Fairways and Feelings

About Fairways and Feelings

Welcome to Fairways & Feelings—the podcast where we take a step off the course and into the lives of the people who shape the game. Each episode, host Daniel sits down with someone from the world of golf to explore who they are—not just as golfers, but as people. Brought to you by Florio Golf, the golf mental health awareness brand. Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf

Publisher

Daniel Clark

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jan 2025

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   #18 Olivia Mehaffey - Learning to Stop Pretending You’re Fine

   Olivia Mehaffey has been chasing golf for most of her life. She represented Ireland at 12, moved to America to play college golf at Arizona State, won three times in one semester, and looked ready to take the next step into professional golf. Then her dad was diagnosed with cancer. Before he died, he made her promise she would go to Q School. He passed away on the Friday. His funeral was on the Sunday. Olivia flew to Q School on the Monday. And then she kept going. Golf. Gym. Practice. Flights. Tournaments. Anything that kept her busy enough not to really stop and process what had happened. At the time, Olivia thought that was how she was coping. Looking back, she now sees it very differently. We talk about: ⛳ Growing up obsessed with golf and representing Ireland at 12. 🇺🇸 Moving to Arizona State and learning to stand on her own two feet. ❤️ Her relationship with her dad and the promise that took her to Q School. 🧠 Burying herself in golf rather than dealing with what had happened. 💬 Why keeping everything in became one of her biggest regrets. 🏌️ Learning that if Olivia the person wasn’t okay, Olivia the golfer probably wasn’t going to be either. We also talk about anxiety, social media, identity, sports psychology, taking time away from the game, and trying to build a healthier relationship with golf. It’s a very open conversation about what happens when “just keep going” stops being useful. Watch more stories like Olivia's on ⁠Healthy Minds GC.⁠ (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Olivia on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oliviamehaffey/ (https://www.instagram.com/oliviamehaffey/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

2. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Josh Simpson - Grief, Golf and 652 Courses in a Year

   Josh is a golfer from Norfolk and the world record holder for the most golf courses played in a twelve month month period, at 652 rounds. But Josh’s story is about much more than the number. After losing his mum to cancer, Josh started looking at life differently. She died at 61. She never got to retire. And the idea of waiting for “one day” suddenly felt a lot less convincing. So he took the unsafe option. He stepped away from a stable business, bought a motorhome, and spent a year travelling around the country trying to break the world record for the most golf courses played in twelve months. In this episode, Josh opens up about: ⛳ How golf became an obsession. ❤️ Losing his mum, and how it changed the way he thought about time. 🚐 Choosing the unknown path over the safe one. 🧠 The mental grind behind playing golf every day for a year. 🤝 The strangers who invited him in, fed him, helped him, and shared their own stories. 🏌️ What 652 courses taught him about grief, people, and backing yourself. This is a conversation about loss, golf, community, risk, resilience, and what happens when a mad idea becomes exactly the thing you needed. Watch more stories like Josh’s on Healthy Minds GC. (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginger.golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/ginger.golf/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

3. 

   25 Jun 2026

   #16 Michael McEwan - The Hidden Grief Behind Becoming a Dad

   Michael McEwan has spent more than 20 years at the heart of golf media. As Editor at bunkered, Scotland’s biggest golf publication and one of the UK’s leading golf media brands, he has built a career writing about the game, interviewing some of its biggest names, hosting podcasts, and trying to stay sane while having opinions on golf for a living. But this conversation goes far beyond golf. Michael has been through a lot, and in this episode he speaks with real honesty about the parts of life that rarely make it into a media bio. In this episode, Michael opens up about: ✍️ Growing up in Orkney, falling in love with writing, and becoming the kind of child who wrote match reports for fun. ⛳ How golf first got into his life, from 20p putting green rounds to watching Tiger Woods at the Masters with his dad. 🗞️ The early days at bunkered, why he only planned to stay for two years, and what has kept him there more than two decades later. 📱 The strange reality of being visible online, dealing with criticism, and the Rory McIlroy line that changed how he thinks about faceless comments. 🕯️ The experience of miscarriage, the fear that followed, and the part of grief he only fully understood years later. 🧠 How the experience changed his sleep, his mental health, and the way he now thinks about labels, honesty and asking for help. This is a conversation about writing, golf, fatherhood, grief, hope, and the comfort of hearing someone say the thing you thought you were carrying on your own. Give it a listen, share it with someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this. For more stories like Michael’s, head to Healthy Minds GC. 📲 Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmcewangolf/ (https://www.instagram.com/mmcewangolf/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

4. 

