T-Time with Tori Totlis

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12. February’s Quick-9 Questions Including Playing Golf on a Budget Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with Babes Golf Founder Alex Andersen, and Dobson Ranch Golf Course instructor Natalie Farahani.

Listen in as Alex and Natalie join us to answer listener questions and give their best tips on playing and planning golf events on a budget, and how to deal with feeling intimidated as a female golfer when entering this new world!

Key Takeaways

? (8:38) Finding Clubs on a Budget as a Beginner: You don’t need the latest and greatest toys to grow as a player. Sporting goods stores such as Golf Mart in San Diego and 2nd Swing in Arizona can offer you a decent beginner or used set of clubs. You can get by just fine with a wedge, a 7, an 8, and a driver. And while it may not be the most exciting activity, just practicing your putting on a regular basis makes a big difference to your golf game in the long run.

? (16:02) Lessons on a Budget. A coach doesn’t need to have trained a bunch of pros to be considered high-quality. If you’re on a budget, the best kind of coach is one who you feel comfortable around. More coaches are offering the first lesson for free. Shop around and find the right match, because trust and relatability goes a long way.

? (21:25) Rounds and Courses on a Budget: Consider joining one of the smaller clubs in your area. They may not have the greatest views, but it isn’t difficult to find reasonable deals relative to what you’ll find at the more prestigious courses. In Arizona, you can get city passes at Encanto 18, Cave Creek, Aguila, Palo Verde, which give you discounts on green fees.

? (28:16) Hosting Events on a Budget: A growing number of golf courses are eager to see more women on the green. Connecting with these clubs and sharing your vision-mission with them can do wonders when it comes to keeping event costs down.

? (29:52) Plan early morning or early evening lessons. Most people have to navigate busy schedules to fit golf into their lives. Many golf enthusiasts are moms with full-time jobs. Try looking for coaches that do night training and driving ranges that are open late. Also note that a lot of courses offer junior golf programs.

? (35:32) In a man’s world, knowing your golf game is vital. It can be really intimidating as a first-timer to begin your golf journey. It’s natural, and everyone goes through it. The best thing you can do is get familiar with the process and your own golf game as soon as possible. When you’re looking at a country club, ask the women there how the culture is before making a decision.

Connect with Our Guest:

Alex Andersen: BabesGolf Website |

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11. Every Shot Must Have a Purpose with Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with VISION54 co-founders Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson. They are internationally recognized and are the two highest ranked female instructors in America. The pair co-authored four bestselling books, including Every Shot Must Have a Purpose, which we dive into today.

Listen in as Lynn and Marriott discuss the philosophy behind VISION54 before diving into four powerful principles for playing better golf: 1) Think small, play big. 2) Anger makes us stupid. 3) Make practice real. 4) Make pressure your friend.

Key Takeaways

? (5:19) “54” is a mindset and a process. Shooting 54 (trying to birdie every single hole in an 18-hole round) is a dream for any player. VISION54 comes down to keeping a mind open to possibilities. Professional golfers are distinguished primarily by a greater awareness of their strengths and gaps.

? (14:12) Think small, play big. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Allow yourself to have big and compelling dreams. However, seeing those goals through to fruition starts with the tiniest, seemingly insignificant step. Know the factors that are in your control and those out of your control.

? (21:42) Anger makes us stupid. Especially heightened emotions, anger included, blind us to perspective and coordination. During those all-too-familiar down moments in a game, the best thing to do is to let the negative emotions pass before making your next decision. Get the tension out of your body by sprinting to the next tee or doing a few jumping jacks. Celebrate all your good shots to raise your positivity all the while. In fact, emotionalizing your outcomes is one thing you can control on the course.

? (28:18) Make practice real. “There is a big foundational mismatch,” says Pia, “between range culture and the golf course.” Many golfers tend to train the same movements using the same clubs in the same environment, committing them to muscle memory. But the reality is that golf is a game of variables, and no two games will ever require the exact same strategy. Make sure to do all three primary forms of practice regularly: maintenance practice, performance practice, and future practice.

? (40:27) Make pressure your friend. Downplaying the intensity of the game might not actually be the best strategy. Instead, lean into the pressure, arousal, and adrenaline, if only to be incentivized to stay creative and on your toes.

