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Check latest episodes from Links for Life podcast

Ego, Identity, and Why Golf Exposes What We Believe About Ourselves with Joel Suggs

2026/02/03

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy is joined again by Joel Suggs for a deep conversation on ego, pride, identity, and humility. Together, they explore how the words we use, the identities we claim, and the expectations we carry quietly shape our experience on the golf course and in life. This episode isn’t about swing mechanics. It’s about learning to accept facts, release false identities, and find freedom from ego driven frustration. (0:00) Introduction and episode overview (0:36) Humility and golf (1:06) Ego and pride in the game (2:31) Pride, insecurity, and self image (5:09) Ego vs pride and why language matters (8:32) Personal experiences with ego on the course (12:10) Identity and performance (16:27) Self perception and pressure (20:56) Philosophy of ego and identity (30:00) Humility and accepting facts (40:15) Language shapes belief (50:02) Practical tools for managing ego (55:26) Final thoughts and closing wisdom Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

How Do You Pursue Growth Without Letting Expectations Ruin the Joy of Playing

2026/01/27

How do you pursue improvement in golf without letting expectations steal the joy of playing? In this episode of Links for Life, Joe and Tommy explore the tension between wanting to grow and actually enjoying the game. They unpack the difference between goals and expectations, process and outcome, and how pressure slowly replaces joy when performance becomes the focus. A powerful conversation on learning how to grow without losing the love of the game. (0:00) Growth vs enjoyment (3:00) How goals shape the round (5:52) Process vs outcome (9:12) Trusting the process (11:56) Finding joy in improvement (14:55) Practice vs performance (17:49) Defining success beyond score (20:55) Staying engaged in the round (23:52) Finishing strong (26:55) Setting better goals Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

How Do You Play Smart Golf While Growing Your Game

2026/01/20

How do you play a smart round of golf while still pushing your game forward? In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson reflects on a frustrating short-game moment and the question it raised, how do you accept the game you have today while still building the game you want? The conversation explores the tension every golfer feels, playing safe to protect your score versus taking intentional risks that help you grow. Through personal stories and practical examples, Tommy walks through why improvement doesn’t come from hero shots or playing scared, but from thoughtful practice, honest self-assessment, and taking small, intentional steps forward. What This Episode CoversPlaying the game you have while building the game you wantWhen playing smart helps and when it holds you backWhy range confidence doesn’t always show up on the courseLearning from bad shots instead of getting stuck in frustrationThe difference between reckless risk and purposeful growthHow to practice with intention and bring it onto the course Key TakeawaysYou can’t grow your game if you never try new shots on the coursePlaying smart all the time can quietly cap your ceilingImprovement happens in small, intentional stepsPractice builds skill, but course reps build trustBad shots aren’t failures if they teach you somethingFocus on one area of improvement at a time Timestamps (0:00) Introduction to Golf Improvement (2:08) The Challenge of Finesse Shots (5:41) Understanding Limits in Golf (9:44) The Game You Have vs. The Game You Want (22:37) Building the Game You Want (36:23) Practical Takeaways for Golfers A Simple Way to Apply ThisPick one part of your game you want to improve this season. Practice it intentionally, then look for low-risk moments to try it on the course. Expect some frustration, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

The Top Lessons We Can Learn From Watching Pros

2026/01/13

In this episode of Links for Life, the hosts explore what golfers can learn by simply paying attention to professional golfers and how those lessons translate far beyond the scorecard. From unrushed routines to emotional control and focused decision making, the conversation highlights how the best players approach the game with intention, discipline, and self awareness. Rather than copying swings, the episode invites listeners to observe how pros think, prepare, and respond under pressure, then apply those principles to both golf and life. Key TakeawaysObserving professional golfers reveals habits that matter more than mechanicsTaking your time creates better focus and calmer decisionsUnrushed routines lead to freedom, not restrictionEmotional control is a skill that can be practicedGiving full attention to one shot at a time changes outcomesPlaying your own game leads to greater confidence and enjoymentDiscipline and consistency create space to perform freelyIntegrating heart, mind, and body improves both golf and lifeSmall adjustments in focus can produce meaningful improvement (0:00) Observing the Pros and What They Actually Teach Us (10:16) Why Taking Your Time Changes Everything (20:54) Unrushed Focus and the Rhythm of Rest (28:08) Discipline and the Freedom of Routine (35:23) Managing Emotions Like the Pros (47:54) Giving Each Shot the Attention It Deserves (59:18) Playing Your Own Game and Embracing Individuality Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