   20 May 2026

   #15 Sophia Popov - From Wanting to Quit to Winning a Major

   Sophia Popov has one of the most remarkable stories in modern golf. In 2020, she won the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon as World Number 304. From the outside, it looked like one of golf’s great surprise wins. But as Sophia explains in this episode, the story behind it goes much deeper. In this episode, Sophia opens up about: 🏆 The long road behind her major win. 🏥 The health issues that shaped her early years on tour. ⛳ The brutal margins of life as a professional golfer. 🧠 The mental toll of chasing a career in golf. 👥 The people who helped her keep going. 👶 How motherhood changed her perspective. This is a conversation about ambition, pressure, identity, support, motherhood, and the years behind one brilliant week. Give it a listen, share it with someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this. For more stories like Sophia’s, head to Healthy Minds GC. (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Sophia on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sophiacpopov/) 📲 Follow VOXA on Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/team_voxa/⁠) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

5. 

   2 Apr 2026

   #14 Suzann Pettersen - The unfiltered reality of chasing world number one

   Suzann Pettersen has experienced the absolute pinnacle of professional golf. As a two-time Major Champion, 15-time LPGA Tour winner, nine-time Solheim Cup competitor, and European team captain , she is now shaking up the sports management world with her player agency, VOXA. In this episode, Suzann opens up about: 🤫 The cultural pushback she faced in Norway and how it forced her to change how she handled her childhood ambitions. 🏥 The back injury that left her crawling into a doctor's office, and the specific moment of doubt that fueled her comeback. 🧊 The "calculated selfishness" required to be an elite athlete, and the hidden toll it takes on personal relationships. 🛑 The sudden identity crisis and mental hurdle of being abruptly grounded from her 24/7 tour schedule. ⛳ The fairytale 2019 Solheim Cup, and the exact, unspoken moment on the 18th green when she knew her career was over. 🧠 The moment her ego vanished, and why she admits being a mum is harder than playing professional golf. Give it a listen, share it with someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this. For more stories like Suzann’s, head to Healthy Minds GC. (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Suzann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannpettersen/ (https://www.instagram.com/suzannpettersen/) 📲 Follow VOXA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_voxa/ (https://www.instagram.com/team_voxa/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

6. 

   12 Mar 2026

   #13 Paul Cormack - Inside the life of an LPGA Tour caddie

   Paul Cormack has experienced life on both sides of the bag. After a decade grinding as a mini-tour pro , he is now an elite LPGA Tour caddie. He currently carries the bag for Lydia Ko , has previously worked with players like Anna Nordqvist , and was named LPGA Tour Caddie of the Year for 2025. In this episode, Paul opens up about: ⛳ The specific, humbling moment during a US Open qualifier that made him realise his 10-year pro playing career was officially over. 🏌️♀️ Why standing on the first tee alongside the world's best players still terrifies him to this day. 🧠 The surprisingly mundane tactic he relies on to pull elite athletes out of mental spirals on the course. 🛑 The biggest misconception fans have about the "24/7 grind" of professional golfers. 🥪 How he unplugs from the high-stakes pressure of the LPGA tour when he's finally off the clock. 🗣️ His definition of success for when he eventually walks away from the game. Give it a listen, share it with someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this. For more stories like Paul’s, head to Healthy Minds GC. (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulhcormack25/ (https://www.instagram.com/paulhcormack25/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

7. 

   11 Feb 2026

   #12 Rachel Drummond – Loss, Trauma and the Life You Don’t See

   Join me as I sit down with Rachel Drummond. She’s been just about everywhere in golf, wearing a lot of hats along the way. Former Ladies European Tour pro, coach, broadcaster, and now travelling the world with LIV Golf as their on-the-ground voice. You might know Rachel as sympathetic, articulate, and always smiling. What you hear less often is what life has looked like away from the microphone. That is where this conversation goes. We talk about the rollercoaster she’s lived through so far. Grief and losing both of her parents. Identity. And the stuff you carry quietly while life keeps moving. Rachel also speaks openly about being sexually abused as a child, about keeping that to herself for years, and the moment she decided to talk about it publicly. In this episode, Rachel opens up about: 🎙️ Her journey through pro golf, coaching, media, and life on the road with LIV Golf 🧠 Survival mode, emotional shutdown, and what it felt like when the tears finally came back 🌧️ Grief, losing both parents, and learning how to live alongside it 🧩 Identity, pressure, and the version of yourself people assume they know 💬 Speaking publicly about sexual abuse, and what changed once she said it out loud 📏 What success looks like now, and why happiness has become the main metric Give it a listen, share it with someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this. For more stories like Rachel’s, head to Healthy Minds GC. (https://healthyminds.golf/) 📲 Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheldrummond/ (https://www.instagram.com/racheldrummond/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/ (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

8. 

