A PGA of America Approved Program | 20 PGA Education Credits

The MPGA Level 1 Certification provides a foundational framework for understanding the mental aspects of achieving peak performance in golf. Designed to integrate seamlessly with current coaching methods, this program offers skills not traditionally covered in past PGA teaching models. Participants will gain insights into the mind-body connection, helping players overcome mental roadblocks that can persist despite technical proficiency or physical fitness.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for:

• PGA Teaching Professionals
• TPI Certified Coaches
• Physical Trainers
• GOLFTEC Certified Personal Coaches
• Collegiate & High School Coaches
• Caddies
• Student interns in mental training specializing in golf
• Parents of elite junior golfers

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Teach players how to enter the neutral zone and identify their optimal performance zone
• Guide students toward a process-oriented mindset and growth mindset
• Help players develop unshakable confidence and sustain it on demand
• Teach the four elements of focus
• Provide strategies for emotional management and handling nerves
• Introduce resilience-building techniques through self-compassion and radical acceptance
• Share evidence-based motivation strategies
• Teach visualization and goal-setting for performance enhancement
• Build trust, navigate difficult conversations, and create psychological safety in coaching relationships

Program Structure

The certification includes eight sections covering essential mental training skills, coaching techniques, and business strategies:

1. MPGA Introduction

• Program overview, objectives, and how to maximize the training experience

2. MPGA Foundations

• Mental performance training philosophy
• Growth mindset, deliberate practice, and self-discipline principles
• The Situation-Judgment-Results (SJR) approach

3. The Coaching Framework

• Building trust and starting mental coaching conversations
• Structuring the first session and setting expectations
• Techniques for effective communication, including mirroring, labeling, and silence

4. MPGA Mental Training Skills

• Self-Awareness: Understanding thought patterns
• Mindset: Cultivating productive thinking habits
• Overcoming Mental Blocks: Strategies to break through performance barriers
• Core Modules:
  • The Neutral Zone (Managing thoughts & emotions)
  • Confidence Building
  • Focus Training
  • Arousal & Stress Management
  • Self-Compassion for High Performers
  • Optimism Training
  • Mindfulness for Performance
  • Motivation Strategies
  • Visualization Techniques

5. Business & Marketing

• How to position yourself as a mental performance coach
• Client acquisition strategies
• Effective marketing techniques

6. Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Overview of MPGA Level 2 Certification

7. Resources

• Forms, worksheets, and coaching tools for practical application

8. Final Exam

• To earn certification, participants must score 70% or higher, complete all coursework, and submit a coaching program survey
• Access to online materials is available for twelve months.

This certification empowers golf coaches, trainers, and instructors with the skills to enhance their students’ mental game, fostering sustained performance improvements on and off the course.