The Rise of a PGA Tour Sensation

At just 24, Alex Carson has taken the golf world by storm, earning his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Heritage and securing a top-10 finish at The Masters in April. With his 2023 season already marking him as a player to watch, Carson's journey from a junior amateur standout to a contender on golf's biggest stages is as inspiring as it is instructive.

We sat down with Alex to discuss the mental grit, relentless preparation, and emotional balance that fuel his meteoric rise.

Cultivating Mental Resilience: "The Game Within the Game"

Q: You've spoken about the importance of mental toughness. How do you train that?

"It's like a muscle-you have to work it every day," says Carson. "I use visualization before every round, picturing each shot as vividly as possible. If I make a mistake, I focus on the next shot, not the one that cost me stroke. You can't dwell on bad moments when the stakes are high."

Carson credits his sports psychologist for teaching him breathing techniques and mindfulness practices. "It's about staying present. I'll take three deep breaths if I feel pressure creeping in. It slows my heart rate and reminds me to trust my game."

Behind the Training Routines: Grit Meets Precision

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

"My days start with strength and mobility workouts-golf isn't just about power; it's about control," Carson explains. "Then I spend hours on technical drills: 45 minutes on putting, an hour on wedge play, and two hours on long irons. I simulate tournament conditions, like playing 18 holes without a cart, to build endurance."

Balancing physical and mental work is key. "I'll review video footage of past tournaments to analyze my decisions. But I also schedule downtime. Overtraining drains creativity."

Navigating the Pressure of Elite Tournaments

Q: How did you handle the chaos of your first U.S. Open?

"The crowd noise and media attention were overwhelming at first," he admits. "But I treated it like any other tournament. I break pressure down into three parts: preparation, adaptability, and perspective. You prepare obsessively, adapt when conditions shift, and remember that-win or lose-it's still just golf."

Carson's turning point came during the 2023 Masters. After a wayward tee shot on the 12th hole, he saved par with a recovery chip that silenced the gallery. "I reminded myself, 'This is why I'm here.' Confidence isn't about never doubting-it's about recovering from doubt faster."

Looking Ahead to the Future

With The Open Championship looming and playoff contention within reach, Carson remains grounded. "I want to keep exploring how far my game and mindset can take me. But I also know setbacks are part of the journey. The goal isn't to avoid losing; it's to stay hungry to improve."

For fans and aspiring golfers alike, Alex Carson's story is a masterclass in blending talent with tenacity. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on this breakout star-and the quiet strength that drives him.