Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
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Book Overview
A highly original and groundbreaking book from a noted PGA coach and Buddhist instructor - "The lessons in Zen Golf make the mental game seem so simple. Dr. Parent has given me very effective methods for working with thoughts and emotions, and for taking the negatives out of the picture." --Vijay Singh, Masters and PGA Champion
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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0385504462
ISBN13:9780385504461
Release Date:May 2002
Publisher:Doubleday Books
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.69 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.2" x 7.8"
Related Subjects
Buddhism Golf Philosophy Religion & Spirituality Sports & Outdoors Sports & RecreationCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
Reviews by Nan Kilar and Bobby Miller
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
When I worked as the golf professional on Holland America's ms Westerdam, I told our guests that I saw the game of golf as four-dimensional: attitude, set-up, swing and course management. And I don't care if you are a tour player or a beginner, the very first thing that you take out of your bag had better be a good attitude, or you lose. In "Zen Golf", Dr. Parent takes the game a giant step forward. He suggests that you never do or say anything on the golf course that you wouldn't do in front of your five year old daughter. What on earth does this have to do with improving your swing and game in general? Everything! Since I'm a golf instructor, not a preacher or counselor, I'll not even try to outline the many physical and mental keys that are presented in this book that'll help your game and home life after the game. I'll just say, "Buy it!"
The Point
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
What's the point of golf? What are we trying to achieve while we're out there? Simply put, the point is to get the ball in the cup as quickly as possible and enjoy the process. I played a round early this summer, had an awful time, came off the course stressed and feeling bad about my behavior. I was literally hyperventalating over putts. Turns out I scored well. So something was amiss, right? This book has me enjoying the game again. Zen Golf is not a deep and difficult treatise of the deeper meaning of life and golf. It is closer to an instruction manual on how to play better golf and enjoy the game more. It addresses concepts like trust, confidence and positive thinking. I now enjoy those 3-iron punch shots out of the trees. I'm learning to enjoy those 5-footers. Every shot is an opportunity and there's no need for fear or negativity. My "evil caddie" seldom comes around, and when he does, I know what to do. This is simply the best golf book I've ever read.
Why you should buy this book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
As an avid, yet struggling golfer I was ready for just about anything that could improve my game, including a lobotomy. Zen Golf was not only straight forward, but incredibly useful. Shortly after reading the book, I went out and "trusting" my swing not only hit a lot of great shots, but actually began having fun again. I enjoyed myself so much that I scheduled a full day lesson with Dr. Parent. Talk about a book brought to life. He was wonderful. Not only was he full of insight and stress relieving approaches, but he was really fun to play with. In the last year or so, I have been shooting a lot of 80's and even some 90's. Employing Dr. Parent's concepts I shot 77 AND had a fun time. I don't dread golf anymore. I highly recommend the book to every golfer looking to play to their full potential and take the hernia out of the game. For those luckier still, I recommend a lesson with Dr. Parent. If you are struggling with your game, either take up tennis or get this book.
Playing lessons
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Finally, after reading hundreds of books and attending numerous golf schools, I have found instruction on how to manage my golf game and play with the game I have. Dr. Parents "Zen Golf" is a guide to the meditative aspects of golf, in fact he offers step by step instuction to begin meditation and work it into your golf game. Anyone who has ever meditated and played golf sees golf as "meditation in action": What's Tiger Woods advantage over the field of PGA golfers? Mind control he has gained trough years of meditation practice guided by his mother (from Thailand). Dr. Parents shows us how to "be" on the golf course to increase enjoyment and lower scores, but more importantly to play with honor and dignity regardless of the outcome that day.
get your mind out of the way of your golf game
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
The one time I had a perfect (for me) round of golf I noticed that the game seemed extremely simple. The rest of the time, I wonder how it can be so complicated to try and reproduce that simplicity. Zen golf gets to the root of this and offers a path there, and the opportunity to have that round at any time. Joseph Parent's advice applies to all levels of golfers and is a guide to consistent and reproduceable results. It is one of those rare books on golf that doesn't fill your head with things to consider while you play, it does the opposite by showing you how to clear your head and in doing so clear away the obstacles that prevent us and our bodies from naturally performing the way we are capable of. I expect that the short time it took me to read this book will have a long-lasting effect on the way I will play golf from now on, and I am in the process of reading it for a second time.
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