Mindful Swings: What Golf, Real Estate, and Stillness Have in Common

Every spring, like clockwork, the soft tones of The Masters announcers drift into our home. Before kids, I’d unapologetically indulge in the quiet calm of golf commentary as a form of meditation. Even now, between cleaning, birthday parties and dinner plans, I find myself drawn to the rhythm of the game—and not just because I love golf. It’s because I’ve come to see how golf, real estate investing, and mindfulness are all cut from the same cloth.

A stretch? Maybe. But golf is all about taking it down the stretch, right?

Here’s the thing: in golf, much like in real estate or personal growth, you’re not just competing with others. You’re meeting yourself at every turn. Sure, you might glance at the leaderboard or comparable listings in the neighborhood, but ultimately, it’s about how well you can show up in the moment you’re in.

Every golfer knows the feeling—you hit a bad shot, and if you don’t reset mentally, that frustration follows you to the next tee. It’s the same in real estate investing. Buy the wrong property, overextend in renovations, or react impulsively to market noise, and you can spiral. But the pros—on the course and in business—know when to breathe, reset, and swing again.

As golf legend Jack Nicklaus once said:

“Don’t be too proud to take a lesson. I’m not.”

That humility, that willingness to stay present and learn, is a form of mindfulness in action.

Let me take you back to one of my own rounds. I once stood on the 17th tee box after a brutal triple bogey. I was rattled. My swing felt off, and my grip was too tight—literally and figuratively. I paused. Took a breath. Reminded myself I’m just here with friends and it’s meant to be fun. That shift in mindset saved my round—and my sanity.

Real estate works the same way. Some investors chase the green jacket—seeking big wins through flipping, high appreciation markets, or building a legacy portfolio. Others just want stability, a safe place to raise their families or park their money. Then there are those aiming for curb appeal and prestige, buying properties that impress business partners or clients. No two definitions of success are alike.

And that’s okay.

Because success isn’t always about the scoreboard. Sometimes, it’s just about being invited to the game. Sometimes, it’s hitting a personal best. And sometimes, it’s finishing with grace after a rough front nine.

Mindfulness, at its core, reminds us to be where we are—to breathe before we act, to reflect before we react. Whether you’re navigating a tricky real estate deal or lining up a long putt, the goal is the same: presence over panic, long game over short gain.

So here’s to Masters Sunday, to every investor finding their swing, and to the moments in golf, real estate, and life when we remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.

See you on the fairway—or maybe at that next open house.