Project 0: The bitter truth of the scorecard - expectation vs. reality

"Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you'll see what happens next." This motto accompanies Lars Heuer in episode 5 through one of the most difficult phases of the entire project. The first tournaments are coming up, the pressure is huge - and the reality on the pitch is often more painful than expected.

After months of meticulous training in the simulator and on the range, the harvest was about to be reaped. But Lars has to realize: Mastering the swing and performing under pressure on the course are two completely different disciplines. While the good shots are getting better and better, downward slips and tactical errors keep pushing the score up. This is the phase of "mini crises" in which Lars has to learn that consistent golf is decided in the mind.

Project 0 Episode 5: The psychological sound barrier - when expectation meets reality

The mission: From handicap 20 to the golden zero

"Project 0" is the story of Lars Heuer, a 53-year-old former management consultant who made a radical decision in November 2024: he gave up his job to improve his golf handicap from 20.4 to the level of a scratch golfer (handicap 0) within a year.

This is no ordinary sports project: Lars is taking a financial risk and dedicating his life for 365 days to the dream of making the impossible possible. He trains up to 40 hours a week to achieve this. As he says himself: "I have decided to live my dream, with all the consequences." Experts estimate the chances of achieving this goal as minimal - but Lars is prepared to go the full, holistic way, which goes beyond pure physical training and includes the areas of mental training, nutrition and regeneration.

Hero shots and the art of failure

In the fifth episode, it becomes clear that the biggest hurdle on the way to becoming a scratch golfer is no longer just technique, but course management. A direct comparison between Lars' risky decisions and the defensive strategy of his companion Karl shows that those who force the "hero shot" often end up out of bounds - those who accept the Bogey end up with the better handicap. Lars vividly describes the "little devil" in his head that tempts him to take a risky shot despite a sensible plan. The result: a ball against the tree, the next one out of bounds, the hole canceled.

But despite these setbacks, there is positive news: The handicap is going down. Lars learns to tick off these "mini crises" more quickly. Inspired by Master Yoda, he realizes that failure is the best teacher. Even though he hasn't yet brought home a round in the 70s, he can already see in his mind how it could be done. There are only two or three situations per round that stand between him and a couple's golf. The conclusion after six months: the road is rocky and not a one-way street, but the belief in the goal of a 0 handicap is stronger than ever.

The foundation: professional support and Sky guidance

Success in this ambitious project is only possible as a team. Lars Heuer is supported by a first-class network of experts who work under professional conditions.

The renowned former professional golfer Florian Fritsch (head and swing coach) is responsible for the sporting management, while Heinz Peter Thül (former Germany's No. 2 behind Bernhard Langer) provides the expertise for the short game. The team is complemented by a putting expert, a home coach, a mental coach, a sports nutritionist and a medical contact point. "Project 0" will also be accompanied by a detailed video diary on YouTube.