3x LPGA Champion Maggie Will on the Cost of Pursuing Excellence

2026/01/06

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson sits down with Maggie Will, a three time LPGA Tour winner, to talk about what excellence actually costs in golf and in life. Maggie shares her story of discovering golf at a young age, committing to the discipline required to reach the highest level, and learning how excellence evolves across different seasons. The conversation explores the difference between excellence and perfectionism, why self discipline matters more than external pressure, and how gratitude fuels passion over the long haul. This episode goes far beyond golf technique. It is a thoughtful conversation about growth, leadership, coaching, and choosing to live with intention in whatever arena matters most to you. Key TopicsThe cost of pursuing excellenceExcellence versus perfectionismDiscipline and self disciplineDoing the extra over the ordinaryGratitude as a source of motivationCoaching and inspiring growth in othersPracticing under real conditionsSustaining excellence through changing seasons (0:00) Intro and Maggie’s Story (8:59) The Cost of Pursuing Excellence (17:51) Excellence Versus Perfectionism (26:51) Discipline and Doing the Extra (39:13) Coaching and Motivating Others (50:05) Sustaining Excellence Over Time (1:00:00) Practical Golf Advice for Improvement

First Tee Jitters, Managing Nerves, and Playing Through Pressure

2025/12/30

First tee jitters are a shared experience for golfers at every level, yet many players don’t understand why they happen or how to handle them. In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy Thompson and Joe Wise explore the reality of first tee nerves, why they show up even in casual rounds, and why trying to eliminate them often makes things worse. Through personal stories—from casual rounds to tournament play—Tommy explains that nerves aren’t something to overcome, but something to play through. He introduces a simple framework centered on acknowledging nerves, slowing the body through intentional breathing, and giving extra attention to the think box before stepping into a normal, unchanged pre-shot routine. The episode emphasizes that managing nerves is about regulating the body, not overthinking the shot, and that first tee shots can actually become some of the best shots of the day when approached with clarity and consistency. Key TakeawaysFirst tee jitters happen to everyone, from beginners to experienced tournament playersNerves often come from caring, wanting to do well, or trying to impress othersTrying to fight or eliminate nerves usually makes them strongerAcknowledging nerves helps reduce their powerThe goal is not to remove nerves, but to learn how to play through themThe think box is where extra time should be spent preparing the body, not overthinking the shotSlowing your breathing helps calm tension, regulate tempo, and improve focusOnce you enter the play box, your pre-shot routine should stay exactly the sameRushing to “get it over with” often leads to poor first tee shotsWith proper preparation, first tee shots can be some of the most focused and solid shots of the round 00:00 First Tee Jitters and Why They Happen 02:59 Personal First Tee Stories and Early Golf Experiences 05:50 The Psychology Behind Nerves and Performance 09:12 Learning to Play Through Pressure 12:07 Why You Shouldn’t Fight Nerves 14:53 Breathing Techniques to Calm the Body 17:51 The Think Box and Pre-Shot Preparation 20:50 Why First Tee Shots Can Be Your Best Shots 28:02 Final Thoughts on Managing Nerves and Letting It Fly Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Jose Alvarez on Pitching for the Atlanta Braves, the Pro Rivals Open, and Finding Purpose Through Faith

