From School to Summer - The Mental Side

🏌️‍♀️ Mental Side of Summer – Let's Talk Tee Box

Keeping Your Head in the Game as School Ends and Golf and other Sports Heat Up

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh energy—longer days, warm weather, and a shift in daily rhythms. For many families, that means the school year is winding down, and the golf season is revving up.

Whether you’re a golfer, a parent of young athletes, or someone who’s just trying to keep a balanced schedule this summer, this season brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth—both mentally and emotionally.

🏌️‍♂️ The Summer Golf Grind – Balance is the Name of the Game

From junior tournaments to elite-level amateur and pro events, summer is prime golf season. It’s a time to compete, develop skills, and test mental toughness in new environments and conditions. But with the increase in play often comes a decrease in structure, especially for student-athletes.

Here’s how to stay grounded:

• Routine matters – Even if school is out, build a daily structure: a warm-up, practice window, recovery, and reflection.

• Don’t overlook recovery – Golf may not be high-impact, but the emotional and cognitive toll of the game is real.

• Refocus often – A tough round doesn’t define you. Neither does a great one. Let the game shape you, not shake you.

⛳ For the Parents: Check in, Don’t Check Out

As a parent, summer can feel like a marathon. Camps, tournaments, travel, logistics. It’s a lot. If your child plays golf or any summer sport, here’s your reminder:

• Support and Encourage – Ask them what they’re learning, not just how they’re scoring.

• Create space – Let them decompress without needing to talk about golf all the time.

• Model calm – If you’re grounded, they’ll start to mirror that.

And don’t forget your own well-being in the process. There is a reason the airline tells us to put on our own mask first. Be proactive in modelling the right mindset and lifestyle. Others learn from watching!

With all the moving parts, you will likely drop a ball or two. Be kind to yourself. Plan better next time, and move on! The sun is shining! No use in whining over the past. The rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield for a reason. See the future you want, then attack!

⚖️ Golf Isn’t Everything – But It CAN Teach Us Everything

Summer offers the perfect time to talk to young athletes about balance. Yes, golf can teach patience, focus, grit, but so can hiking with family, reading a good book, or doing absolutely nothing. Balance is about finding that perfect swing, that perfect bite of food, or that perfect moment watching the sunset. Moments of balance are always available to those who listen.

Other sports: tennis, baseball, swimming, soccer, may be pulling at your family’s calendar too. Instead of chasing “more,” prioritize purpose.

Our families are our own personal teams. The more we can operate from that team mindset, the closer we become to each other. This summer, take time to really connect with each other on a deeper level. Ask the hard questions. You’ll be glad you did.

💡 Summer Strategy: Build a Personal Anchor

Pick one mental skill to strengthen this summer.

Visualization. Breath work. Confidence journaling. Intentional recovery. Self-Talk. Energy Management.

Train your mind like you train your swing. A calm and focused mindset is the competitive edge most don’t even realize they’re missing. Today is YOUR day! Own it!

🌞 The Final Word

This summer, give yourself (and your athlete) permission to be present, not perfect. Wins are fun, but growth lasts.

Play hard. Recover well. Stay grounded.

Here's to a mentally strong, emotionally balanced, and joy-filled summer on and off the course.

Swing into summer with the Mindset of a Champion!

Motivate, Overcome, Inspire!