Kevin Dougherty: Proven Scoring Secrets from a Seasoned Pro Golfer

Mar 27, 2026

Kevin Dougherty, a PGA Tour pro known for his driving distance and fitness-first approach. He talks routine-driven pre-round prep, focused putting warm-ups, using a mini driver for control, speed-training methods to add yards, and how sports psychology and rehab shaped his resilience and game plan.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Practice The Game Not Just The Swing

Practice should include understanding why the ball behaves a certain way and practicing the game, not only swing mechanics.
Kevin observed players with imperfect swings beat great swingers because they practiced playing shots and course management.

ADVICE

Use Breath And Acceptance To Stay Present

Use breath awareness to get present and accept all outcomes to reduce pressure.
Kevin works with sports psychologist Dr. Raymond Priori and focuses on feeling air in his nostrils and mentally accepting failure as possible.

ADVICE

Spend 10 Minutes On A Putting Warmup

Do a focused 5–10 ball putting warmup starting with a start-line drill then lag putting to feel the greens.
Kevin uses a star drill from 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 feet and emphasizes making good strokes rather than living or dying on makes.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy to lower your handicap FAST

Kevin Dougherty is a professional golfer from Murrieta, California, who turned pro in 2014 after playing collegiate golf at Oklahoma State University. Some of his teammates at OSU included Wyndham Clark and Taylor Gooch.

Kevin achieved a significant milestone by earning his first PGA Tour card, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Known for his perseverance, commitment to fitness and dedication to the sport, Kevin continues to work on his game and will inspire you to think big in 2025.

When you listen to this episode, you will learn:

How he became a top driver in pro golf.
His experience working with a sports psychologist.
Why the putting green is so important before the round.
How a mini driver can help faster swinging players off the tee.
His unique strategy to hit fades and draws with driver off the tee.
How a routine helps him stay present and play best in high pressure situations.

And a lot more.

WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products

Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)

Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%).

Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).

Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).

Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf and lower your handicap.

Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 100 Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.

Wicked Smart Golf Books

Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.

Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.

Also, don't forget to connect on social media:

Follow on TikTok

Follow on Instagram

Subscribe on YouTube