You Have vs. The Game You Want

(22:37) Building the Game You Want

(36:23) Practical Takeaways for Golfers

A Simple Way to Apply This

Pick one part of your game you want to improve this season. Practice it intentionally, then look for low-risk moments to try it on the course. Expect some frustration, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Key Takeaways

• Observing professional golfers reveals habits that matter more than mechanics
• Taking your time creates better focus and calmer decisions
• Unrushed routines lead to freedom, not restriction
• Emotional control is a skill that can be practiced
• Giving full attention to one shot at a time changes outcomes
• Playing your own game leads to greater confidence and enjoyment
• Discipline and consistency create space to perform freely
• Integrating heart, mind, and body improves both golf and life
• Small adjustments in focus can produce meaningful improvement

(0:00) Observing the Pros and What They Actually Teach Us

(10:16) Why Taking Your Time Changes Everything

(20:54) Unrushed Focus and the Rhythm of Rest

(28:08) Discipline and the Freedom of Routine

(35:23) Managing Emotions Like the Pros

(47:54) Giving Each Shot the Attention It Deserves

(59:18) Playing Your Own Game and Embracing Individuality

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Maggie shares her story of discovering golf at a young age, committing to the discipline required to reach the highest level, and learning how excellence evolves across different seasons. The conversation explores the difference between excellence and perfectionism, why self discipline matters more than external pressure, and how gratitude fuels passion over the long haul.

This episode goes far beyond golf technique. It is a thoughtful conversation about growth, leadership, coaching, and choosing to live with intention in whatever arena matters most to you.

Key Topics

• The cost of pursuing excellence
• Excellence versus perfectionism
• Discipline and self discipline
• Doing the extra over the ordinary
• Gratitude as a source of motivation
• Coaching and inspiring growth in others
• Practicing under real conditions
• Sustaining excellence through changing seasons

(0:00) Intro and Maggie’s Story

(8:59) The Cost of Pursuing Excellence

(17:51) Excellence Versus Perfectionism

(26:51) Discipline and Doing the Extra

(39:13) Coaching and Motivating Others

(50:05) Sustaining Excellence Over Time

(1:00:00) Practical Golf Advice for Improvement

Through personal stories—from casual rounds to tournament play—Tommy explains that nerves aren’t something to overcome, but something to play through. He introduces a simple framework centered on acknowledging nerves, slowing the body through intentional breathing, and giving extra attention to the think box before stepping into a normal, unchanged pre-shot routine. The episode emphasizes that managing nerves is about regulating the body, not overthinking the shot, and that first tee shots can actually become some of the best shots of the day when approached with clarity and consistency.

Key Takeaways

• First tee jitters happen to everyone, from beginners to experienced tournament players
• Nerves often come from caring, wanting to do well, or trying to impress others
• Trying to fight or eliminate nerves usually makes them stronger
• Acknowledging nerves helps reduce their power
• The goal is not to remove nerves, but to learn how to play through them
• The think box is where extra time should be spent preparing the body, not overthinking the shot
• Slowing your breathing helps calm tension, regulate tempo, and improve focus
• Once you enter the play box, your pre-shot routine should stay exactly the same
• Rushing to “get it over with” often leads to poor first tee shots
• With proper preparation, first tee shots can be some of the most focused and solid shots of the round

00:00 First Tee Jitters and Why They Happen

02:59 Personal First Tee Stories and Early Golf Experiences

05:50 The Psychology Behind Nerves and Performance

09:12 Learning to Play Through Pressure

12:07 Why You Shouldn’t Fight Nerves

14:53 Breathing Techniques to Calm the Body

17:51 The Think Box and Pre-Shot Preparation

20:50 Why First Tee Shots Can Be Your Best Shots

28:02 Final Thoughts on Managing Nerves and Letting It Fly

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Chapters

00:00 The pursuit of happiness in sports

03:03 From MLB pitching to golf and ministry

05:53 Competing in the Pro Rivals Open

09:12 Finding purpose beyond winning

12:04 Faith and family as the foundation

18:05 Forgiveness and overcoming adversity

24:02 The illusion of success in professional sports

30:02 Life lessons revealed through golf

39:12 The Refresh Box and conversations on the course

44:00 Identity beyond performance

49:03 Links Players

55:04 Golf tips, mindset, and faith in action

Links Players - https://linksplayers.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

They also explore how mixing up formats reveals weaknesses, builds confidence, and keeps golf fresh and enjoyable. Whether you're playing with friends or testing yourself alone, these games give you structure, focus, and a way to practice the mental game in real time.