Connect with Our Guests:

Vision54: Website | Instagram

For more information on the Breaking Bogeys Coaching Membership, please visit: BreakingBogeys.com.

To register for our FREE Pre-Competition Mini Course, "One Week Out", please visit: OneWeekOutChallenge.com.

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First

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10. The Reality of Becoming a Professional Golfer with Betsy Kelly & Leigh Klasse Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with Betsy Kelly and Leigh Klasse to do a deep dive into all things women’s professional golf.

Listen in as our guests talk about the experience of entering their very first USGA championship, as well as Leigh’s biggest lessons learned after over 60 tournaments and her thoughts on the upcoming USGA tournament on their home turf at Troon North Golf Club.

Betsy breaks down the ins-and-outs of Q-School and the expensive reality of traveling for tournaments. Money aside, she discusses what it takes to prepare physically and mentally for tour status with the LPGA.

Key Takeaways

? (13:51) There are three stages to go through in the LPGA Qualifying School (Q-School): Become one of the top 100 out of 300 female applicants, compete for full Epson Tour status (whittling further down to the top 45) and, finally, complete Q-Series to get your LPGA card.

? (26:06) You don’t make money unless you’re in the top 50 in the world. Women in the LPGA are struggling due to the high cost of participation. Every tournament which involves travel will set you back $2500-$3000 to enter, and there is no guarantee you’ll make that back, even if you’re one of the top golfers in the country. The most savvy players build a support network to have a place to stay in different states. That said, some USGA tournaments do offer the option to stay with a host family. Definitely take advantage of this option if available.

? (37:42) The LPGA requires you to invest in your own caddy. This is yet another big expense that most players overlook until the last moment.

? (52:16) There are two types of professional golfers: Those with “tour” status and those who teach professionally for a living.

Connect with Our Guest:

Betsy Kelly: Instagram

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

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9. What to Expect at Golf School with Milo Lines Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with golf instructor Milo Lines and golf buddy, Kareen Larson.

Having just experienced two days at Milo’s Golf School, Tori and Kareen share their highs and lows alongside their key takeaways from the program!

Key Takeaways

? (18:58) Milo’s golf school is for anyone who wants to see lasting changes in their golf game. Over the course of two days, you will get a chance to see where and how you fail, and how to then fill those gaps. Milo wants his students to walk away “with a fairly solid roadmap of where they’re trying to go and how they’re trying to get there.”

? (26:08) Milo’s best lessons are half-day immersions. This time frame allows you to get the “golf school experience”. One-on-one coaching also helps you uncover your points of failure, learn why you’re failing, and put a plan in place to address those challenges.

? (30:59) Focus on getting your driving to an A+ level. “You can’t play golf if you can’t drive,” says Milo. “I’ve never met a person who is a really good driver, who is not already a single digit or better. [...] If you’re long and straight, I guarantee you’re a low handicapper.”

? (39:08) Find an instructor who speaks your language. Great credentials is one thing; the ability to translate that knowledge for you as an individual is another. The best instructor for you is someone who jives with your personality and understands and appreciates your learning style.

? (41:24) Know your goal before your first lesson. Milo’s most productive lessons come when the student knows exactly what he or she wants out of their time together.

Connect with Our Guests:

Milo Lines: Instagram | Milo Lines Golf School

Kareen Larson: Instagram

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok:

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8. Inside Look at Being a Country Club and Professional Caddie Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with Tara Bateman and Michael Martin to get an inside look at being a country club and professional caddie.

After a quick update on their golf game and a look back on their careers, Tara and Michael do a deep dive into the role of a caddie, how they should ideally interact with their players, what to keep (and keep out) of the bag, how they get paid, and best practices for tipping.

Key Takeaways

? (18:32) A forecaddie’s job is to go ahead of golfers to find where balls land, track shots, and discuss strategy for upcoming shots and putts. The group of four rides in a cart while the forecaddie stays one shot ahead on the tee to aid each one. Beware not to “overcaddie”, especially if your player prefers to trust their instincts. The best forecaddies focus on raising the player’s confidence, while respecting pace of play by stepping in to offer advice only when asked.

? (25:41) When you’re playing golf, play fast and have fun. Even the best players go through that frustrating period halfway through a game where their strategy has fallen apart. Don’t worry about having your golf game judged by your caddie because the reality is that golf is a humbling sport!

