I drive two hours each way to work. While driving, I often listen to audible books. And because I had so much time on the road, I was able to finish books that I couldn’t finish when reading the paper copy. For instance, it took me 46 hours and 45 minutes to finish Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84.
The concept of mindfulness, which is defined as the “quality or state of being conscious or aware of something,” has recently captured my interest. Perhaps because I am a recreational golfer I found two books about golf that talks about mindfulness stand out— “Mindful Golfer” by Stephen Altschuler and “Zen Putting” by Joseph Parent.
Mindfulness in Golf
Golf is more than just a sport; it is a game of mental discipline, focus, and control. In order to be successful on the course, a golfer must not only have the physical ability to play, but also the mental fortitude to stay focused and relaxed under pressure. For instance, my golfing buddy mentioned how his grandson used to average in the 70s but lately has struggled since he can’t manage his temper. In order to address his outbursts, his grandson is now visiting a sports psychologist on the advice of his coach.
In “The Mindful Golfer,” Altschuler draws on his experience as a psychologist and a golfer to explore the connection between mindfulness and golf performance. He explains how mindfulness can help golfers stay focused, reduced anxiety, and improve their overall game. The author also provides practical exercises and tips for incorporating mindfulness into one’s golfing routine.
Similarly, “Zen Putting” by Joseph Parent offers a fresh approach to golfing by combining the ancient wisdom of Zen with the modern science of golf psychology. The book focuses on the art of putting, one of the most important aspects of the game, and provides techniques and exercises to help golfers develop a more relaxed and focused state of mind.
Both “The Mindful Golfer” and “Zen Putting” emphasize the importance of being present in the moment and taking things one shot at a time. They encourage golfers to release their expectations and trust their instincts, allowing them to play freely and with confidence. Additionally, both books encourage golfers to cultivate a non-judgmental attitude and to accept the ups and downs of the game with equanimity.
The Mindful Golfer
As someone who hit a maintenance guy, a dog, and a chicken in the golf course, and after nearly hitting a congressman after shanking my drive during tee off, the idea of mindfulness has taken on a new meaning for me. Although my hits were purely accidental due to my lack of skills, I believe that they could have been prevented had I been mindful enough.
In the “Mindful Golfer,” Altschuler said that a mindful golfer is someone who incorporates mindfulness into their approach to the game of golf. Altschuler believes that being mindful on the course can help golfers stay calm, focused, and confident, leading to improved performance and greater enjoyment of the game.
In his book, Altschuler defines a mindful golfer as someone who:
- Is present in the moment, avoiding distractions and negative thoughts
- Approaches each shot with a sense of calm and clarity
- Recognizes the importance of their mental state and works to develop a positive, focused mindset
- Is patient and mindful of their surroundings, taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the game
- Respects the rules and traditions of the game and plays with integrity, always striving to do their best
By taking a mindful approach to the game of golf, Altschuler argues, golfers can experience greater success and satisfaction on the course.
Integrity
“The Mindful Golfer” and “Zen Putting” place a strong emphasis on the importance of integrity in golf. They view the game as more than a physical competition, but also an opportunity to develop character and inner peace.
According to Altschuler, golf is a perfect opportunity for individuals to practice mindfulness and to cultivate virtues such as honesty and integrity. He encourages golfers to adhere to the rules of the game and to always play with integrity, even when no one is watching. By doing so, golfers can not only improve their performance but also develop a sense of inner peace and satisfaction.
Parent also stresses the importance of following the rules of the game and playing with integrity. He views golf as a way of developing the self, both physically and spiritually, and encourage golfers to use the game as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
In both “The Mindful Golfer” and “Zen Putting,” the authors emphasize that the rules of golf and playing with integrity are essential components of the game and can contribute to a golfer’s overall sense of well-being and success. By adhering to these principles, golfers can not only improve their performance on the course but also cultivate valuable qualities such as honesty, fairness, and responsibility.
Bifurcation of the Rules
In “The Mindful Golfer,” Altschuler discusses the bifurcation of the rules in golf, acknowledging that there are both formal and informal rules in the game. The formal rules, as set out by organizations such as the USGA and the R&A, provide a structure for the game and ensure fair play. The informal rules on the other hand, are more flexible and are meant to help new players feel more relaxed and less intimidated on the course.
Altschuler suggests that it is important to respect both the formal and informal rules of the game, but also acknowledges that there may be times when bending the informal rules can help new players feel more comfortable and enjoy the game more. For example, he suggests that in some situations, it may be appropriate to play winter rules or to allow new players to take an extra shot or two to help them feel more confident.
For golfers playing in a tournament or keeping a handicap, the formal rules should be followed. But for recreational golfers or someone who do not keep a handicap it should be acceptable to follow the informal rules. The rules should adopt to the changing times to encourage golfers both young and old to have fun, which is the first and foremost reason of playing the game in the first place.
