Enlightened Golf

Golf is a mental game; many of the components of golf, therefore, can not be purchased in a pro shop. If you were to simply watch golf, you might see balls and clubs and golf shoes, etc; it is natural for most people to see these things and think that golf is a matter of having the best components and clothing, or that if they acquire the appropriate gear, the rest will come naturally.

While it may be true that there are “naturals” at golf, what they are truly “naturals” at is the use of their mind and mental faculties and skills — specifically the types of focus, concentration, visualization, and emotional mastery needed to execute the various skills golf requires. Even Tiger Woods had to learn and be coached to do the things that make him great and set him apart from the “average” professional golfer.

Those “things” that help Tiger rise above the rest are not “visible” to the eye; you can not hope to play like Tiger simply by investing in Nike Golf gear, or mimicking mannerisms — unless, of course, you understand the thought processes BEHIND the mannerisms. For instance, when Tiger stares down the fairway before teeing off, he isn’t simply daydreaming or “Zoning-out;” he is “Zoning In” and loading up the targeting information for that hole. The only difference between what he is doing before teeing off, and what he is doing when you watch him line up a putt, is in the particulars, or requirements of the particular shot.

In both cases, however, Tiger is using his imagination to visualize the ball going exactly where he wants it to go. After loading up the targeting data, the next step is to move your focus to the ball and perform your set-up routine — which, for golfers like Tiger, involves calming the nerves with an “Emotional Mastery” technique and settling into a relaxed state. Then, as the physical swing begins with the back swing, attention, concentration, and focus, are essential mental skills. Your target, at this point, is the ball — not the hole!

The golf swing happens so quickly that you can not make conscious adjustments to it once you have started it — not without losing your ball in the woods, anyway… If you aren’t looking at an empty tee after your swing, then you allowed your focus to shift — your concentration wavered just prior to striking the ball. If you aren’t looking at the spot where your ball was lying just after you strike it, you had to have started moving your head and eyes during the swing.

Many people think that slicing a ball is a physical problem with their swing; but the mechanical problem is the result of an improperly programmed mind and nervous system, or a failure to achieve and maintain focus and concentration for the few seconds it takes to swing a club.

Here are some helpful hints for working on your mental and energetic game of golf:

1. Always visualize your shots whether a tee shot, a putt, or something in between.
2. Start with the “Big Picture” and then Zoom-In to your target — the hole, not the green.
3. Imagine the flight, bounce, and roll of your ball — including the drop into the hole and the sound it makes.
4. As you approach the ball, take a deep breath in your nose and allow your muscles to all relax as you release the breath. Do this as many times as necessary to achieve a calming effect.
5. Always visualize your swing and the flight of the ball again as you stand over your ball.
6. Always take a practice swing — and again visualize the entire result of the swing as if it were real.
7. When standing over your ball, focus on your ball and relax; when your focus “softens” you are in a good zone to begin your swing. Many golfers use a “key” at this point to signal the start of their swing in order to not have to think about it and come out of their zone.
8. Practice keeping your eyes on the spot where the ball was resting until it is gone.
9. After an errant shot, express any emotion you want to express; but then take as many “calming breaths” as you need to in order to return to your pre-shot calmness, and then take a final, corrective, practice swing.
10. As you walk to your ball, enjoy the scenery and relax; that’s why golf courses are so beautiful — besides, there is not a single thing you can think about at this stage that will help your game, unless the thought is a relaxing thought. Try not to think about your score or the outcome or what you need to shoot on the next hole to achieve a certain outcome.
11. Repeat this process as necessary — usually at least 72-times…

You learn to swing a golf club at home or on the driving range; golf courses are for PLAYING golf and learning about the specifics of playing on a golf course. Relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself; it really does help you keep your eye on the ball and lower your score dramatically.