What Every Golfer Needs to Know About Training Smarter with Coach Mike Mac

Press On: Jordan Thomas on Resilience, Adaptive Golf, and Finding Purpose Through Adversity

What if you wanted to play golf, run, play soccer, or simply be an active kid — but the prosthetic you needed to participate wasn't considered "medically necessary" by your insurance company? That's a reality many children living with limb loss face, and it's one of the reasons Jordan Thomas founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation. In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, Jordan shares how a life-changing experience at age 16 inspired him to help children gain access to the prosthetic care they need to fully participate in sports, recreation, and everyday life. We discuss the mission behind the Jordan Thomas Foundation, the challenges many families face in accessing prosthetic care, and why every child deserves the opportunity to play, compete, and pursue their passions. We also explore the role golf has played throughout Jordan's journey — from recovery and personal growth to competing at a high level in adaptive golf. Along the way, Jordan shares his perspective on resilience, the mindset behind Lunch Pail Golf, and the balance between working hard, pushing forward, and giving yourself grace when things don't go according to plan. Whether you're a golfer, coach, parent, or navigating a challenging season of your own, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that resilience isn't just about moving through adversity — it's also about learning to meet yourself with patience, perspective, and self-compassion along the way. Show notes: * Jordan Thomas Foundation [https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/] * JTF Golf Tournament [https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/golf-tournament/] * U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance [https://www.usaga.org/] * Lunch Pail Golf [https://www.instagram.com/lunchpail.golf/] * U.S. Adaptive Open Championship [https://championships.usga.org/usadaptiveopen.html] * YoGolf Performance® (start free for seven days!) [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Kyla Jo on Reimagining Golf Instruction: Yoga, Mindset & Coaching from Ages 3–93

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by Kyla Jo, founder of Green Apple Golf Club in New York City — a growing golf community on a mission to make the game more accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for players of all ages. From young beginners just picking up a club for the first time to lifelong golfers well into their 90s, Kyla is helping redefine what golf instruction can look like when it's built around the whole person, not just the swing. With a unique background as a competitive golfer, theater major, and lifelong yogi, Kyla blends movement, mindset, and awareness-based training into her coaching approach in a way that feels both modern and deeply human. In this conversation, we explore: * How Green Apple Golf Club is introducing golf to women and juniors in a more supportive, inclusive way * What it means to coach golfers across the full lifespan—from ages 3 to 93 * How yoga and breathwork influence focus, coordination, and performance on the course * The role of mindset training and nervous system awareness in learning and playing golf * How she helps players build confidence in a game that can often feel intimidating or exclusive * Why golf can be less about perfection—and more about process, awareness, and connection Whether you're a golfer, coach, yoga practitioner, or simply curious about how mindset and movement shape performance, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how the game is evolving. Show notes: * Green Apple Golf Club [https://greenapplegolf.com/] * GAGC on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greenapplegolf/] * Coach Kyla Jo on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachkylajo/] * Sivananda India [https://sivananda.org.in/] * FocusCalm [https://focuscalm.com/] * YoGolf Performance® (start free for seven days!) [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Grab my free Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Why Golfers Lose Rotation (And How to Get It Back)

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69b9b9c7-b2f4-832d-ae4f-95b141afe415-2" data-turn-id-container= "request-69b9b9c7-b2f4-832d-ae4f-95b141afe415-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-74" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Why do golfers lose rotation in the golf swing? In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we break down the real reasons golfers lose mobility, feel stiff, and struggle to rotate efficiently. Learn how the thoracic spine, hips, rib cage, posture, breathing, nervous system, and movement habits all influence rotation, power, and consistency in golf. We'll also cover: * golf mobility * rotational movement * hip mobility * thoracic spine rotation * movement compensation * flexibility vs mobility * and practical exercises golfers can start using right away. Perfect for golfers looking to improve mobility, increase rotation, move better, and swing more freely. Show notes: * Episode 20: Why Golfers Get Low Back Tightness (And What Your Body Is Trying To Tell You) [https://yogaforgolfpodcast.libsyn.com/why-golfers-get-low-back-tightness-and-what-your-body-is-trying-to-tell-you] * Rotation-based classes [https://yogolfperformance.com/catalog/search?search=rotation] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Why Golfers Get Low Back Tightness (And What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You)

If your low back always feels tight after golf, your back might not actually be the problem. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most common complaints among golfers: low back tightness, stiffness, and discomfort — and what your body may actually be trying to tell you. You'll learn: * why the low back often compensates in the golf swing * how hip mobility and thoracic rotation affect your back * the role of the core, glutes, hip flexors, hamstrings, and psoas * why compensation patterns develop * how posture and sitting impact movement * common low back conditions golfers experience * when it may be time to seek medical guidance * and practical ways to improve movement, mobility, and support for your swing This episode is designed to help golfers better understand their bodies, move more efficiently, and support long-term performance and injury prevention. If low back tightness is something you deal with regularly, this episode is for you. Show notes: * Check out low back classes on YoGolf Performance® [https://yogolfperformance.com/programs/collection-eml3r7mkfue?category_id=169872] * Grab my free Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Meditation for Golfers: A Guided Breathing Meditation for Calm & Focus

In this guided meditation for golfers, we focus on one of the most powerful tools for your mental game: your breath. This short meditation is designed to help you slow down, regulate your nervous system, release tension, and step into a more calm, focused, and present state before your round or practice session. Together, we'll move through: • Breath awareness • A brief body scan • Gentle guided breathing • Pre-round visualization and focus This isn't about "clearing your mind" or meditating perfectly. It's about learning how to notice your thoughts, reconnect with your body, and use your breath as an anchor—both on and off the golf course. Whether you're completely new to meditation or already have a mindfulness practice, this episode is designed to feel approachable, practical, and easy to return to.