Weekday Golf
Weekday Golf
Weekday Golf
From Thinking to Instinct, with Nic Noya (Part 2)
1 hour 2 minutes Posted Apr 13, 2026 at 4:00 am.
0:00
1:02:12
Download MP3
Show notes

In Part 2 of our conversation with Olympic Club instructor Nic Noya, we shift from Nic’s playing career to how he now thinks about coaching—and what actually helps golfers improve and perform on the course.


Nic breaks down how he evaluates players, why he focuses on ball flight over mechanics, and how he tailors his approach depending on the person in front of him. Through contrasting examples—including how he would coach Oliver versus Preston—the conversation explores different paths to getting better.


At the same time, the discussion turns to performance: why playing under pressure often matters more than practice, how competitive environments change behavior, and what separates golfers who can translate skill into scoring.


At the center of it all is a key idea: the goal isn’t to think more—it’s to build something you can trust. Nic explains how great players move from conscious thought to instinct, and why neutrality, acceptance, and preparation matter when it’s time to hit the shot.


In this episode:


  • How Nic evaluates players and coaches different players in completely different ways
  • How tournaments and competition reveal your real game
  • What great players are thinking (and not thinking) over the ball
  • How to turn thinking into instinct on the course
  • Why golf is better—and improvement easier—when you do it with someone


Contact us: [email protected]

Instagram: @weekdaygolfpodcast

YouTube: @weekdaygolfpodcast

Twitter/X: @weekdaygolfpod

Design by: Austin Wooldridge

Music provided by: ⁠https://www.classicals.de/mozart-figaro