Planning ahead in golf is risky business. Just when we thought this issue would be all about the U.S Opens – and don’t worry, they’re still in here – another theme emerged, clear as day: the mental game. Sometimes, the stories worth telling write themselves, and when multiple writers independently turn their focus to the psychology of golf, you listen.

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome mindset coach Chris Hynes to the fold. As head teaching pro at Sanctuary Lakes and author of Beyond The Fairways To Fulfilment, Chris brings a fresh and insightful voice to the magazine. In the first instalment of his monthly column Mental Mastery, he dissects Rory McIlroy’s rollercoaster ride to victory at Augusta, using it as a powerful case study in resilience, purpose and managing fear - not by avoiding mistakes, but by embracing positivity when it counts.

Veteran contributor Paul Prendergast picks up a similar thread in his feature Killin’ Time. He delves into the often-ignored space between shots – the silent stretches where doubt creeps in and concentration wanes. Drawing on experiences from players like Rory and Rachel Hetherington, Paul explores how mental discipline, reframing and adaptability can be the difference between grinding and thriving.

Adding a more playful spin to the mind game, Andrew Daddo returns with Soundtrack To A Streak – a rhythmic, clever reflection on how to ride the highs of a hot run of form. Guided by love songs and golf tunes, Daddo reminds us that staying imaginative and grounded in basics is just as important when everything seems to be going your way.

Still, the U.S Opens deserve their due, and we deliver. In Oakmont Unleashed, we preview the return of golf’s toughest test, where only the most mentally and physically durable will survive. We also rewind to Dustin Johnson’s 2016 win on the same fearsome layout in Flashback. Meanwhile, Karen Harding and Matt Cleary break down the women’s and men’s fields respectively, with a sharp eye on the Aussies and the mental hurdles facing our best.

Beyond the ropes, this issue spans the spectrum of golf experience. Our Digital Editor Callum Hill toured Cape Kidnappers, Tom Doak’s clifftop Kiwi masterpiece, which is as awe-inspiring visually as it is challenging to play. We also take a dream trip to Laucala Island, Fiji’s private golfing paradise, and return home changed ... just ask Brett Geeves.

Back in Melbourne, Mike Clayton makes the case for why the Sandbelt’s golden age might be right now, as design, conditions and strategic play converge in spectacular ways.

Jeeno Thitikul, a former world No.1 with a major in sight, is still somehow flying under the radar. In Beyond The Leaderboard Lights, Senior Writer Matt Cleary makes the case for Aussie fans to start paying serious attention.

Gear junkies will love Bags, Bags, Bags, a guide to the latest in carry, cart and staff bags from Titleist, Srixon, Callaway, TaylorMade, OGIO and Bridgestone.

And if your game’s a work in progress (whose isn’t?), you’ll find loads to help in this issue. Our Hit List delivers a plan to tighten fundamentals and boost your physical and mental game. PGA Teaching Pro Jo Flaherty shows you how to escape the dreaded “fried egg” bunker lie, and in Play Time, we urge you to inject some creativity into your short game with varied grips, lofts and club choices.

And of course, there’s always time for a proper yarn. In 19 Holes With Ewan Porter, the former touring pro turned broadcaster gets candid on the balcony at Mt Broughton - no spin, no fluff - about life after the tour and the big ideas golf needs to go truly global.

Plus, regulars John Huggan and Geoff Ogilvy bring their expert voices to the table in Huggan’s Alley and In My Opinion.

So, whether you’re tuning in for the Opens, looking to sharpen your mindset, or just trying to squeeze more joy out of your next round, the June 2025 issue of Golf Australia has something for everyone - between the ears and between the shots.