Musician Pat Monahan, best known as the frontman for the pop-rock band Train, has set his sights on breaking 80 during his upcoming round at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club. In a recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast, Monahan shared insights into his experiences at one of golf’s most celebrated venues, where he has played three times.
During his conversations with co-hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, Monahan reflected on how the pressure of performing in front of thousands at a concert contrasts sharply with the serene yet challenging environment of Augusta. While on tour, expectations for his performances soar, but at Augusta, he finds it easier to manage his mindset.
Monahan’s best score during his visits to Augusta is 79, a mark he hopes to improve upon. “Breaking 80 is my goal,” he stated, adding that his aspirations differ from those of his golfing friends, who aim to break par. Knost and Stoltz probed Monahan about the circumstances surrounding his close calls, particularly on the final holes. Monahan candidly admitted, “I’m definitely a barely-do-it kind of guy,” emphasizing that rounds he believes will be stellar often end up just shy of his expectations.
The conversation highlighted a common truth in golf: the mental game can be a player’s greatest adversary. Knost noted the significant influence that one’s thoughts can have on performance, a sentiment that Monahan echoed. His recent participation in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am served as another reminder of this lesson, where he learned that the pressure to perform alongside professional players can be counterproductive. “Nobody cares how you perform as long as you keep up the pace,” he remarked, acknowledging the difference between the two worlds.
With another trip to Augusta on his calendar this month, Monahan is preparing to refine his skills. He plans to take a lesson to work on specific aspects of his game. “Like everything,” he said, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement in golf.
As he gears up for this next challenge, Monahan remains focused on not just his score, but also on enjoying the experience that comes with playing at one of golf’s most iconic courses. Fans can look forward to his insights and stories in the full episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast, where he shares more about his dual passions for music and golf.
