Women of Golf: Season 13 - Episode 3 | Bridging Competition and Leadership

Women of Golf, hosts Ted Odorico and LPGA professional Cindy Miller welcome special guest Lehua Wise, Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Club in Hawaii, plus a busting the myths in the No B.S. Zone. In this week's episode they explore critical golf myths, leadership insights, and the unique intersection of elite competition and top-tier golf management—perfect for anyone looking to elevate their game and understanding of the sport's leadership behind the scenes.

Key Topics

• Debunking common golf myths: head position, lay-up strategies, and swing tempo
• The importance of personalized golf strategies versus generic advice
• Transitioning from tour player to golf course leadership
• The cultural and operational insights from managing Kohanaiki Club
• Balancing professional competition with community and guest experiences
• The role of Ikegai philosophy in personal and professional growth
• Impact of Hawaii’s weather and environment on golf operations
• Unique features of Kohanaiki course and member interactions
• How to maintain excellence and growth during seasonal peaks and unforeseen challenges

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: connecting competition with leadership
02:01 - Debunking the myth of keeping your head down in golf
03:18 - The reality of head movement and body rotation during swings
05:00 - Is laying up to your favorite yardage a trap? The statistics and personal strategies
06:34 - Playing your own game vs. following generic advice
10:57 - The fallacy of slowing down your swing for better contact
12:09 - Checking your tempo, not slowing it down, for consistent ball striking
14:27 - How self-awareness and personalized strategies impact performance
15:17 - Final thoughts: trusting your game and avoiding overthinking
18:25 - Introducing Lehua Wise and her journey from tour player to club leader
19:23 - Lehua’s impressive record: four-time SCPGA Women’s Champion
20:23 - Making a career transition: from competitions to managing Kohanaiki in Hawaii
24:08 - The significance of Hawaiian culture and community in golf management
26:48 - The Ikegai philosophy: finding your purpose through golf
37:54 - Insights into Kohanaiki’s design and golf course management
39:01 - Membership experience and the appeal of Hawaii’s outdoor lifestyle
43:38 - How Hawaii’s weather and natural environment impact operations
46:02 - Navigating seasonal peaks and maintaining service excellence
47:24 - Episode wrap-up: lessons from competition to leadership, and the importance of purpose

Final Notes

This episode emphasizes the importance of personalized coaching, cultural authenticity, and embracing your natural rhythm on and off the course. Lehua Wise exemplifies how elite players can successfully transition into leadership roles, blending competitive excellence with community service—all grounded in a deep sense of purpose.

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