Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
by Joseph Parent
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Book Summary Information
Author: Joseph ParentBrand: Booklegger
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-05-14
ISBN: 0385504462
Number of pages: 204
Publisher: Doubleday
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780385504461
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
Book Review: A Must Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
First let me apologize for the lengthy letter. I get a bit wordy.
>
> I have been an avid golfer since the early '70's. My Dad ran a golf league
> until his passing in 1995. Losing my "golfing buddy" I lost interest in
> the game and have not played since.
>
> A few months ago, a friend of mine, mentioned that they would like to learn the
> game and asked if I could teach her. Her decision has sparked new interest
> for me so I decided to start playing again. I used to be a 12 handicap and
> would like to eventually get back to that level of playing.
>
> Unfortunately, I am the type that suffers from the 'glass being half
> empty' syndrome. For many reasons (that I won't get into), I have a
> negative attitude about things and anger easily. I have been athletic all
> my life and did very well in sports. Most sports came naturally to me,
> except golf, where I had to work hard at it just to become decent. Maybe
> that's why I am drawn to the game.
>
> Playing years ago, I put a lot of pressure on myself and when I didn't do
> well I would get upset and sometimes throw clubs. My Dad used to tell me
> to stay calm and relax since the attitude would definitely effect my next
> and future shots. But like most young people, we think we know more than
> everyone else and although his advice made sense, I could never keep my
> cool. And yes, my next shots were bad and I would get madder and on and on
> and on.
>
> As I am now 53, I have calmed a bit but still get upset over stupid things
> (especially in daily life) and although I don't throw clubs anymore, I do
> get down on myself when I don't hit the ball or score well. I try to teach
> my friend about staying positive and maintaining a good attitude, but I
> sometimes do not set the right example.
>
> When I practice at golf, I strive hard to have the "right" swing. In golf,
> I read articles on technique and what to do and what NOT to do. I try
> different grips, stances and swings. Sometimes these changes work for
> awhile and sometimes they don't. But I keep trying. I have had the
> pleasure in the sports that I have played to experience "being in the
> zone". It's a great feeling (as you know). In bowling, I feel that I could
> throw between my legs and still get a strike. In basketball, I could close
> my eyes and swish the basket and in golf, I feel as if I could hit the
> ball with the back of the club and put a 150 yard shot 5 feet from the
> pin. You can do no wrong. Then there are times that I can't hit the ball
> 50 yards. I get the "shanks" and feel as if it's the first time picking up
> a club. I don't know if it's technique or mental or whatever, but I
> literally lose the swing completely.
>
> But I keep trying and changing things, usually to no avail. Then while
> watching the Golf Channel I saw a program on the 10 worst swings in golf.
> These people had horrible swings (for pros) but yet they make it work for
> them. My swing is far from horrible but I then decided to keep what I have
> and work with it. I also decided to look into the mental aspect of the
> game.
>
> I have always known that golf is a hugely mental game (hence the "zone")
> but never read or learned anything about it. So, while researching items
> on the Internet, I stumbled across Zen Golf. I went into the reading with
> an open mind and was fascinated on the part of visualization. Although
> this is common sense (to me), I have never applied it. Another part about
> not letting your thoughts interfere with you was also helpful. I remember
> about a month ago, I had a badly bruised rib. Every time I swung the club,
> I experienced intense pain. I was forced to slow my tempo down. Guess
> what? I hit the ball fantastically, long and straight. One, because I
> slowed my tempo down and two, because the only thought I had was my rib.
> No thinking about head down, arm straight, follow through, that last bad
> shot, etc. My thoughts were primarily clear and didn't interfere with me.
> I know this isn't exactly what you are teaching, but so far this is a
> pre-Zen example of mine that I can relate to.
>
> But more importantly, the visualization technique. I went to the course
> today and applied this principle. Before every shot, I visualized what I
> wanted and/or visualized the smoothness of a great swing or feeling of
> being in the zone. It worked, especially on the first hole when you are
> not loose and everyone is watching. It's a 185 yard par 3 and I was going
> to hit a hybrid and swing very easy but I took my 5 iron and trusted my
> swing and visualized what I wanted. Bam! It hit just a couple yards right
> of the green. But I hit it, on the sweet spot, exactly the way I
> visualized it
>
> I used the techniques all day and it worked beautifully! I shot 7 strokes
> better than ever on that course! Usually on the middle holes, I start to
> loose my swing (like always) and I'm usually a goner for the rest of the
> round. This time, I started to lose the swing, but I kept my composure,
> accepted it and it only lasted two holes and then I came back like
> gangbusters. I consistently was hitting long irons smooth, straight and
> long! Never did that before so consistently. My putting was very good
> also. If I missed a lengthy putt, it was missed by only about a foot.
> Incredible! The 18th hole was a 155 yards, into the wind, par 3. I trusted
> my 7 iron and visualized a smooth and straight shot. Stuck it 7 feet from
> the pin.
>
> So I will work with the swing I have (making minor changes at times) and
> be happy and accept it. I will also apply the book's principles and hopefully
> someday I will break 80(82 is my best) and may even get into
> single digit handicaps.
>
>I will re-read/study, this book, many times after I finish reading it the first time. Oh, did I forget to
> mention. I am only on page 60!
>
>
Summary of Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
The best players know that golf is a game of confidence, and most important, concentration?the ability to focus and block out distraction. The goal of achieving clear thought is also at the heart of Buddhist teachings. In his highly original and groundbreaking book, noted PGA coach and Buddhist instructor, Dr. Joseph Parent, draws on this natural connection and teaches golfers how to clear their minds, achieve ultimate focus, and play in the moment for each shot.Zen Golf presents a simple system for building ?mental game mastery.? Dr Parent?s unique PAR Approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results) guides golfers with specific techniques for each aspect of their games. In chapters such as ?How to Get From the Practice Tee to the First Tee?, ?You Produce What You Fear?, and ?How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf?, the author shares a personal teaching regimen that has helped improve the games of professionals and amateurs alike. By combining classic insights and stories from Zen tradition, Zen Golf helps eliminate the mental distractions that routinely cause poor shots and loss of concentration, allowing golfers to feel in ?the zone? that professionals have learned to master.
Clear, concise, and enlightening, Zen Golf shows golfers how to prepare for, execute, and equally important, respond the results of any golf shot. A different approach to golf instruction, this book shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings.
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