2025/12/16

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jose Alvarez joins Links for Life to reflect on his journey from pitching for the Atlanta Braves to competing in elite events like the Pro Rivals Open and serving in golf ministry through Links Players International. After a 16 year professional baseball career, including multiple seasons in the MLB, Jose shares what success taught him and what it couldn’t, exploring identity beyond performance, the pursuit of lasting fulfillment, and how faith ultimately reshaped his sense of purpose. Through stories from professional sports, competitive golf, and decades of mentoring athletes, this conversation highlights how golf became a powerful avenue for meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and life changing conversations on and off the course. Chapters00:00 The pursuit of happiness in sports 03:03 From MLB pitching to golf and ministry 05:53 Competing in the Pro Rivals Open 09:12 Finding purpose beyond winning 12:04 Faith and family as the foundation 18:05 Forgiveness and overcoming adversity 24:02 The illusion of success in professional sports 30:02 Life lessons revealed through golf 39:12 The Refresh Box and conversations on the course 44:00 Identity beyond performance 49:03 Links Players 55:04 Golf tips, mindset, and faith in action Links Players - https://linksplayers.com Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Our Favorite Golf Games for Getting Better and Having More Fun

2025/12/11

In this episode, Tommy and Joe walk through a wide range of golf games—both team-based and solo—that make golf more fun while also sharpening your skills. From classics like Nassau, Wolf, Skins and Bingo Bango Bongo to creative solo formats like forward-tee rounds, back-tee rounds and reverse scrambles, these games help sharpen strategy, create pressure, practice smarter, and bring creativity back to the course. They also explore how mixing up formats reveals weaknesses, builds confidence, and keeps golf fresh and enjoyable. Whether you're playing with friends or testing yourself alone, these games give you structure, focus, and a way to practice the mental game in real time. (0:00) Intro (3:15) Golf Games Glossary (11:53) The Benefit of Golf Games (13:33) Nassau (18:24) Wolf (26:19) Skins (28:29) Bingo Bango Bongo (34:13) 3 Sixes (36:10) Getting Creative with Formats (39:09) Solo Games (40:00) Playing from the Forward Tees (45:09) Playing from the Back Tees (47:11) Self-Scramble / Best Ball (52:29) Reverse Scramble (54:53) Final Thoughts Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Creating a Golf Performance Routine (Think, Play, Memory, Refresh)

2025/12/02

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe break down one of the simplest but most powerful frameworks for playing better golf: the four-box cycle of Think, Play, Memory, and Refresh. Adapted from the book Be a Player by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott (Vision54), the framework turns every shot into a repeatable rhythm that helps golfers manage emotions, make smarter decisions, and execute with clarity. Tommy explains how each “box” creates structure around the chaos of a golf round. Joe shares how the model is helping him eliminate overthinking and separate decisions from execution. Together, they highlight how this cycle not only improves performance on the course — it also maps beautifully onto rhythms of daily life. Timestamps0:00 Intro 16:14 Introducing the four-box performance framework 20:16 Overview of Think, Play, Memory, Refresh 26:34 The Think Box 46:35 The Play Box 1:05:40 The Memory Box 1:16:11 The Refresh Box 1:23:55 Applying the four boxes to daily life TakeawaysThere’s genius in this framework — it simplifies everything.Each box is its own action, helping you avoid blending thinking and execution.The cycle repeats every shot, giving you a clean reset.The Memory Box keeps you from dragging emotions into the next shot.The Refresh Box is where rhythm, joy, and presence return.This same cycle maps onto daily life: plan, act, reflect, rest. ResourcesBe a Player by Pia Nilsson & Lynn MarriottVision54 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Why Most Golfers Never Improve and How You Can