(0:00) Intro

(3:15) Golf Games Glossary

(11:53) The Benefit of Golf Games

(13:33) Nassau

(18:24) Wolf

(26:19) Skins

(28:29) Bingo Bango Bongo

(34:13) 3 Sixes

(36:10) Getting Creative with Formats

(39:09) Solo Games

(40:00) Playing from the Forward Tees

(45:09) Playing from the Back Tees

(47:11) Self-Scramble / Best Ball

(52:29) Reverse Scramble

(54:53) Final Thoughts

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Tommy explains how each “box” creates structure around the chaos of a golf round. Joe shares how the model is helping him eliminate overthinking and separate decisions from execution. Together, they highlight how this cycle not only improves performance on the course — it also maps beautifully onto rhythms of daily life.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro

16:14 Introducing the four-box performance framework

20:16 Overview of Think, Play, Memory, Refresh

26:34 The Think Box

46:35 The Play Box

1:05:40 The Memory Box

1:16:11 The Refresh Box

1:23:55 Applying the four boxes to daily life

Takeaways

• There’s genius in this framework — it simplifies everything.
• Each box is its own action, helping you avoid blending thinking and execution.
• The cycle repeats every shot, giving you a clean reset.
• The Memory Box keeps you from dragging emotions into the next shot.
• The Refresh Box is where rhythm, joy, and presence return.
• This same cycle maps onto daily life: plan, act, reflect, rest.

Resources

• Be a Player by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott
• Vision54

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

This episode dives deep into the art of practicing well. Tommy and Joe explore why so much effort gets wasted, what effective practice actually looks like, and how intention, experimentation, and honest self-assessment can transform both your game and your enjoyment of it. They break down practical strategies for range sessions, short game work, overcoming weaknesses, and building an off-season plan that sets up a breakthrough season ahead.

Whether you're new to practice or you’ve been stuck at the same scoring plateau, this episode gives you a clear, encouraging roadmap for how to finally start improving.

Takeaways:

• Most golfers fail to improve because they practice the same habits without intention.
• Effective practice is purposeful, targeted, and fun enough to keep you engaged.
• Gamifying practice boosts focus and accelerates learning.
• Experimenting with ball flight and feel on the range teaches more than grinding stock shots.
• Short game practice is essential — yet it’s the least practiced part of the game.
• Honest self-assessment helps you identify what’s actually holding you back.
• An off-season plan turns “winter rust” into real progress.
• Balancing strengths and weaknesses keeps practice structured and sustainable.
• Improvement comes from rhythm, reflection, and the courage to face what’s sabotaging your game.
• Better practice in golf mirrors better practice in life — clarity and intention matter everywhere.

Golf Self-Assessment List (1–10 Scale)

Use this to determine where your practice should go:

• Putting
• Chipping
• Sand play
• Pitching
• Half wedges (40–70 yards)
• Irons
• Fairway woods / hybrids
• Driver

Life 360–Style Reflection List (as applied to golf)

Framework referenced by Tommy:

• Communication
• Finances
• Marriage / relationships
• Parenting
• Health
• Work / vocation
• Personal growth
• Emotional life
• Spiritual life
• Rhythms / rest

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Improvement in Golf

02:42 The Importance of Effective Practice

05:48 Mindset and Intentionality in Practice

08:53 Making Practice Fun and Engaging

11:49 The Role of Intention in Practice Sessions

14:50 Experimentation and Learning on the Range

17:45 Short Game as the Key to Golf Success

28:03 Mastering the Short Game

30:50 Developing an Off-Season Plan

33:32 Self-Assessment for Improvement

38:47 Embracing Frustration in Practice

42:50 Identifying and Overcoming Sabotaging Weaknesses

47:44 Balancing Perfectionism and Progress

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

From slowing down under pressure to keeping ego out of decision-making, this conversation explores what makes Champions Tour players so consistent and how those same habits can improve both your golf game and your everyday life.

Takeaways

• Champions Tour players model calm confidence and emotional control.
• Every shot matters, but no single shot should matter too much.
• Slowing down helps regulate focus and performance under pressure.
• Physical posture and pace can calm the mind and prevent emotional spirals.
• The pros know when to play smart and when to take calculated risks.
• The same mindset that improves golf can help us navigate work and relationships.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Pete shares his multi-generational story in the game, from his family’s deep ties to the PGA Tour and his 24-year career with Ping Golf, to his calling to serve what he calls his “nation”—the golfers of the world. Together, they discuss the mission of Links Players, the legacy of the PGA Tour Chapel, and Pete’s newest venture, The Saltire House in St. Andrews, Scotland—a spiritual home for golfers from around the globe.

This episode is a story of purpose and calling, showing how one man’s love for golf became a way to live out faith, mentorship, and community across the world.

