**100th Episode Special** Goals and Beliefs We Are Letting Go in 2024 with the OG Crew
The T-Time podcast celebrated 100 episodes! Host Tori invited guests Justin, Alex, and Tameka from the first episode to reflect on their golf progress and goals.
Catching Up on the Golf Games
Tameka’s Handicap Dropped Faster Than Expected
Tameka shared that she started 2023 at an 18 handicap index and had set a goal to reach a 15 handicap, but she exceeded that target and got her handicap down to 12.5. She feels the drop happened quicker than she was comfortable with and wants to play more local golf association tournaments to gain confidence at her new handicap level. Specifically, Tameka wants to focus on improving her short game inside 100 yards.
Alex Focused More on Course Management
Alex explained that she has implemented more strategies in her golf game after learning about course management. She now thinks ahead hole-by-hole on the best way to approach each shot. Alex feels she is managing the course better but her scores remain in the mid-80s range. A highlight was getting to play her first member-guest golf tournament with her friend Shannon, who Alex says inspires her as a skilled golfer still relatively newer to the game.
Justin Shifts into Online Golf Coaching
Justin discussed his transition into online golf coaching, which he says is producing great results by focusing his instruction on course strategy instead of overly analyzing swing techniques. His students track their golf statistics to identify strengths and weaknesses. Justin then provides measurable drills and tips tailored to each golfer based on their game data in order to help lower their scores efficiently. He is enjoying the flexibility of virtual coaching without needing to personally see each student's golf swing.
Tameka Overcame Tournament Discomfort
Tameka shared how she previously believed she was not yet good enough to play in local golf association tournaments. However, she pushed past her comfort zone in 2023 and signed up to play in several Arizona Golf Association one-day competitive events. Over the course of these events, Tameka gradually got more and more comfortable each time her name was called at the first tee box during tournament play. Her specific goal for 2024 is to continue playing more local tournaments, but be strategic in choosing them to specifically work on improving her short game.
Justin Confronts Pressure and Plans to Compete
Justin opened up about the intense nerves he felt during a recent club pro horse race exhibition at his club. Inspired by the fact he ended up playing well under that type of pressure, Justin set a goal to start competing in golf tournaments again in 2024 after taking a long hiatus from tournament play since 2009. He expressed believing strongly that players do not need to fix or overhaul their golf swings in order to score better but rather should focus on fully trusting in their innate playing ability. Justin stated he will work on building immense mental confidence going into tournaments to prepare for competing again.
Alex Eliminates Self-Doubt and Targets Sub-80 Rounds
Alex identified several skeptical “I can't” self-talk phrases she aims to eliminate going into 2024. These include doubts about her capability to consistently hit certain golf clubs well, as well as struggles to make short putts despite being able to regularly make much longer putts. After gaining a greater appreciation for understanding and improving the mental game aspect of golf this past year, Alex set a goal for 2024 of finally breaking 80 with her scoring after recently shooting a personal best round of 82.
Justin Explains Key Stats to Breaking 80
When asked by host Tori how many greens in regulation need to be hit in order to break 80, Justin questioned the entire group with the same stat question. He revealed that the actual answer is just 6 greens hit in regulation are required to break 80, compared to the 12 greens that need to be hit to reach LPGA Tour level standards. Justin emphasized that enabling the ability to break 80 with so few greens hits relies heavily on having an extremely consistent and reliable short game around the greens. He also noted that this allows golfers to play more conservatively strategically on very difficult holes rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Alex Plans to Work Past Specific Club Doubts
Alex admitted that the trick of pretending a problematic golf club in her bag is actually a club she hits very well has not fully resolved her issues. She is open to trying more hybrid-type clubs instead of traditional long irons since hybrids are engineered to be more forgiving and easier to hit. Alex will experiment with borrowing Tameka’s reliable six hybrids during an upcoming round of golf together on the course.
Justin Advises Avoiding Unnecessary Risks
Justin used multiple examples during the episode to emphasize his firm belief that golfers should always take a more conservative approach to the golf course when they are not at least 80% confident that they can successfully execute a particularly challenging shot. One scenario he outlined was deciding to lay up short of a green-side bunker instead of trying to test carrying the hazard with lower odds of clearing it. Justin states that laying up leads to significantly fewer penalty strokes and keeps hole scores cleaner. He reiterated that playing smart when making club choices and other strategic decisions is absolutely vital to anyone looking to lower their golf scores.