2025/11/18

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe unpack one of the most surprising realities in golf: most golfers never actually get better. Handicaps stay the same for years, even decades — not because people aren’t trying, but because most golfers don’t know how to practice in ways that lead to real improvement. This episode dives deep into the art of practicing well. Tommy and Joe explore why so much effort gets wasted, what effective practice actually looks like, and how intention, experimentation, and honest self-assessment can transform both your game and your enjoyment of it. They break down practical strategies for range sessions, short game work, overcoming weaknesses, and building an off-season plan that sets up a breakthrough season ahead. Whether you're new to practice or you’ve been stuck at the same scoring plateau, this episode gives you a clear, encouraging roadmap for how to finally start improving. Takeaways:Most golfers fail to improve because they practice the same habits without intention.Effective practice is purposeful, targeted, and fun enough to keep you engaged.Gamifying practice boosts focus and accelerates learning.Experimenting with ball flight and feel on the range teaches more than grinding stock shots.Short game practice is essential — yet it’s the least practiced part of the game.Honest self-assessment helps you identify what’s actually holding you back.An off-season plan turns “winter rust” into real progress.Balancing strengths and weaknesses keeps practice structured and sustainable.Improvement comes from rhythm, reflection, and the courage to face what’s sabotaging your game.Better practice in golf mirrors better practice in life — clarity and intention matter everywhere. Golf Self-Assessment List (1–10 Scale)Use this to determine where your practice should go: PuttingChippingSand playPitchingHalf wedges (40–70 yards)IronsFairway woods / hybridsDriver Life 360–Style Reflection List (as applied to golf)Framework referenced by Tommy: CommunicationFinancesMarriage / relationshipsParentingHealthWork / vocationPersonal growthEmotional lifeSpiritual lifeRhythms / rest Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Improvement in Golf 02:42 The Importance of Effective Practice 05:48 Mindset and Intentionality in Practice 08:53 Making Practice Fun and Engaging 11:49 The Role of Intention in Practice Sessions 14:50 Experimentation and Learning on the Range 17:45 Short Game as the Key to Golf Success 28:03 Mastering the Short Game 30:50 Developing an Off-Season Plan 33:32 Self-Assessment for Improvement 38:47 Embracing Frustration in Practice 42:50 Identifying and Overcoming Sabotaging Weaknesses 47:44 Balancing Perfectionism and Progress Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Takeaways from Watching the Champions Tour

2025/11/04

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy and Joe share their biggest takeaways from attending the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. Watching legends like Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els, and Freddie Jacobson up close offered a masterclass in calm focus, emotional control, and smart play. They discuss how the pros manage pressure, recover from mistakes, and approach every shot with intention—lessons that apply far beyond the course. From slowing down under pressure to keeping ego out of decision-making, this conversation explores what makes Champions Tour players so consistent and how those same habits can improve both your golf game and your everyday life. Takeaways Champions Tour players model calm confidence and emotional control.Every shot matters, but no single shot should matter too much.Slowing down helps regulate focus and performance under pressure.Physical posture and pace can calm the mind and prevent emotional spirals.The pros know when to play smart and when to take calculated risks.The same mindset that improves golf can help us navigate work and relationships. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Bringing the Good News to the Golf Nation with Pete Hiskey

2025/10/21

In this episode of Links for Life, host Tommy Thompson sits down with Pete Hiskey, a lifelong golfer, ministry leader, and passionate advocate for connecting faith and golf. Pete shares his multi-generational story in the game, from his family’s deep ties to the PGA Tour and his 24-year career with Ping Golf, to his calling to serve what he calls his “nation”—the golfers of the world. Together, they discuss the mission of Links Players, the legacy of the PGA Tour Chapel, and Pete’s newest venture, The Saltire House in St. Andrews, Scotland—a spiritual home for golfers from around the globe. This episode is a story of purpose and calling, showing how one man’s love for golf became a way to live out faith, mentorship, and community across the world. Key TopicsHow Pete Hiskey found his calling to reach the golf worldThe multi-generational Hiskey legacy in professional golfHow Links Players connects faith and community at local clubsThe history and impact of the PGA Tour ChapelWhat it means to live out the Great Commission in your own “nation”The vision behind The Saltire House in St. AndrewsMentorship and investing in the next generationFinding purpose and adventure in life’s second seasonBringing faith to the fairways—how golf connects people and God ResourcesLinks Players: https://linksplayers.comThe Saltire House: https://www.thesaltirehouse.orgTimestamps(0:00) Intro (10:32) Links Players and Community Building in Golf (15:41) The PGA Tour Chapel and Its Legacy (21:55) Defining Purpose and Mission in Golf and Life (26:11) Connecting Golf and Faith (29:57) Living Out the Great Commission (32:03) Embracing Life’s Second Season (36:13) Mentoring the Next Generation (36:58) The Saltire House: A New Venture (45:08) Golf Tips for All Levels Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