   13 Jan 2026

   #11 Sarah Stirk - How Do You Juggle Work, Motherhood, and Yourself?

   Join me as I sit down with Sarah Stirk. One of the most recognisable voices in golf broadcasting, and someone whose career has quietly spanned some of the biggest moments in the sport. You might know Sarah from the microphone. Calm, composed, always in control. What you do not often hear is what life has looked like off camera, especially over the past few years. That is where this conversation goes. We talk about work, motherhood, IVF, pressure, ambition, and what it actually takes to keep showing up when life feels heavy and brilliant all at once.------In this episode, Sarah opens up about:🎙️ Life in broadcasting and what people rarely see behind the polished exterior 🧠 How her mental health shifts day to day, and why sleep and self-care matter more than people admit 🌱 IVF, the emotional toll of waiting, and feeling like a number in the process 👶 Becoming a mum, the joy, the exhaustion, and how it reshaped her priorities ⚖️ Learning how to hold ambition and contentment at the same time 🧩 What success looks like now, and why she feels more settled than ever------Give it a listen, send it to someone who might see themselves in it, and subscribe for more conversations like this.------📲 Follow Sarah on Instagram: LINK (https://instagram.com/sarahskysports/)📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: LINK (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)------Check out more stories from the golf world at https://www.healthyminds.golf/ (https://www.healthyminds.golf/)

9. 

   16 Jul 2025

   #10 Jean van de Velde - What does resilience really look like?

   Join me as I sit down with Jean van de Velde. A former Ryder Cup player, European Tour winner, and a man whose name is still whispered whenever someone finds water on 18. You probably know the story. Carnoustie, 1999. One of the most talked-about final holes in golf history. But what came after that? And who is Jean actually, when you look under the surface? That’s what I wanted to explore. In this conversation, Jean opens up about: 🧠 The mental aftermath of that Open Championship and how he coped away from the cameras 🥀 Why resilience isn’t about strength, it’s about choosing grace, even when everything’s falling apart 🇫🇷 What it was like growing up in France when golf barely existed and nobody believed he’d make it ⛳ His proudest wins, his hardest losses, and the putter-only walk back down 18 🌱 How he’s found perspective, purpose, and peace, both on and off the course Give it a listen, send it to someone who’d get something out of it, and don’t forget to subscribe. 📲 Follow Jean on Instagram: @jeanvandeveldeofficial (https://www.instagram.com/jeanvandeveldeofficial/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

10. 

    27 May 2025

    #09 Tadd Fujikawa - Why did you choose to come out publicly when you did?

    Golfer Tadd Fujikawa discusses the mental health challenges of early fame, battling depression, and his decision to come out publicly as one of the first openly gay male pro golfers in this interview.

11. 

    13 May 2025

    #08 Stuart Appleby - What does it take to keep going after everything falls apart?

    In this episode, I sit down with Stuart Appleby, a nine-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most quietly resilient figures in golf. Stuart’s career has spanned decades at the top level—multiple Presidents Cups, a top-20 world ranking, and a reputation for grit over glamour. But behind all of that was a man navigating immense personal loss, identity shifts, and the mental weight of staying competitive in a brutal sport. In this deeply honest conversation, Stuart shares: 🏡 What it was like growing up on a dairy farm in rural Australia and how that shaped his perspective 🏆 How he went from a farm boy to a top-20 player in the world—and the cost of that climb 💔 The grief of losing his wife Renay at just 25—and what it took to keep going 🧠 How he now sees mental health, self-talk, and why his old ‘police your thoughts’ approach had to change 👨👧 Fatherhood, identity, and what he hopes his kids take from his journey In this episode: Resilience, grief, identity, letting go, fatherhood, and the quiet power of showing up again. 🔗 Listen now and share this with someone who could use a bit of perspective today. Follow Stuart Appleby on Instagram: @stuartappleby59 (https://www.instagram.com/stuartappleby59/) Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

12. 