On Patience
Altschuler and Parent place a strong emphasis on the importance of patience in golf and in life.
Altschuler argues that patience is a key aspect of mindfulness, and that taking the time to be present in the moment can help golfers stay calm and focused, leading to improved performance on the course. He suggests that golfers should take the time to appreciate the beauty of the game and to be patient with themselves and others, even when things do not go as planned.
Parent echoes this sentiment, arguing that patience is an essential component of playing with a Zen-like mindset. He suggests that golfers should approach each shot with a sense of calm and desire to learn, rather than with a sense of urgency or expectation. By staying patient and focused on the present moment, golfers can avoid getting caught up in thoughts of hope or fear, and instead stay calm, relaxed, and confident on the course.
The art of Putting
Parent draws parallels between the art of putting and life itself. He views putting as a metaphor for life and suggests that the lessons learned on the green can be applied to everyday life.
Parent argues that putting, like life, is a journey filled with ups and downs, successes and failures. He encourages golfers to embrace the challenges of the game and to view each putt, and each moment in life, as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
The author also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and focus in putting, as well as in life. He suggests that by learning to stay present and focused in the moment, golfers can develop a sense of inner peace and calm that can help them handle the ups and downs of life more easily.
The yips
Altschuler and Parent address the issue of “yips” in golf, or the tendency for golfers to experience a sudden loss of confidence or accuracy in their putting.
Altschuler suggests that yips can often be caused by mental distractions or negative thoughts, and that practicing mindfulness can help golfers stay calm and focused, reducing the likelihood or experiencing yips. He argues that golfers should work to cultivate a positive, focused mindset, and to stay present in the moment, avoiding distractions and negative thoughts.
Parent has a similar stance, contending that remaining composed, focused, and relaxed while on the course is essential for preventing yips. Rather than approaching each shot with a sense of haste or anticipation, he advises players to approach each shot with serenity and a desire to learn. Golfers can lessen their chances of acquiring the yips by maintaining present-moment awareness and avoiding getting sucked into thoughts of fear or hope.Both “The Mindful Golfer” and “Zen Putting” suggest that by practicing mindfulness and staying calm, focused, and relaxed on the course, golfers can reduce the likelihood of experiencing yips and perform at their best.
From “should” to “could”
In Zen Putting, Parent encourages golfers to shift their thinking from “should” to “could”. According to Parent, the word “should” imply obligation and creates stress, whereas the word “could” imply possibility and creates a sense of freedom and empowerment.
In the context of putting, Parent suggests that the golfers should focus on what they could do, rather than what they should do. He encourages golfers to approach each putt with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn, rather than with a sense of obligation or expectation.
Parent argues that this shift in thinking can help golfers stay relaxed and focused, leading to better performance on the course. He suggests that the same principles can be applied to life and encourages individuals to approach each situation with a sense of possibility and empowerment, rather than obligation and stress.
Beyond Hope and Fear
In Zen Putting, Parent emphasizes that golfers should strive to play beyond hope and fear. He argues that hope and fear are two of the biggest obstacles that prevent golfers from reaching their full potential on the course.
Parent suggest that hope creates unrealistic expectations and puts pressure on golfers to perform, whereas fear causes golfers to doubt themselves and can lead to negative thoughts and poor performance. He argues that by playing beyond hope and fear, golfers can stay focused and calm, leading to better results on the course.
To play beyond hope and fear, Parent suggests that golfers should focus on the present moment and let go of the outcome. He encourages golfers to approach each putt with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn, rather than with a sense of expectation or anxiety.
Parent believes that playing beyond hope and fear is key to reaching one’s full potential as a golfer. By staying focused on the present moment and letting go of expectations and fears, golfers can stay calm, relaxed, and confident, leading to improved performance and greater enjoyment of the game.
CONCLUSION
“The Mindful Golfer” by Stephen Altschuler and “Zen Putting” by Joseph Parent offer valuable insights into the mental aspect of golf. Both authors stress the importance of mindfulness, focus, and being present in the moment as keys to improved performance and greater enjoyment of the game.
Altschuler emphasizes the importance of respecting the rules and integrity of the game, while suggesting that bending the rules can help new players feel more relaxed and less intimidated on the course. Parent, on the other hand, argues that the lessons learned on the green can be applied to everyday life, helping golfers develop a sense of inner peace and balance
Parent also encourages golfers to play beyond hope and fear, focusing on the present moment and letting go of the outcome. He argues that this mindset can lead to greater focus, calmness, and confidence, resulting in better performance and greater enjoyment of the game.
In sum, both “The Mindful Golfer” and “Zen Putting” offer valuable insights into the mental aspect of golf, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, focus, and being present in the moment, and showing how the lessons learned on the green can be applied to everyday life.
