Q&A with Dewi Weber: Dutch pro golfer swings into mental fitness with alphabeats
In the world of professional golf, where millimeters can mean the difference between victory and defeat, mental fitness is as crucial as physical skill. Enter Dewi Weber, a rising star on the LPGA Tour who's bringing a fresh perspective to the mental game. We caught up with Dewi to chat about her unique path to the greens, the pivotal role of neurofeedback training in golf, and how alphabeats is reshaping her approach to the game.
You started as a tennis player in the Netherlands and now you're on the LPGA Tour. That's quite a shift! Can you take us through that transition?
It's funny, actually. I didn't start playing golf until I was about 11 or 12. I was originally a tennis player, but I got injured and couldn't do any fast-paced sports for a while. My parents played golf, so they would take me to the golf course just to be outside and burn some energy. I think because of tennis, I had pretty good hand-eye coordination, and golf came naturally to me. I learned quickly and started excelling faster at golf than I had at tennis, so I eventually chose golf because I was better than average at it.
How did you make the transition from amateur to professional golf?
After winning internationally as an amateur, I was at a crossroads. I had to decide whether to turn pro right after high school, go into normal university life, or find a way to continue playing elite-level golf while pursuing higher education. I chose to take on both golf and higher ed, which meant moving to the US to play college golf. In 2015, I went to the University of Miami, played there for three years, and got my degree. After that, I played on the Symetra Tour (now called the Epson Tour) for two years before making it to the LPGA Tour.
Golf is often described as a mental game. How has that aspect of the sport impacted your journey?
For the longest time, I kind of took that statement for granted. I thought I could outwork the mental part physically - that as long as I had all the necessary physical skills, I could execute. But as I turned pro, I realized how important the mental aspect truly is. I got to a point where I had all the skills, but for some reason, I was struggling to execute them under pressure. There was no logical reason why I shouldn't be able to do it - I could do it in practice, so I should be able to do it under pressure. But where was that pressure coming from? It was all in my head, in those six inches between my ears. That realization started me on a journey of working more on the mental aspect of my game.
How did you come across alphabeats, and what drew you to it?
I was introduced to alphabeats through a connection in the Dutch community here in LA. When I heard about the product - neurofeedback with music - I was intrigued because I was already familiar with binaural beats and I meditate a lot. What I really liked about alphabeats is that it gives you instant feedback. You look at the screen and see what your brain waves are doing. This is beneficial because I can try different techniques, like breathing exercises, and instantly see whether they work for me or not.
How has alphabeats helped you in your golf game?
alphabeats has been a great tool for me to find that calm headspace and then translate it onto the course. I can put myself in a position where I'm under pressure on the golf course, and then rationalize to myself, "Okay, let's do this four-breath situation because I know it's been working while I wear the headband." I get that biofeedback, which helps me tweak and improve my mental fitness. It's been super beneficial because I'm always looking for that clear head and calm mindset on the course. I know that the opposite isn't going to give me the results I want.
How do you incorporate alphabeats into your training routine?
I use alphabeats two to three times a week, usually either early in the morning or late at night. I never do it right before a tournament because I believe you should never rush to get mental benefits. It's about consistency and gradual improvement. When I do a session, I always have a specific goal in mind, like trying out a new breathing technique. Then I can see the instant data it gives me and gauge how effective it is for me.
Have you noticed an impact on your performance since using alphabeats?
Yes, I have. It's hard to say that I'm doing this and now my scores are instantly better, because golf is affected by so many factors. But I do notice a difference on the course, even if it's just in the number of tools I have in my arsenal. There are now a few extra things I can use to put myself in a different mental state than I was before. For example, if I'm nine holes in and not playing as well as I'd like, I used to completely freak out. Now, I'm able to turn that around by going back to my breathing, staying more clear-headed with the tools I've learned. This usually works out better than the chaos in my mind.
Beyond golf, how has alphabeats impacted your life?
It's been amazing. Not only does it help with my performance, but it also helps me be more calm as a person. It allows me to be more clear-headed in the decisions I make and not jump to conclusions - usually negative ones - so easily. I can take a breather and see everything from a wider angle. I really wish I had started this journey earlier because it helps me in life more than anything. Yes, it helps with performance, but it also makes living life easier. Living with chaos and anxiety isn't fun, and alphabeats has helped me a lot in finding ways to calm myself down and be a little more chill. That's so beneficial for just living.
Any final thoughts for other athletes considering mental training tools like alphabeats?
I would say don't wait to start your mental training or neurofeedback training journey. Discovering how much changing brain waves and different mental states can do for your performance is incredibly valuable. And the benefits extend far beyond your sport - it can help you become a calmer, more centered person overall. Whether you're a professional athlete or just someone looking to improve your mental fitness, tools like alphabeats can make a real difference. It's about finding that balance and clarity, both on and off the course.
Dewi Weber's path from injured Dutch tennis player to LPGA Tour pro shows her grit and adaptability. By embracing tools like alphabeats and neurofeedback, it’s clear that she isn't just working on her swing - she's rewiring her approach to pressure, performance, and daily life. Dewi’s innovative mindset sets her apart in a traditional sport and proves that in golf, and in life, those six inches between your ears can be your biggest asset.