#104: [Inside the Mind] Kevin Kenny: Golf is a Math Contest and the Secret to Shooting Lower Scores Consistently

What if your next low round isn't hiding in a swing tip—but in boring, repeatable fundamentals? 

In this conversation, I'm joined by my golf coach, Director of Golf at Tampa Bay Country Club, Kevin Kenny.

Kevin has won a PGA chapter or section event in five different decades. And, after shoulder surgery and seven months off, Kevin returned and shot 73—powered by meticulous pre-shot routines, alignment, posture, and belief. 

We dig into mental clutter vs. clarity, how to "watch the ball" instead of the monitor, why short game is the ultimate pressure valve, and how to compete with conviction decade after decade. You'll leave with a simple, durable framework to practice all winter, manage match play smarter, and build unconditional confidence on command.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The five fundamentals Kevin hammers (aim, grip, posture, turn back, turn through).
• A simple "find the root cause" process after any miss.
• The target-first focus shift that cleans up mental clutter fast.
• Why short-game mastery lowers scores and frees up your iron play.
• How to practice in the off-season without hitting a ball.
• Smarter match-play tactics (pars win, don't beat yourself).
• The mindset behind sustained winning across your 20s–60s.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Kevin Kenny

Affectionately known as "KK," Kevin is the longtime Head Golf Professional at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. A staple in the Tampa golf community for more than two decades, KK has built a reputation for his deep technical knowledge, approachable coaching style, and commitment to helping players of all levels fall in love with the game.

Under his leadership, Tampa Palms has become one of the premier golf experiences in the region—known not just for the course itself, but for the culture of respect, camaraderie, and continuous improvement he's cultivated among members and staff alike.

Whether he's mentoring his team, helping juniors develop sound fundamentals, or guiding seasoned players through course management and mindset work, KK's influence extends far beyond swing mechanics. His passion for the game, attention to detail, and focus on growth make him one of the most respected and beloved figures in Florida golf.

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Fundamentals are the real secret: grip, aim, posture, and rotation.
• Believe in what you're doing before you do it—confidence creates competence.
• Every golfer has their own swing; find yours and own it.
• Watch your shots. Reflect, don't react. Learn from every miss.
• Golf is a math contest—it's not about how, it's about how many.
• The best short games win tournaments, not perfect swings.
• Focus on targets, not trouble—your body follows your mind.
• Get your life in order off the course if you expect to play well on it.
• Match play rewards boring, consistent golf—avoid beating yourself.
• Mental clutter kills performance. Create your own reset routine to refocus.

Key Quotes:

• "Golf is a math contest. It's not how—it's how many."
• "Everybody thinks there's a secret. The secret is fundamentals."
• "Believe before you perform. You don't get confident first—you choose confidence."
• "Watch it until it lands. Find the root cause—often it's alignment."
• "Short game takes the heat off your approach shots."
• "On the course, focus on the target, not the trouble."
• "In match play, don't beat yourself. A bunch of boring pars wins."

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 The Comeback Story: Overcoming Adversity in Golf
• 02:59 Mastering the Fundamentals: The Key to Consistent Play
• 05:48 Mental Preparation: The Power of Visualization and Intentionality
• 08:38 Managing Expectations: The Importance of Short Game and Course Management
• 11:22 Mental Clutter: Clearing the Mind for Better Performance
• 14:15 Focus and Intent: Strategies for Staying Present on the Course
• 25:16 The Journey of a Golfer: Decades of Success
• 27:33 The Power of Belief and Fundamentals in Golf
• 33:21 The Importance of Short Game Mastery
• 38:17 Golf as a Math Contest: The Strategy Behind Scoring
• 43:24 Words of Wisdom for Match Play Competitors