Musician Pat Monahan, frontman of the pop-rock band Train, is preparing for his fourth visit to the iconic Augusta National Golf Club this month. Known for his musical achievements, including three Grammy Awards, Monahan is equally passionate about golf. In a recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast, he shared insights about his experiences on the revered Georgia course and the mental challenges of the game.
In the podcast, co-hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz joined Monahan to explore the differences between performing for a concert crowd and playing on the golf course. While expectations soar during his musical tours, Monahan approaches Augusta with a more grounded mindset. He revealed that his best score from his three visits to Augusta is a 79, stating, “Breaking 80 is my goal. You guys want to break par. I want to break 80.”
The conversation turned to the pressures of scoring, particularly the final holes of a round. Stoltz inquired about Monahan’s experience on the 17th and 18th holes, asking whether he managed to secure his score comfortably or faced late challenges. Monahan candidly admitted, “I’m definitely a barely-do-it kind of guy. If I have a round that looks like I’m going to come in at 75, it will be a 79.” This exchange highlighted a common truth among golfers: the mental aspect of the game can often be a player’s most formidable obstacle.
Knost noted the significant impact of mental focus on performance, and Monahan concurred. This lesson was underscored during his recent participation in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he realized that striving too hard to impress his professional playing partner only heightened his struggles. He recognized that, unlike a concert audience, golf partners are focused on maintaining the pace of play rather than critiquing performance.
With his next round at Augusta approaching, Monahan is committed to refining his skills. He is preparing for the challenge by taking lessons to enhance his game. “Like everything,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.
As Monahan gears up for this latest outing, he remains focused on achieving his goal of breaking 80. The blend of his musical career and passion for golf continues to shape his unique perspective on both fields. Fans can look forward to hearing more about his journey, both on stage and on the greens, as he navigates the challenges of performance in both arenas.
