Few of us spend our entire lives preparing to perform under pressure like Mason Howell has for his first U.S. Open, but most of us aren’t 17-year-old golf phenoms either. Yet, I can’t help but get inspired by Howell’s preparations for some of the fastest greens and toughest bunkers in the country and think of the times that I’ve been in tough leadership situations and wished I had more time to prepare.
Howell is one of fewer than 1 percent of 10,000 golfers who made it through qualifying this year. The odds are staggering. He’ll tee it up at Oakmont Country Club with the golf world watching. And yet, he’s approaching the challenge with a seemingly peaceful temperament beyond his years.
In fact, his approach mirrors something every leader needs when stepping into high-stakes environments: the ability to prepare your mindset as much as your skill set. Here’s how:
1. Train for the tough shots.
Howell doesn’t just play his home course—he intentionally practices the shots he least likes to hit. Most of us stick to our strengths when we prepare, but growth rarely comes from comfort. As leaders, it’s easy to spend time rehearsing what we’re already good at. But what about the uncomfortable conversations? The unpredictable boardroom questions? The uncertain market conditions? Howell’s strategy reminds us: Practice for the moments that test you—not just the ones that reward you.
2. Rely on your team.
For his big day, Howell has asked his high school coach to be on the bag. Howell also recognizes that his arrival at this point and time has been a team effort—his parents have been there every step of the way. Leaders often feel the weight of pressure alone, but leaning on others—mentors, colleagues, advisors—can stabilize your mindset when the heat is on. The best leaders don’t pretend they have it all figured out. They surround themselves with people who make them better.
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3. Don’t forget to enjoy it.
Howell’s advice for new golfers? Stay positive. I’ve seen too many leaders power through burnout or grip too tightly to control. The results are diminished clarity and strained decision-making. In high-pressure situations, your ability to stay present and positive might be the edge that carries you through. But Howell is not simply pretending the course will be easy. “Whoever can deal with their nerves the best and get out of their own way will play the best,” said Howell in an interview.
So, he’s focusing on this opportunity and all that it brings, such as playing with other golfers he admires, like Harris English who is from his home state of Georgia. “Obviously a dream pairing would be Rory [McIlroy] or Scottie [Scheffler],” Howell added with a smile.
Leadership, like golf, demands that we perform under pressure, often without any mulligans. But if we’re willing to prepare for the tough shots, lean on our people, and keep perspective by focusing on the opportunities, we might just find ourselves walking toward the toughest challenge with a quiet confidence—and maybe even a smile.