? (32:41) If you’re a newer golfer, “you’re not that good to get that mad”! Get clear on the fundamentals and focus your training around your gaps. Know the typical percentages so that you have perspective on the average and be able to lower your expectations. For example, if you have a putt over 15 feet, you are already in the upper percentile of players in that skill.

? (34:58) If you want to be sure about how to pay your caddy, just go to the pro shop and inquire. Ask whether you’re paying base-plus-tip or tipping only, and also what’s a good amount to tip. There is no minimum, but anywhere from $20 to $100 is typical.

Connect with Our Guests:

Tara Bateman: Instagram

Michael Martin: Instagram

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website:

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**BONUS** Hanging Out at Torrey Pines with “NewLadyGolfer”, Alissa Kacar Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

Today we are touching base at Torrey Pines with Alissa Kacar – “NewLadyGolfer”. We chat about how she got started in the game a little over 3 years ago, how she got into Golf Media and what’s going on at the Farmers Insurance Open this weekend at Torrey Pines.

Connect with Our Guest:

Alissa Kacar: Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Tune in to the Farmers Insurance Open and Golf Life TV

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!

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7. What Does Good Golf Look Like for YOU with Lou Stagner Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with Lou Stagner, an Arccos Golf Data Insights Lead, Co-Host of the “Hack It Out Golf” podcast and one of the leading data research analysts on The PGA TOUR.

Listen in as Lou explains what good golf looks like, not just on the expert level but also for those with a handicap inching towards average, whether 10 or 20.

Key Takeaways

(13:08) Hitting fairways is not all that important. In fact, according to Arccos data, fairways hit is roughly the same no matter the skill level. For women, those numbers are roughly between 50% and 54%. The real difference-maker, off the tee, is 1) keeping the ball in play and 2) getting longer, as there is a very strong relationship between your handicap and how far you hit the ball. The biggest problem in golf regarding distance for women is not enough shorter tees. If you have an average distance with a driver of 175 yards, play a course between 4400 and 4600 yards.
(19:45) If you really want to understand your performance, focus on strokes gained. Aside from this, look at how many greens in regulation (GIR) you’re hitting. There is a very strong relationship between your skill level and how many greens you hit.
(28:02) Fairways hit is not that important. Keeping the ball in play is important. When it comes to greens hit, scratch players are typically around 11, while 10-15 handicaps are around 5. Hitting more greens is absolutely critical, but like tee shots, you have to limit penalty strikes. Avoid bunkers as well. When there is a fairway bunker in play for you off the tee, you are typically better shifting away from that fairway bunker. Sometimes, the most appropriate target is in the rough. Do your best to avoid bunkers, water hazards, and the out-of-bounds.
(35:37) It’s important to set the right expectations when it comes to wedge shots. Pick a specific target for every single shot you take, do what you can to land the ball on that target, then accept that the larger your handicap, the higher the area you’ll actually hit. Even the greatest players on the planet hit inside of a big zone with a wedge in their hands, and the gap widens the farther they are from the hole.
(47:59) You will only beat your handicap about 20% of the time. If you played a round of golf and had net par, your score would be in the top 20% of all your scores. Regardless, don’t get too focused on outcomes. Net par is a good goal, but consider it after the fact rather than letting the pressure of hitting a number affect your game.
(49:24) 10-handicappers average two putts from about 16 feet, which is a number everyone should strive for and is attainable through enough speed control training. As you get closer to the hole, you want to get every single putt past it. For a 10-handicapper, that distance is around 8 feet. The farther you are from the hole, the bigger percentage of putts you want to leave short, in order to get the shortest second shot possible.

For more information on the Breaking Bogeys Coaching Membership, visit: BreakingBogey.com.

To grab a FREE copy of the Round Report Card, visit: RoundReportCard.com.

Connect with Our Guest:

Lou Stagner: Twitter |

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6. Match Play Championship or Bust! Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with friends, Gary and Shannon Shaw, and Marci DuBois.

Tori, Shannon, and Marci chat about their recent experience at the 2022 Women's Match Play Championship at Aguila Golf Course in Phoenix.

Key Takeaways

? (19:55) Get used to playing different yardages. It's all-too-common to want to beat yourself up on the course when things aren’t going your way. We’ve all been there, and most players aren’t as “good” as you might think. Once you commit to playing with that mindset, one practical way to fill your gaps as a golfer is to expose yourself to different yardages. Growth really begins once you’re past the initial pain of trying something new.

