When It Counts

When It Didn’t Go as Planned: Lessons from the Tournament

You prepare. You put in the work. You expect to compete. And then… it doesn’t go as planned. In this episode, Richard breaks down his recent tournament rounds at Spanish Oaks—the highs, the mistakes, and the moments that changed everything. From a brutal opening hole to equipment decisions, mental battles, and course management under pressure, this is an honest look at what really happens when you step into competition. This isn’t about perfect golf—it’s about how quickly you recover, the decisions you make when things go wrong, and what it actually takes to stay in the round. If you’ve ever struggled to translate your game to competition, this episode will hit home.

Why Rory Won the Masters — And Why Everyone Else Didn’t

Winning the Masters isn’t about playing perfect golf—and this year proved it. In this episode, Richard Christensen and Steve Nelson break down the final round and uncover what really decided the tournament. From Rory McIlroy’s early double bogey to the missed opportunities from players like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, and Cameron Young, this wasn’t a story of perfect swings—it was a story of decision-making under pressure. They walk through the key moments that shifted momentum, the sequences that cost players the tournament, and the mindset that allowed Rory to separate himself when it mattered most. If you’ve ever wondered why some players close… and others don’t—this episode breaks it down. Because in the end, it’s not about avoiding mistakes. It’s about what you do next.

Masters Memories: The Moments That Stay With You

There are tournaments you watch… and then there’s The Masters. In this episode of When It Counts, Richard and Steve take a step back from analysis and predictions to talk about what makes Augusta National and The Masters Tournament so memorable. Steve shares what it’s like to be on the grounds at Augusta—where to watch, what you can’t see on TV, and why the course is even more dramatic in person. Together, they revisit the shots, players, and moments that have stayed with them over the years, and reflect on the traditions that make this tournament unlike any other. Because The Masters isn’t just a tournament—it’s a collection of memories that stays with you long after the final putt drops.

Practice vs Playing: Why Your Range Game Doesn’t Show Up on the Course

Most golfers have experienced it. You’re hitting it great on the range—pure strikes, solid contact, everything feels right. Then you step onto the first tee… and it’s gone. In this episode of When It Counts, Richard and Steve break down the difference between practice and playing, and why your range game doesn’t always transfer to the course. They discuss: * Why the range can give you a false sense of confidence * How pressure and consequence change your swing * The dangers of “block practice” and mindless repetition * How to practice with purpose so your game holds up when it matters * Simple ways to add pressure and competition to your training Because it’s not just about how you swing—it’s about how you practice. And if your practice doesn’t transfer, it won’t hold up when it counts.

Stay in the Round: Why Golf Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Golf isn’t lost on one swing — and it’s not won in one moment either. In this episode, Richard and Steve break down why golf is truly a marathon, not a sprint. Over five hours and 18 holes, the real challenge isn’t avoiding mistakes — it’s how you respond when they happen. They dive into: * When a round is actually lost * The “snowball effect” that turns one mistake into three * How ego and decision-making impact scoring * Managing energy and focus over a full round * A practical reset system to stay in the round Whether you’re playing competitively or just trying to score better, this episode will help you stay composed, avoid big numbers, and keep moving forward — one shot at a time. Because the players who succeed aren’t the ones who play perfect… They’re the ones who stay in it when it counts.