Key Topics

• How Pete Hiskey found his calling to reach the golf world
• The multi-generational Hiskey legacy in professional golf
• How Links Players connects faith and community at local clubs
• The history and impact of the PGA Tour Chapel
• What it means to live out the Great Commission in your own “nation”
• The vision behind The Saltire House in St. Andrews
• Mentorship and investing in the next generation
• Finding purpose and adventure in life’s second season
• Bringing faith to the fairways—how golf connects people and God

Resources

• Links Players: https://linksplayers.com
• The Saltire House: https://www.thesaltirehouse.org

Timestamps

(0:00) Intro

(10:32) Links Players and Community Building in Golf

(15:41) The PGA Tour Chapel and Its Legacy

(21:55) Defining Purpose and Mission in Golf and Life

(26:11) Connecting Golf and Faith

(29:57) Living Out the Great Commission

(32:03) Embracing Life’s Second Season

(36:13) Mentoring the Next Generation

(36:58) The Saltire House: A New Venture

(45:08) Golf Tips for All Levels

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Justin shares his journey in golf, his experience parenting a talented junior player, and the lessons he’s learned about confidence, humility, and perspective. Together, they explore how parents can create a healthy, pressure-free environment that helps kids enjoy the game for life.

From balancing competition and fun to knowing when to step back as a parent, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories for anyone navigating youth sports or simply looking to make golf a more meaningful family experience.

Key Topics

• Golf should be a fun experience for kids, not a source of pressure
• Parents serve best as “guardrails,” not drill sergeants
• Winning doesn’t define a young golfer’s worth
• Confidence and humility can coexist
• Encouragement is more effective than criticism
• Patience and perspective are essential in youth sports
• The journey is about experiences, not just results
• Golf can strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

4:05 The Ryder Cup Experience with His Son

8:55 Justin’s Journey in Golf

14:34 The Importance of Humility and Confidence

17:49 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf

22:44 Coaching, Confidence, and Character

28:15 Parenting as Guardrails

31:26 Encouragement Over Pressure

35:20 Lessons from a Summer of Competition

38:44 The ROI of Golf and Family Time

43:44 Introducing Kids to Golf the Right Way

50:10 Keeping Golf Fun and Creative for Kids

54:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

What You’ll Take Away

• How golf strengthens family connections and friendships
• Patience and humility as lessons the game teaches on every round
• How to embrace unexpected moments and enjoy the game without pressure
• The lasting community impact of events like the HOPE Golf Classic

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Hope Church and the HOPE Golf Classic at hopechurchrva.com
• Subscribe to Links for Life for more inspiring golf conversations
• 
  

Timestamps (chapter markers)

(0:00) Intro

(6:24) Guest 1: Stuart Holt

(13:15) Pete & Tommy’s Favorite Golf Courses

(19:40) Guest 2: John Atkinson

(32:10) The Craziest Shot Tommy Has Seen

(33:36) Guest 3: Steven McCarthy

(41:21) Pete’s Favorite Shot and Golf Lesson

(46:33) Guest 4: Parker Thompson

(50:00) Guest 5: Isaac Nunn

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Key themes you’ll hear:

• Why golf demands both mental and emotional discipline
• How ego and expectations impact performance and enjoyment
• The surprising ways golf exposes character and fosters growth
• Transcendent moments on the course (from Scotland to Pebble Beach)
• How golf strengthens relationships and bridges generations

Timestamps:

(0:00) The Unique Experience of Golf

(2:52) The Relationship Between Golf and Emotions

(6:05) The Mental Game of Golf

(9:05) Self-Awareness and Golf

(12:00) The Intersection of Mental and Emotional Challenges

(14:58) Ego and Honest Assessment in Golf

(17:50) The Role of Self-Control in Golf

(21:04) Enjoyment and Improvement Through Self-Awareness

(30:42) The Dual Nature of Self-Awareness

(31:12) Golf as a Source of Enjoyment

(35:47) Expectations vs. Reality in Golf

(37:59) Identity Beyond Golf

(39:05) Distortions and Perceptions in Golf

(41:51) Character Development Through Golf

(44:24) The Challenge and Transcendence of Golf

(51:29) The Unique Nature of Golf as a Family Game

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

In This Episode

• Golf as a platform for meaningful conversation and connection
• Removing intimidation by prioritizing fun over competition
• Unclubbed’s journey from a 40-name spreadsheet to a thriving community
• Strengthening relationships in business, family, and faith through golf
• Practical ideas to let golf serve what matters most in your life

Timestamps

(0:00) Why Golf Brings People Together

(5:10) Will’s Journey into the Game

(7:09) Making Golf Accessible for Everyone

(10:32) The Tuesday Plan

(12:15) Unclubbed’s Growth to 1,200 Members

(14:11) Connection Over Competition

(18:33) Redefining Club Culture

(21:17) Unclubbed in Practice

(30:49) Golf as a Platform for Relationships and Growth

(36:52) Golf as a Mirror for Character

(40:43) How to Join Unclubbed

(43:46) Final Thoughts

Unclubbed — open, social golf league: https://unclubbedgolf.com/

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

So, grab your clubs and get ready for a conversation that will transform not just your game but your outlook on life. Let’s tee off on this exciting journey together!