Rick’s Journey: From Late Start in Golf to World-Class Coach and Psychologist

Key Points

• Late Start, Deep Passion
  Came from a non-golf background and picked up golf at 12 after a football injury. Fell in love with the challenge of the game.
• Walk-On Mentality
  Not recruited—walked on at a Division I college. Mediocre playing career but developed a deep love for the sport and its variability.
• Shift from Player to Coach
  Transitioned into coaching over 30 years ago. Initially focused on swing mechanics and “perfect positions.”
• Adapted Coaching Philosophy
  Learned early that one size doesn’t fit all. Adapted for players’ physical limitations, work ethic, and resources.
• Early Advocate for Golf Fitness
  Pre-TPI era: Studied how structure (e.g. tight hips) affects swing function. Integrated posture, flexibility, strength, and balance into coaching.
• Focus on Passionate Players
  Especially drawn to juniors and competitive golfers who were willing to work hard and practice consistently.
• Golf as Personal Development
  Realized golf was a vehicle to develop focus, confidence, and emotional control—not just mechanics.
• Advanced into Sports Psychology
  Earned a master’s and doctorate in applied sport psychology to better understand performance under pressure.
• Pioneered On-Course Mental Coaching
  Used playing lessons to simulate pressure, improve decision-making, and train mindset in real golf situations.
• Emphasis on Flow State
  Became an expert in flow—a mental state of peak performance. “Flow follows focus”: train focus to access calm, confident performance.
• Performance is State-Dependent
  Mental (focus), emotional (feelings), and physical (body response) states must align for optimal play.
• Modern Tools for Mental Mastery
  Now leverages wearables and neurotraining to measure and manage players’ internal environments, helping shift from fear to flow.
• Co-Founder of Flowcode
  Created a system to help athletes train toward flow states through breathing, focus tools, and mindset frameworks.