When you watch Nelly Korda sink another clutch putt or see Scottie Scheffler calmly navigate the back nine on Sunday, you’re watching more than just elite skill. You’re watching a team at work. A player may hold the trophy, but the fingerprints of their team are all over it—caddies, swing coaches, trainers, mental coaches, psychologists, mentors, and parents.
Greatness doesn’t stand alone. It’s built on a foundation of quiet consistency, support, and sacrifice.
The Invisible Force
Think of a NASCAR or Formula 1 pit crew. The driver may be the one flying around the track at 200 mph, but they can’t win without a flawless tire change, fuel refill, or mid-race adjustment. The crew works under extreme pressure, behind the scenes, and in seconds. One small mistake—or one timely decision—can change everything.
Athletes are no different. They rely on their own version of the pit crew.
As a sport psychologist, I’ve worked with many elite athletes. And I can tell you: the team around them is often the difference between burnout and breakthrough.
The Coaches, Caddies, Trainers, and Parents
This month’s free MPGA webinar is dedicated to you—the ones behind the scenes. 👉 Register here
You may not realize it, but your words, tone, and presence leave a lasting impact.
Think about elementary school teachers. Research shows a single caring adult in a child’s life can significantly boost emotional resilience, academic success, and long-term well-being. These teachers may never know the full impact of their daily interactions, yet they shape the next generation.
You do the same.
When you coach through a slump, stay calm under pressure, or offer a listening ear after a tough round—you shape identity, belief, and trust.
Coaching Through Uncertainty
This month’s webinar is titled “Coaching Through Uncertainty.”
It’s more than just a timely topic—it’s a reality.
We’re all navigating unpredictable seasons—injuries, performance dips, family stress, or global chaos.
And here’s the truth: uncertainty isn’t going away.
But what we can control is how we show up.
I have been sending my students at MPGA an Instagram reel I saw recently of Brad Holmes the Lions GM reciting a short poem that’s been on my mind lately:
There’s no avoiding challenge. But we do get to choose which version of hard shapes us.
Supporting a high performer is hard.
And being supported well is rare.
Let’s gather for one hour to learn, connect, and sharpen our impact. Join us on May 29th at 8:00pm (ET). Save your seat for FREE here 👉 Register here
You’re more influential than you think.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up with care, awareness, and courage.
We’ll walk through practical tools, real stories, and mindset strategies to help you coach through the unknowns.
Join us for this month’s free MPGA webinar:
“Coaching Through Uncertainty”
👉 Register here
May 29, 2025 - 8:00pm (ET)
See you there.
Let’s keep building the team.
Your Mental Coach,
-Dr. Mat