Exploring the Role of Play in Golf with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play

Many golfers start playing because the game is fun. But over time something shifts. Golf becomes work. The scorecard becomes the focus. And the joy that originally drew us to the game slowly fades.

In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play, to explore how the science of play can reshape the way we approach golf.

Mia shares the story behind the research of her grandfather, Dr. Stuart Brown, whose work helped establish play as a fundamental human need and led to the creation of the National Institute for Play. Together they explore how play affects learning, performance, creativity, and how golfers can reconnect with the reason they started playing in the first place.

The conversation also looks at how reframing success in golf can lead to deeper learning, greater presence, and often better performance.

Play personalities include:

1. Competitor
2. Explorer
3. Mover
4. Dreamer
5. Creator
6. Joker
7. Storyteller
8. Director

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction to the Power of Play

(3:20) Mia Sundstrom’s Background and the Origins of the National Institute for Play

(7:42) What Play Really Means and Common Misconceptions

(10:06) Play as Both a State and a Personality Trait

(12:53) Understanding Play Personalities

(16:09) Applying Play Styles to Golf

(22:24) Reframing the Way We Approach the Game

(28:53) How Play Can Improve Golf Performance

(33:27) Flow, Relaxation, and Being Fully Present

(37:26) How to Discover Your Own Play Personality

(39:22) Reframing Success and Enjoyment in Golf

(41:16) Resources and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Learn More About the National Institute for Play: https://nifplay.org