    22 Apr 2025

    #07 Sandra Gal - If golf disappeared from your life… who’s left?

    This week, I’m joined by Sandra Gal—LPGA winner, Olympian, Solheim Cup player, and one of the most recognisable names in German golf. She’s had an incredible career on paper—but this conversation goes beyond that. Sandra opens up about: 🧠 What reaching her limit taught her about pressure, identity, and stepping back 💬 Why walking away from the game was the hardest—and best—thing she’s done 🧘 How meditation, stillness, and self-reflection helped her reconnect with herself 🎨 The role of painting, nature, and slowing down in finding emotional balance ⛳️ And what it really means to play from a place of joy—not pressure If you’ve ever burnt out, freaked out, or quietly unravelled while still showing up like everything’s fine—you’ll get a lot out of this. Give it a listen, pass it on, and if you’re enjoying Fairways & Feelings—hit follow, rate it, share it, all that good stuff. It genuinely helps. 📲 Follow Sandra on Instagram: @thesandragal (https://www.instagram.com/thesandragal/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/) 📲 Sandra's website: https://sandragal.com/ (https://sandragal.com/)

13. 

    25 Mar 2025

    #06 Eva Rogers - Would your 12-year-old self be surprised by where you are today?

    This week, I’m joined by Eva Rogers, a teaching professional at Medinah CC. She has been nominated to Golf Digest's “Best Young Teacher,” list multiple times, and is someone who’s coached more junior golfers than most people have had hot dinners. She’s built a reputation as one of the best junior coaches in the world—but this conversation goes way beyond grip pressure and swing planes. We do talk about junior golf, but also get to know her on a deeper level as well. Eva opens up about: 👶 What teaching thousands of kids has taught her about failure, frustration, and emotional growth 🎯 Why confidence isn’t something you have—it’s something you learn 🔄 The pressures juniors are facing today—and how parents can either help or harm 💬 How her own journey shaped the way she shows up 🏀 And yes, a surprisingly passionate take on early-2000s NBA legends Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or just someone trying to be a bit less hard on yourself, there’s something in here for you. Give it a listen, pass it along, and if you’re enjoying Fairways & Feelings—hit follow, rate it, share it, etc. It genuinely helps. 📲 Follow Eva on Instagram: @evarogers_golf (https://www.instagram.com/evarogers_golf/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

14. 

    11 Mar 2025

    #05 Marco Penge - What went through your head when you were suspended?

    Join me as I sit down with Marco Penge—DP World Tour player, 2023 Challenge Tour No.1, and a guy who makes golf look way easier than it actually is. From dominating as a junior to earning his place on the DP World Tour, Marco’s rise through the ranks looks effortless on paper. But, as I found out in this chat, there’s a lot more to it than what you see in the headlines. In this conversation, Marco opens up about: ⛳ The pressure of being a top amateur and how performance anxiety nearly pushed him away from the game 🧠 A recent health diagnosis that finally gave him clarity on how his mind works ⚖️ The truth behind his recent suspension and the public reaction that caught him off guard 🏌️♂️ What it’s really like playing an entire season with something hanging over you that you just want to escape from 🔙 Why his comeback isn’t about proving people wrong—it’s about proving something to himself Give it a listen, send it to someone who’d love it, and don’t forget to subscribe (because I’d quite like to keep doing this). 📲 Follow Marco on Instagram: @marcopenge (https://www.instagram.com/marcopenge/) 📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

15. 

    25 Feb 2025

    #04 Derek Thomas - What keeps you going when self-doubt creeps in?

    Join me as I sit down with Derek Thomas—better known as Monterey Golf Guy—a golf social media creator who has brought a fresh, unfiltered voice to golf content. His sharp, bite-sized takes on the game—whether it’s calling out the ridiculousness of golf culture, breaking down tour drama, or just voicing the frustrations every amateur golfer knows too well—have earned him a loyal following. But behind the humour and hot takes, there’s a deeper story. In this conversation, Derek opens up about: ⛳ The highs and lows of putting yourself out there online—and why social media validation can be a double-edged sword 🎭 The pressure of staying relevant as a creator and battling self-doubt 🧠 Why golf has always been his reset button—and how it helps him clear his mind 🏌️♂️ How Twilight Social Club is creating real-life connections in the golf world 💬 The surprising moments that inspire his content In this episode: The reality of being a golf creator, imposter syndrome, social media pressure, and how golf can be more than just a game. 🔗 Listen now and share this episode with someone who’d love it. Follow Derek on Instagram:@monterey_golf_guy (https://www.instagram.com/monterey_golf_guy/) Follow Florio Golf on Instagram:@florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

16. 