Tori to Focus Less on Scores and Just Golf Essentials
Tori confessed she has simply not enjoyed playing golf as much over this past year largely due to self-imposed pressure regarding her scores and expected results. She also attempted implementing a full golf swing change at one point which made playing the game rather miserable during that period. Tori has now set a simplified goal of working to reconnect with and recenter on golf's essence of fun and enjoyment moving forward. She will aim to concentrate more on just three basic keys: maintaining proper balance, rhythm/tempo, and tension-free focus.
Alex Details Legal Battle Around Women’s Golf Events
As the founder of Babes Golf, Alex provided concerning details about discrimination lawsuits that her women's golf community organization and several other California groups currently face. The primary plaintiff claims he is excluded from their golf events and activities solely based on being a man, alleging violations of anti-discrimination laws as his grounds to sue them. Alex reiterated that the reality is Babes Golf and similar groups have always openly welcomed men to be involved without issue. However, they are now forced to spend significant money and energy defending against what she feels amounts to legal harassment and threats. Alex strongly hopes the greater golf community will voice their support to help halt this antagonistic plaintiff's patently unfair strategy against organizations promoting women's golf advancement.
Justin Explains Why Great Shots Don’t Require Conscious Effort
In explaining the nature of an innate golf skill set, Justin noted the common tendency for poor first shots to be immediately followed by great second shots without a golfer giving any thought to tweaking their mechanics or technique. He states that conversely, conscious doubts unfortunately creep into the minds of many golfers during first shots, causing tension and errors. Justin reiterated his belief that the core problem occurs when players lose their confidence and belief in their capabilities, leading them to overanalyze and overly correct instead of fully trusting and repeating their existing skills that consistently produce solid shots.
Tameka Counters Notion Women Doubt Golf Ability
In contrast to potential stereotypes, Tameka lightheartedly shared how her own inner voice is actually overly confident regarding her golf ability and envisioned performance outcomes. Host Tori highlighted some of the societal conditions and other influential factors that can negatively impact many women taking up golf later in life compared to men. Guest Justin emphasized the importance of male golfers, instructors, and other industry representatives striving to correctly support women's entry and growth in the game with empathy and compassion.
Tameka Details Thrills and Surprises of First Horse Race
As a tournament format where groups must hole out well or face elimination on each hole, Tameka humorously recalled her stunned disbelief at unexpectedly advancing repeatedly during her first time competing in a horse race despite actively wanting to exit early. She had entered with zero expectations and was frustrated to keep surviving instead of being able to complete her planned errands for the day. Tameka eventually embraced the fun, supportive atmosphere and rallied her scrambles partner all the way to a second-place overall finish. She admits the uncertainty of outcomes still makes horse races nerve-wracking but now loves participating.
Justin Recalls Horse Race Magic and Family Support
Justin detailed the immense pressure he felt to perform at a high level as a golf teaching expert during his club's first time conducting a horse race exhibition among its professionals. His strategic club choice allowed him to advance each round all the way to the final playoff hole. Justin then got emotional on the course when his young daughter cheered “Daddy's turn!” out loud mid-tournament in view of all his students and peers, creating a special childlike moment that eased tension through feeling the joyful bonds golf facilitates.
Key Takeaways on Golf Growth and Goals
The episode's guests spanned beginner to professional levels regarding their golfing backgrounds and experiences. Their conversations shared wisdom around keeping golf fun first and foremost, focusing on playing confidently within one's abilities and avoiding getting hung up on rigid swing technique rules. Their 2024 goals targeted continuing personal progress and growth rather than specific statistical results. All expressed gratitude for the rewarding experiences and relationships the game of golf makes possible when emphasized as a lifestyle rather than just a sport.
Conclusion
In celebrating its milestone 100th episode, the podcast revisited three fan favorites to detail meaningful memories and golf insights they have gained over the past year. Their anecdotes again showcased golf's special ability to enrich lives by keeping priorities simple, providing a lifetime of learning, fostering community support even amid adversity, and staying present to appreciate all the moments together on the course.
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Connect with Our Guests
Justin Klemballa:
Instagram | Paradise Valley Country Club | Forest Highlands Golf Club
Alex Andersen:
Tameka Fox Hartman:
Twitter | Arizona Women's Golf Association
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