From Thinking to Instinct, with Nic Noya (Part 2)

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 waysHow tournaments and competition reveal your real gameWhat great players are thinking (and not thinking) over the ballHow to turn thinking into instinct on the courseWhy golf is better—and improvement easier—when you do it with someoneContact us: weekdaygolfpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @weekdaygolfpodcastYouTube: @weekdaygolfpodcastTwitter/X: @weekdaygolfpodDesign by: Austin WooldridgeMusic provided by: ⁠https://www.classicals.de/mozart-figaro