    11 Feb 2025

    #03 Christina Kim - What did it feel like to open up about your struggles for the first time?

    In this episode, I sit down withChristina Kim, a three-time LPGA winner, Solheim Cup legend, and one of the most fearless, unfiltered voices in professional golf. For years, Christina has been known for her bold personality, electric energy, and deep love for the game. But behind the larger-than-life presence, she’s also faced some of the toughest battles an athlete can go through. She opens up about the weight of expectations, the reality of burnout, and the darkest moments where she questioned whether she could keep going. In this conversation, Christina shares: ⛳ What it’s really like to struggle with mental health while competing on the LPGA Tour 🧠 Why she once believed the world would be better off without her—and how she found the will to keep going 🔥 The raw truth about tour life, resilience, and why she refuses to filter who she is ❤️ Her candid take on love, relationships, and what it’s like navigating romance while living life on tour 💬 How she’s learned to reframe self-worth and find victories in even the smallest moments In this episode: Depression, anxiety, the highs and lows of professional golf, self-worth, and learning to be kinder to yourself. 🔗Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss future interviews. Follow Christina Kim on Instagram:@thechristinakim (https://www.instagram.com/thechristinakim/) Follow Florio Golf on Instagram:@florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

17. 

    30 Jan 2025

    #02 Mike Lorenzo-Vera – Why did you step away from professional golf?

    In episode 2, I sit down with Mike Lorenzo-Vera, a golfer known not just for his talent, but for his honesty about the realities of life on tour. After nearly 20 years on the DP World Tour, multiple top-10 finishes, and a career spent battling at the highest level, Mike made the decision to step away from professional golf last year to focus on his mental health. For six months, he stepped back, reflected, and did the work to find a healthier balance in life. Now, he’s breaking his silence and gearing up for his much-anticipated return. In this raw and open conversation, Mike shares: ⛳️ What led him to step away from the game—and what convinced him to return 🧠 How stepping back helped him rebuild his mindset and self-esteem 💬 The pressure, self-doubt, and financial realities that fans rarely see 🎭 His no-filter take on tour life, media scrutiny, and handling expectations 🤯 The most bizarre shot of his career—and how he learned to let go of frustration In this episode: Mental health, self-doubt, the mental grind of professional golf, tour life, and staying true to yourself. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a rating for Fairways & Feelings—it would mean a lot! Please share this episode with someone who’d connect with Mike’s story. Follow Mike Lorenzo-Vera on Instagram: @mikelorenzovera_progolf (https://www.instagram.com/mikelorenzovera_progolf/) Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

18. 

    22 Jan 2025

    #01 Charlie Beljan - How did you decide it was time to get sober?

    Welcome to the very first episode of Fairways & Feelings! To kick things off, I’m sitting down with Charlie Beljan—a golfer whose life has been as wild as it is inspiring. From winning on the PGA Tour to battling anxiety, depression, and alcoholism, Charlie opens up about the struggles most people never see. In this raw and honest conversation, we talk about everything from his childhood and the pressures of professional golf to the moment he realized something had to change. Charlie doesn’t hold back, sharing his journey to sobriety and how it’s reshaped his life both on and off the course. It’s a story about resilience, redemption, and what it really means to be human. In this episode: Alcohol addiction, sobriety, depression, anxiety and the PGA Tour. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a rating for Fairways & Feelings, it would mean a lot. Please share this episode with someone that might be interested in hearing it. Follow Charlie Beljan on Instagram: @cbeljan (https://www.instagram.com/cbeljan/) Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf (https://www.instagram.com/florio_golf/)

19. 

    18 Jan 2025

    Say Hi To Fairways & Feelings

    Welcome to Fairways & Feelings, the podcast where we step off the course and into the lives of the people driving the game of golf. Each episode, host Daniel sits down with someone from the world of golf to talk about the stories we don’t usually hear. Not their scores or stats, but them —what makes them tick, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that have shaped them—not just as golfers, but as people. Brought to you by Florio Golf, the golf mental health awareness brand. Instagram: florio_golf And remember to subscribe so you don't miss any future interviews.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

36

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.