The debut episode of When It Counts sets a thoughtful, measured tone for what promises to be a deeply reflective series on competitive golf. Hosted by Richard Christensen alongside longtime tour player and instructor Steve Nelson, the show immediately distinguishes itself from instruction-heavy or highlight-driven golf content. Instead of focusing on swing mechanics or tournament recaps, it zeroes in on something far more elusive: what the game demands when it truly matters.
One of the episode’s quiet strengths is the dynamic between Christensen and Nelson. They’re not just colleagues — they’re great friends — and that trust shows in the conversation. There’s an ease and authenticity to their dialogue that makes the insights feel lived-in rather than rehearsed. The respect they have for one another allows the discussion to go deeper, especially when unpacking the mental and emotional realities of competition.
Nelson’s credibility goes beyond tour experience. On a personal level, he has invested countless hours helping me refine my own golf swing and eventually get on the road toward my PGA certification. That same patience, clarity, and long-view approach to development comes through in this episode. When he talks about preparation, endurance, and perspective, it’s not theoretical — it’s how he teaches and how he lives the game.
The central premise is simple but powerful — competitive golf looks straightforward until there’s something on the line. Richard and Steve unpack what “pressure” actually means, not in abstract motivational terms, but in lived experience. Drawing from decades inside the game, they explore the difference between raw talent and competitive endurance. Talent may open doors, but resilience and perspective are what sustain a career.
What makes this episode stand out is its restraint. There’s no bravado, no overproduced intensity. Instead, the hosts allow space for nuance. They discuss how preparation shapes confidence, how perspective tempers ego, and how the game often reveals character more than it rewards performance.
This isn’t a podcast about quick fixes or swing tips. It’s about the long arc of competing — the mental cost, the slow accumulation of lessons, and the quiet realities that rarely make it onto leaderboards. For serious players, coaches, and anyone who has felt the difference between a casual round and a meaningful one, When It Counts offers insight that feels earned rather than manufactured.
If future episodes continue at this depth, the show could become essential listening for golfers who understand that the hardest part of the game isn’t hitting the shot, it’s having the belief in yourself!
