There may not be a more important skill in golf than the ability to access your best swing when it matters most.
In the latest episode of Chicago Golf Report Presents: Off Course with Walter Lis, we learn from renowned performance coach Karl Morris, founder of The Mind Factor, author of The Mind Caddie: Become Mentally Strong, When It Counts and one of the world’s leading experts on the mental side of golf.
Over the past three decades, Morris has worked with major champions, Ryder Cup captains, and some of the game’s biggest names, including Louis Oosthuizen, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, and Ian Woosnam. His work has helped players better understand one of the most overlooked aspects of performance: attention.
During our conversation, Karl explains why the human brain is wired for survival—not for performing under pressure on the golf course. That biological reality helps explain why golfers of all abilities battle self-doubt, negative thoughts, and the fear of failure.
“The brain’s primary concern is survival, not golf,” Morris says. “The golf course can often feel like a threatening environment.”
One of the central themes of our discussion is Morris’s belief that attention is the currency of performance. While golfers spend countless hours working on their swings, few spend time training the skill that ultimately determines whether they can access those abilities under pressure.
We also discuss the famous “red dot” that Louis Oosthuizen wore on his glove during his victory at The Open Championship at St Andrews. The simple visual cue served as an attentional trigger, allowing Oosthuizen to become fully present for each shot and then mentally switch off between shots.
Beyond the golf course, Morris shares why the concepts of acceptance and gratitude become increasingly important as we age. He reflects on the idea that every golfer will eventually “run out of Tuesdays,” a powerful reminder to appreciate every opportunity to play the game.
The conversation also explores Karl’s simple yet profound framework of:
- Intention: What do you want to do?
- Attention: What are you focusing on right now?
- Acceptance: Can you embrace the outcome, regardless of the result?
It’s a framework that extends far beyond golf and applies equally to business, relationships, and everyday life.
Karl’s latest book, The Mind Caddie: Become Mentally Strong, When It Counts, distills more than three decades of experience into a practical guide for golfers looking to improve their performance under pressure.
As Karl writes:
“You don’t need a better swing—you need better access to the one you already have.”
Whether you’re a competitive golfer, a weekend player, or simply someone interested in performance and human potential, this is a conversation filled with insights that can help you both on and off the golf course.
About Karl Morris
Karl Morris is the founder of The Mind Factor and one of the world’s leading performance coaches. For more than 30 years, he has worked with golfers at every level of the game, including major champions and Ryder Cup players, helping them develop the mental skills necessary to perform at their best when it matters most.
Learn more about Karl and his work at https://themindfactor.net.
And be sure to check out his latest book, The Mind Caddie: Become Mentally Strong, When It Counts.
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Chicago Golf Report Presents: Off Course with Walter Lis explores the stories, ideas, and experiences that shape performance, resilience, purpose, and personal growth. Through conversations with golfers, coaches, business leaders, and thought leaders, we go beyond the scorecard to uncover insights that matter—in golf, business, and life.
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