Here’s a book that can help your mental game

It has been a fun, enjoyable, growing and challenging season for me. Anytime we are involved in golf it is a bit like life, we experience a variety of emotions.  We know there will be challenges on the golf course.  How we deal with each challenge determines our score and enjoyment of the game. 

I read a book several times this year titled: Extraordinary Golf by Fred Shoemaker.  I attended a seminar given by Fred and have spoken with him on the phone.  The views, concepts and outlooks of this book have spoken to me greatly.  Fred has expanded my overall outlook and mental focus on golf.  I would encourage everyone to read this book.  It will change your point of view.

I’d like to share a couple things I have been committed to this year because of Fred Shoemaker’s book.

First, I am focused on approaching golf differently. I am focused on hitting shots, trying less, caring less, target connected, curving shots.  I am focused on what I can do, rather than what I’ve done wrong on the last hole or don’t want to do!  I see players of all calibers trying too hard, filled with tension, because they are trying to make sure they don’t miss hit their shot or hit it in a certain way.  Focused solely on their swing and not the target.  They are controlled by score.  They are stiff and not free.  They are much different in tournament situations than they are on the range or playing a casual game with their friends.

Why should a tournament be any different than a casual round?  I have found the less I care; the less I try; the more I trust; the better I do.  The freer I am the better I play. My goal is to not be attached to the outcome.  I call it the NATO theory.  It is more difficult than it sounds.  Can I be committed to freedom and NATO rather than score and where I stand to par?

Next, and very important, is who we are between shots.  Most of golf is time between shots.  Actual golf shots only cover about 15 minutes of our 4 and half hours on the course.  This includes our preshot routine.

Most golfers are introspective, focused on negative stuff and beating themselves up between shots.  It is difficult to play great in this entrenched state of being.

A different focus between shots would make a huge difference in our score, fulfillment, experience and enjoyment on the golf course.  I would encourage everyone to check out Extraordinary Golf by Fred Shoemaker.  I am glad I did!

  Jeff Coston has played the PGA Tour, Web.com and Champions Tour.  He is a multiple Pacific Northwest PGA Player of the Year and is in the PGA Hall of Fame.  Jeff can be reached for appointment year round by calling S360.201.4590. See  www.jeffcoston.com for more.