Identity, Acceptance, and Performance: Why We Self-Sabotage on the Course
Flag Hunters Golf Podcast
Flag Hunters Golf Podcast
Identity, Acceptance, and Performance: Why We Self-Sabotage on the Course
Apr 23, 2025
Jesse Perryman

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Discover why your mental approach might be sabotaging your golf game with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Raymond Pryor. In this profound exploration of golf psychology, we uncover the concept of "stable confidence" – self-given permission to perform freely without guarantees – and how it transforms performance under pressure.

Dr. Pryor, author of “Golf Beneath the Surface”, challenges conventional wisdom about golf psychology, explaining why common practices like distraction techniques and positive self-talk often fail long-term. Instead, he reveals how acceptance of uncertainty and potential failure actually creates the psychological space needed to access your best skills when it matters most. This counterintuitive approach explains why you might play brilliantly after a terrible front nine – you've finally accepted your situation instead of resisting it.

One of the most powerful insights concerns the relationship between identity and performance. When we attach our self-worth to being "a good golfer," we create an unsustainable psychological burden that manifests as anxiety during important rounds. Dr. Pryor offers a more sustainable alternative: building identity around action-oriented traits rather than outcomes we can't fully control.

Whether you're struggling with performance anxiety, inconsistency, or simply want to enjoy golf more deeply, this episode provides practical wisdom for transforming your relationship with the game. Dr. Pryor's approach isn't just about shooting lower scores – it's about finding freedom, authenticity and joy in the process, regardless of outcomes.

What would it feel like to step onto the first tee completely comfortable in your own skin, accepting all possible outcomes while still fully committed to playing your best? That's the question at the heart of this conversation – and the answer might change your game forever.

 Thank you to Mizzuno Golf and JumboMax Grips. 

To reach us,

 Justin@elitegolfswing.com

Jesse@flaghuntersgolf.com OR (831)275-8804

Raymond, www.golfbeneththesurface.com

Episode Artwork Identity, Acceptance, and Performance: Why We Self-Sabotage on the Course 1:21:06 Episode Artwork Golf's Wisdom Keepers: Insights from Mark Heartfield 56:12 Episode Artwork Your Mind is the Most Important Club in Your Bag 48:25 Episode Artwork Unstuck: Performance Coaching for Lower Scores and Greater Joy 59:19 Episode Artwork Tempo: The Forgotten Key to Better Golf 57:14 Episode Artwork Grip It Right: The JumboMax Revolution 34:55 Episode Artwork Unlocking Golf Potential: Lauren McMillin on Integrating Yoga for Enhanced Performance and Mindful Breathwork 53:33 Episode Artwork Rising Star in Golf: Antonia Malate on Collegiate Success, Innovative Training, and Her Journey to the LPGA Tour 49:50 Episode Artwork Unlocking Peak Performance: Tanya Oliver on the Four Pillars of Holistic Success and Mindful Breathwork in Golf 1:23:17 Episode Artwork Harnessing Golf's Evolution: Nick Chertock on Open Forum Innovation and Personalized Coaching Strategies 1:03:34 Episode Artwork Unlocking Revolutionary Golf Techniques: Bradley Hughes on the 430 Path, Ground Force, and Equipment Impact on Your Swing 1:37:28 Episode Artwork Mastering Advanced Golf Techniques: John Erickson from advancedballstriking.com and Louis Brown on Club Transition and Mental Strategy for Championship Success 1:35:48 Episode Artwork Unlocking Advanced Ball Striking Techniques: John Sing on Revolutionizing Your Golf Game 1:19:58 Episode Artwork Enhancing Golf Performance with Emotional Intelligence with Laura Scott 1:16:00 Episode Artwork Unlocking Your Unique Path to Success with Sean Foley 1:35:38 Episode Artwork Mastering the Art of Golf Swing: Jim Hardy on One-Plane vs Two-Plane Swings and the Evolution of Swing Instruction 1:27:21 Episode Artwork Mastering Modern Golf Instruction: Eric Schjolberg on Personalized Coaching and Breaking Traditional Beliefs 59:16 Episode Artwork Transforming Your Golf Game: Anthony Broussard on Equipment Customization and Mental Mastery 46:47 Episode Artwork Unlocking Superior Putting Performance with Dr. Craig Farnsworth: Vision, Alignment, and Mastering Distance Control 53:30 Episode Artwork Unlocking Your Best Golf Game: John Mazzinoble and Billy McKinney on JumboMax Grips and Personalized Fittings 57:54 Episode Artwork Unlocking Superior Green Reading and Putting with Ralph Bauer: Insights from the Tour Read and Twirly Apps 53:07 Episode Artwork John Weir's Mental Golf Type: Tailoring Your Mental Game for Peak Performance 1:05:06 Episode Artwork Geoff Mangum on Revolutionizing Your Putting Game 56:47 Episode Artwork Achieving Flow State in Golf and Life with Paul Salter 30:09 Episode Artwork Conquering Self-Sabotage on the Golf Course with Paul Salter 39:49