What separates good athletes from elite ones? According to former World No.1 Australian golfer Jenny Jones, it all starts with mindset.
In our recent golf-specific webinar, Platform Sports Manager William Clarkson sat down with Jenny to unpack what it really takes to perform under pressure, thrive in the U.S. college system, and build habits that last beyond sport. Whether you're a junior golfer eyeing a scholarship or a parent trying to support your child’s journey, this session was full of gold.
If you missed the webinar, here’s what you need to know.
Meet Jenny Jones:
Jenny’s story started in a small Australian town. With no agencies and limited resources, she hand-wrote letters to 70 U.S. universities and sent a VHS tape of her swing—all before the days of FaceTime or Instagram. She became the first Australian female to attend a U.S. college on a golf scholarship and went on to play professionally on the European and Japanese tours.
Now, she’s a mindset coach working with athletes of all ages, helping them get out of their own heads and back into peak performance.
The Biggest Mental Barrier for Young Golfers?
Jenny puts it simply: "It’s the little voice in your head."
That voice that says, “Don’t hit it in the water.” The self-criticism after a poor shot. The spiral of doubt before a tournament. Jenny teaches athletes how to reframe those internal stories through awareness, deletion, and replacement:
Example:
“I always stuff this hole.” → “Take your time, focus on your target, make a clean swing.”
Why Routines Matter
Whether you’re hitting balls on the range or navigating your daily schedule, success in sport (and life) is built on consistent habits. Jenny talked about how elite athletes stay disciplined, not just in training but in everything—from study routines to sleep habits.
“Success comes from doing small tasks consistently. That’s how we get big results.”
Pressure Without Parents
One of the toughest transitions for international student-athletes is learning to perform without the familiar support system. Jenny spoke candidly about her early years in the U.S.—battling homesickness, loneliness, and the mental demands of college life.
Her advice?
Cultivate internal validation. Don’t rely on others to say “well done”—say it to yourself first.
Advice for Parents
Parents often mean well but can unintentionally add pressure. Jenny suggests asking open-ended questions like:
The goal? Support without suffocation.
Elite vs. Good Athletes: The DifferenceWhat sets top-tier athletes apart isn’t talent—it’s self-awareness. The best players know how they function mentally, emotionally, and physically. They’ve built a mental system that helps them stay focused and bounce back faster.
Final Words:
“Every athlete is different but all of them need to learn how to manage their mind.”Big thanks to Jenny Jones for sharing her story and tools with the Platform community. This is the kind of mindset work that turns good into great.
🎥 Watch the Full Replay
Want to hear Jenny’s full story and mindset advice in her own words?
Catch the webinar replay here.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent—this one’s worth your time.