The Greenbrier’s Justin Beard on Raising a Junior Golfer

2025/10/14

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with golf professional Justin Beard, Director of Golf at The Greenbrier Sporting Club, to talk about raising a junior golfer and keeping the game fun along the way. Justin shares his journey in golf, his experience parenting a talented junior player, and the lessons he’s learned about confidence, humility, and perspective. Together, they explore how parents can create a healthy, pressure-free environment that helps kids enjoy the game for life. From balancing competition and fun to knowing when to step back as a parent, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories for anyone navigating youth sports or simply looking to make golf a more meaningful family experience. Key TopicsGolf should be a fun experience for kids, not a source of pressureParents serve best as “guardrails,” not drill sergeantsWinning doesn’t define a young golfer’s worthConfidence and humility can coexistEncouragement is more effective than criticismPatience and perspective are essential in youth sportsThe journey is about experiences, not just resultsGolf can strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories Timestamps0:00 Introduction 4:05 The Ryder Cup Experience with His Son 8:55 Justin’s Journey in Golf 14:34 The Importance of Humility and Confidence 17:49 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf 22:44 Coaching, Confidence, and Character 28:15 Parenting as Guardrails 31:26 Encouragement Over Pressure 35:20 Lessons from a Summer of Competition 38:44 The ROI of Golf and Family Time 43:44 Introducing Kids to Golf the Right Way 50:10 Keeping Golf Fun and Creative for Kids 54:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Live from the HOPE Classic at the Federal Club

2025/09/30

This special Links for Life episode captures the energy of the HOPE Golf Classic at the Federal Club in Virginia. Host Tommy Thompson and co-host Pete Bowell welcome players and friends including Stuart Holt, John Atkinson, Steven McCarthy, Parker Thompson, and Isaac Nunn for memorable stories and reflections on golf and life. From miraculous chip-ins to hilarious mis-hits, listeners will hear how patience, humility, and joy on the course carry into everyday life. What You’ll Take Away How golf strengthens family connections and friendshipsPatience and humility as lessons the game teaches on every roundHow to embrace unexpected moments and enjoy the game without pressureThe lasting community impact of events like the HOPE Golf Classic Resources & Links Learn more about Hope Church and the HOPE Golf Classic at hopechurchrva.comSubscribe to Links for Life for more inspiring golf conversationsTimestamps (chapter markers) (0:00) Intro (6:24) Guest 1: Stuart Holt (13:15) Pete & Tommy’s Favorite Golf Courses (19:40) Guest 2: John Atkinson (32:10) The Craziest Shot Tommy Has Seen (33:36) Guest 3: Steven McCarthy (41:21) Pete’s Favorite Shot and Golf Lesson (46:33) Guest 4: Parker Thompson (50:00) Guest 5: Isaac Nunn Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Life Lessons, Self-Awareness and the Unique Experience of Golf with David Dwight

2025/09/23

In this episode Tommy sits down with David Dwight to talk about golf as more than a pastime. Together they explore how the game reveals what’s happening inside us (our mindset, emotions, and even our character). Whether you’re battling a big number on the scorecard, walking the Old Course at St. Andrews, or teeing it up with three generations of family, this episode shows how golf can deepen self-awareness and joy while pointing to something bigger than the game itself. Key themes you’ll hear: Why golf demands both mental and emotional disciplineHow ego and expectations impact performance and enjoymentThe surprising ways golf exposes character and fosters growthTranscendent moments on the course (from Scotland to Pebble Beach)How golf strengthens relationships and bridges generations Timestamps: (0:00) The Unique Experience of Golf (2:52) The Relationship Between Golf and Emotions (6:05) The Mental Game of Golf (9:05) Self-Awareness and Golf (12:00) The Intersection of Mental and Emotional Challenges (14:58) Ego and Honest Assessment in Golf (17:50) The Role of Self-Control in Golf (21:04) Enjoyment and Improvement Through Self-Awareness (30:42) The Dual Nature of Self-Awareness (31:12) Golf as a Source of Enjoyment (35:47) Expectations vs. Reality in Golf (37:59) Identity Beyond Golf (39:05) Distortions and Perceptions in Golf (41:51) Character Development Through Golf (44:24) The Challenge and Transcendence of Golf (51:29) The Unique Nature of Golf as a Family Game Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!