? (22:21) Start playing tournaments outside your country club. Similarly, playing in tournaments you are unfamiliar with—in an environment and among people you’re unfamiliar with, doing reps under pressure—will do wonders for you as a golfer.

? (45:58) There’s always an opportunity to recover during match plays. “Just this year,” says Tori, “I’ve had two experiences where I had three down going into the back nine. I’d say, ‘Okay, I just want to get this over with. I just want to lose and go home.’ But I’ve now had two experiences at match play championships where I was down three going into the back nine, and have actually gone back to win it. It’s totally possible.”

Connect with Our Guests:

Marci DuBois: Instagram

Shannon Shaw: Instagram

Gary Shaw: Instagram

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

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5. Which Golf Trip Would Be Best for You?! Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

BFore Golf//Babes Golf Beginner Golf Event

Desert Classic

Danzante Bay Invitational

Creek Cup at Pebble Beach

Girls Gone Golfing to Ireland

The Dallas Shootout – More Info Coming Soon!

Over 4 years ago I decided that I wanted to start curating the most amazing golf trips and tournaments for women. I wanted it to be real golf with tons of fun and different learning opportunities from all angles. Most of all, I wanted to create a space for a community to come together and connect with other female golfers from around the country.

I take pride in my team’s level of communication, attention to detail and high energy throughout our retreats and tournaments. This space is meant to celebrate women’s golf, celebrate our love for the game and give us an outlet to have the most amazing time with new friends and enjoy gorgeous golf courses.

I take your investment of money and time seriously and it is my mission to host the best women’s golf events you have ever been to.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!

Instagram: @tori_totlis

TikTok: @tori_totlis

YouTube: @tori.totlis

Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!

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4. Golf Beliefs We Are LETTING GO OF in 2023! Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

Tori sits down with Kim Eaton to discuss seven unhelpful beliefs sent in by listeners to leave behind in 2023. These are paradigms that take up too much energy and do little, if anything, forour golf game.

Key Takeaways

(08:12)“I need to apologize upfront when I’m starting a round with strangers. ”They were where you were, once upon a time. Also, they’re probably not that good! And if they are good, they don’t care how you measure up. In fact, the better golfer they are, the morethey tend to concentrateon their own game.
(15:04)“I need to be ‘good’ before playing in tournaments or on nice courses, or traveling for golf.”If you’re a brand-new player, then you probably shouldn’t be doing anyof these things anyway. To play in a tournament, you have to have an establishedhandicap index, which is your performance progression metric. You also have to knowthe rules. If you can afford to play on nice golf courses, go for it.
(22:21)“I’m too old (64) to get better.”Nothing’s stopping you from taking a fewlessonsand making incremental improvements to a couple of aspects of your golf game.
(25:03)“I’d like to start walking, but I’m a little worried.”It can often seem like you’rebeing left behind in a group, particularly if you’re the only one walking. But that’s usuallynot actually the case. Ultimately, if you can keep up, then it’s not a problem.
(29:05)“I always let one bad shot dictate the rest of my game.”We’ve all had a few badshots or a poor front nine (ex. double bogey). Golf is hard; nobody’sperfect. Understandthat those bad shots are part of the game and, in fact, it’s often possible to recoverduring those last few putts.
(33:42)“I don’t have enough time to practice consistently.”It’s not necessarily theamount of time you spend practicing that counts, but the quality of your practice. 15minutes of focused work is always many times better than mindlessly hitting a bunch ofballs for half an hour.
(38:02)“I can’t hit my 7-wood/3-wood.”A 3-wood is one of (if notthehardest) clubs tohit.You don’t have to buy the best set of clubs there is. Have a beginner set with 10-12clubs, including a wedge, 7-iron, a 9-iron, and a couple of hybrids. In any case, it’s important to get fitted as soon as possible

For more information about the Short Game 100 practice program, visit: ShortGame100.com.

To register for our FREE Quick Start Guide - BFore Golf, visit: BForeGolf.com.

Connect with Our Guest:

Kim Eaton: Instagram

Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]

Get in touch!
Instagram: @tori_totlis
TikTok: @tori_totlis
YouTube: @tori.totlis
Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically re ...

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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