Sat Aug 02 21:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**Colombian Golfer Nico Echavarría Finds Success Through Self-Compassion, Lands in Top 3**
SILVIS, IL – Nico Echavarría of Colombia is in a strong position at a recent golf tournament, currently tied for third place, but the leaderboard isn’t the only victory he’s celebrating. The golfer revealed that a significant shift in his mental game – a conscious decision to practice self-compassion – played a crucial role in his performance.
“I used to make a mistake and punish myself,” Echavarría explained. “Today, I decided to change that and be kind to myself.”
This new approach was tested early in his round when a triple bogey on the 15th hole threatened to derail his momentum. Previously, Echavarría admitted, such a setback would have triggered frustration and negativity. This time, coached by his sports psychologist, Iván Tcherkaski, who is traveling with him this week, he channeled self-encouragement instead.
“Iván told me to talk to myself like I would to my best friend,” Echavarría said. “Be your own best friend.”
The revised mental strategy proved effective. Echavarría recovered quickly, bouncing back with consecutive birdies. He credits the change in attitude with helping him maintain focus on a course that presents challenges despite the absence of wind, particularly with its demanding rough.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Echavarría has his sights set on breaking into the Top 50 of the FedExCup standings, which would allow him to skip the Fall season. “I’m currently 65. If I play well now, I can save myself a lot later. I have nothing to protect, so I decided to be aggressive.”
Echavarría has been working with Tcherkaski for three years, and this week’s tournament is a key step in their ongoing plan. “We planned this a while ago,” he said. “This week is key, and next week will be too, so Iván will be with me both weeks.”
First Piper 