307: Akshay Bhatia on Winning at Bay Hill & Masters prep + Dr. Bhrett McCabe on the Mental Edge in Golf

Smylie Kaufman sits down with two elite perspectives in golf:

First, recent Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Akshay Bhatia joins to break down his victory at Bay Hill, his evolving game, and how confidence, putting, and mindset fueled his breakthrough.

Then, sports psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe joins to unpack the mental side of elite performance—highlighting Cam Young’s Players Championship win, pressure, confidence, and why perfection is the biggest myth in golf.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro & Akshay Bhatia on Winning Bay Hill
0:48 Joe Greiner Partnership & Lefty Advantage
3:40 Cross-Handed Chipping & Short Game Feel
6:25 Leading vs Chasing on the PGA Tour
8:55 Putting Breakthrough & Routine Changes
11:10 Ball Striking DNA & Shot Shaping
13:25 Driver Options & Shot Patterns
16:05 Augusta Strategy & Preparation
19:00 Confidence from Winning & Major Outlook
21:35 Tour Life, India Trip & Season Momentum
23:40 Bhrett McCabe Interview Begins – Cam Young & Players Championship
25:10 Understanding Elite Confidence & Self-Belief
30:40 Why “Perfect Golf” is a Myth
34:20 Handling Swing Breakdowns Under Pressure
38:40 Winning Without Your Best Stuff
41:45 Ryder Cup Experience & Competitive Edge
45:15 Chris Gotterup Conversation & Development Arc
47:30 Confidence Growth & Learning to Win
50:00 Mental Toughness vs Technical Perfection
52:30 What Separates Good Players from Great Ones
55:00 Closing Thoughts on Mindset & Performance

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