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Published on:

2nd Apr 2025

Rod Perry: Mastering Emotional Control and Focus for Peak Athletic Performance

On Charge Forward Coaching, host James Blasco is joined by Rod Perry, PGA Professional National Champion and elite golf instructor, to explore what separates good athletes from great ones: emotional control, focus, consistency, and a powerful mental game. From the lessons learned on the PGA Tour to what he teaches junior golfers in Daytona Beach, Rod shares high-performance strategies that apply far beyond the golf course. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or weekend warrior, this episode will leave you motivated to play—and live—at your highest level.

Key Timestamps:

  • (0:00) Rod Perry on why elite golfers master their emotion
  • (1:19) James Blasco introduces Rod: PGA Professional National Champion, 7-time major player, and respected coach
  • (2:47) How Rod fell in love with golf through his grandfather
  • (4:00) Turning point: Playing 36 holes a day over spring break
  • (5:06) The power of staying emotionally even: Why Tiger Woods and Rory approach it differently
  • (7:00) Why "consistency" is a myth—and what golfers should actually aim for
  • (8:36) The two types of focus: Nick Faldo vs. Lee Trevino
  • (10:12) Use trigger words to re-engage your attention before every shot
  • (11:36) Building a mental “bubble” during high-stakes tournament play
  • (13:00) How to process rounds constructively: set specific, tangible goals
  • (16:36) Scottie Scheffler's secret: Proximity to the hole -driving distance
  • (18:18) Rod on finding his late-career success as a PGA pro
  • (19:30) Most special moment: His son Carson playing at Augusta for Drive, Chip & Putt
  • (20:36) Junior golf in Daytona: leagues, clinics, and eliminating barriers to entry
  • (22:54) Why golf is a lifelong advantage: personal, professional, and even political
  • (26:42) Final advice to young golfers: Start early, play often, and focus on relationships

Key Takeaways:

  • Emotional neutrality fuels high performance—stay centered, not hyped or frustrated.
  • Attention control is a skill. Use verbal triggers to enter focus mode, then relax between shots.
  • Stats matter. Focus your practice on one clear, measurable skill at a time.
  • Golf is a lifelong game—and a great way to build confidence, relationships, and even careers.
  • Junior access matters. Coaches and communities must break down barriers for the next generation.

Resources & Links:

Guest Bio:

Rod Perry is a PGA Professional, 2012 & 2013 PGA Professional National Champion, and one of the most respected golf instructors in the U.S. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Rod serves as the head golf professional at Crane Lakes and is passionately involved in junior golf development, coaching, and competitive play.

Tags:

Rod Perry, James Blasco, Charge Forward Coaching, Golf Mental Game, Focus and Discipline, PGA Professional National Championship, Junior Golf, Golf Coaching, Emotional Resilience, High Performance, Mental Toughness,  Tiger Woods, Rory Mclloroy, Golf Psychology, Consistency in Sports, Sports Coaching, Athlete Mindset, Youth Golf Development, Daytona Golf, sports coaching, mental mindset, Mental Toughness, Growth Mindset, Athletes,

Transcript

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About the Podcast

Charge Forward Coaching
What if the key to unlocking your athletic potential wasn’t just about improving your skills, but strengthening your mind? At Charge Forward Coaching, we believe that mental toughness is the secret weapon every elite athlete needs to excel. In this podcast, we explore how athletes can develop the focus, resilience, and mindset necessary to perform at their best, whether you're a high school athlete facing intense competition or a college athlete aiming for the next level.

We explore essential topics such as mental resilience, providing techniques for overcoming self-doubt and building mental endurance. We also tackle performance anxiety, offering strategies to manage stress and stay focused under pressure. Throughout the show, we focus on mindset mastery, sharing tools to stay motivated, handle setbacks, and maintain peak performance. James Blasco offers expert advice on cultivating a champion's mindset for long-term success, helping athletes gain the mental clarity needed to perform at their highest level.

With expert guidance from James Blasco, each episode empowers athletes with actionable strategies they can apply immediately, enabling them to sharpen their focus, handle adversity, and perform under pressure. James’s coaching approach fosters a supportive and empowering environment, where athletes are encouraged to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential. In the world of elite sports, success goes far beyond physical ability—it’s about mastering the mental challenges that arise during competition and ensuring they are prepared to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

In addition to James’s insights, each episode features interviews with top athletes, coaches, and mental performance experts. These guests share their own stories, experiences, and strategies for achieving success in highly competitive environments. Through these conversations, listeners will gain diverse perspectives on how mental toughness plays a pivotal role in their journeys to excellence. Whether it’s learning from a former professional athlete about overcoming personal obstacles, or hearing a coach’s tips for developing a high-performance team mindset, these interviews will offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for athletes of all levels.
Join us on this journey to improve your concentration, boost your confidence, and develop the mindset necessary to reach new heights in your athletic career. Start listening today and begin charging forward toward your goals with mental clarity and strength.

About the Host:
James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.
Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.

Resources:
Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching

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James Blasco