#10 Jean van de Velde - What does resilience really look like?
Join me as I sit down with Jean van de Velde. A former Ryder Cup player, European Tour winner, and a man whose name is still whispered whenever someone finds water on 18.You probably know the story. Carnoustie, 1999. One of the most talked-about final holes in golf history. But what came after that? And who is Jean actually, when you look under the surface? That’s what I wanted to explore.In this conversation, Jean opens up about:🧠 The mental aftermath of that Open Championship and how he coped away from the cameras🥀 Why resilience isn’t about strength, it’s about choosing grace, even when everything’s falling apart🇫🇷 What it was like growing up in France when golf barely existed and nobody believed he’d make it⛳ His proudest wins, his hardest losses, and the putter-only walk back down 18🌱 How he’s found perspective, purpose, and peace, both on and off the courseGive it a listen, send it to someone who’d get something out of it, and don’t forget to subscribe.📲 Follow Jean on Instagram: @jeanvandeveldeofficial📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf
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#09 Tadd Fujikawa - Why did you choose to come out publicly when you did?
In this episode, I sit down with Tadd Fujikawa—a name you might remember from the headlines, but whose story goes far deeper than the spotlight ever showed.At just 15, Tadd qualified for the U.S. Open. At 16, he made the cut at the Sony Open in his home state of Hawaii, becoming one of the youngest players ever to do so. He was a prodigy. A sensation. A walking headline.But what the headlines didn’t show was everything else.In this powerful, heartfelt conversation, Tadd opens up about:🌺 Growing up in public housing in Kalihi, Hawaii—and how those early experiences shaped who he is🌟 The mental toll of being thrust into the spotlight before he even finished high school🧠 Quietly battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts while the world watched him smile🏳️🌈 Coming out in 2018—and becoming one of the first openly gay male pro golfers in history💬 Why he still believes in golf, in people, and in the power of being honest—even when it’s hardIn this episode: Pressure, identity, mental health, vulnerability, early fame, and coming out.🔗 Listen now and share it with someone who you think would benefit from listening.Watch a clip from Tadd's incredible run at the Sony Open at 16 years old: CLICK HEREFollow Tadd Fujikawa on Instagram: @taddy808Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf
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#08 Stuart Appleby - What does it take to keep going after everything falls apart?
In this episode, I sit down with Stuart Appleby, a nine-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most quietly resilient figures in golf.Stuart’s career has spanned decades at the top level—multiple Presidents Cups, a top-20 world ranking, and a reputation for grit over glamour. But behind all of that was a man navigating immense personal loss, identity shifts, and the mental weight of staying competitive in a brutal sport.In this deeply honest conversation, Stuart shares:🏡 What it was like growing up on a dairy farm in rural Australia and how that shaped his perspective🏆 How he went from a farm boy to a top-20 player in the world—and the cost of that climb💔 The grief of losing his wife Renay at just 25—and what it took to keep going🧠 How he now sees mental health, self-talk, and why his old ‘police your thoughts’ approach had to change👨👧 Fatherhood, identity, and what he hopes his kids take from his journeyIn this episode: Resilience, grief, identity, letting go, fatherhood, and the quiet power of showing up again.🔗 Listen now and share this with someone who could use a bit of perspective today.Follow Stuart Appleby on Instagram: @stuartappleby59Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf
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#07 Sandra Gal - If golf disappeared from your life… who’s left?
This week, I’m joined by Sandra Gal—LPGA winner, Olympian, Solheim Cup player, and one of the most recognisable names in German golf.She’s had an incredible career on paper—but this conversation goes beyond that.Sandra opens up about:🧠 What reaching her limit taught her about pressure, identity, and stepping back💬 Why walking away from the game was the hardest—and best—thing she’s done🧘 How meditation, stillness, and self-reflection helped her reconnect with herself🎨 The role of painting, nature, and slowing down in finding emotional balance⛳️ And what it really means to play from a place of joy—not pressureIf you’ve ever burnt out, freaked out, or quietly unravelled while still showing up like everything’s fine—you’ll get a lot out of this.Give it a listen, pass it on, and if you’re enjoying Fairways & Feelings—hit follow, rate it, share it, all that good stuff. It genuinely helps.📲 Follow Sandra on Instagram: @thesandragal📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf📲 Sandra's website: https://sandragal.com/
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#06 Eva Rogers - Would your 12-year-old self be surprised by where you are today?
This week, I’m joined by Eva Rogers, a teaching professional at Medinah CC. She has been nominated to Golf Digest's “Best Young Teacher,” list multiple times, and is someone who’s coached more junior golfers than most people have had hot dinners.She’s built a reputation as one of the best junior coaches in the world—but this conversation goes way beyond grip pressure and swing planes. We do talk about junior golf, but also get to know her on a deeper level as well.Eva opens up about:👶 What teaching thousands of kids has taught her about failure, frustration, and emotional growth🎯 Why confidence isn’t something you have—it’s something you learn🔄 The pressures juniors are facing today—and how parents can either help or harm💬 How her own journey shaped the way she shows up🏀 And yes, a surprisingly passionate take on early-2000s NBA legendsWhether you’re a coach, a parent, or just someone trying to be a bit less hard on yourself, there’s something in here for you.Give it a listen, pass it along, and if you’re enjoying Fairways & Feelings—hit follow, rate it, share it, etc. It genuinely helps.📲 Follow Eva on Instagram: @evarogers_golf📲 Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf
Welcome to Fairways & Feelings—the podcast where we take a step off the course and into the lives of the people who shape the game.
Each episode, host Daniel sits down with someone from the world of golf to explore who they are—not just as golfers, but as people.
Brought to you by Florio Golf, the golf mental health awareness brand.
Follow Florio Golf on Instagram: @florio_golf
South Africa