Zen Golf

Mastering the Mental Game

By: Dr. Joseph Parent

Narrated by: Dr. Joseph Parent

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In chapters such as "During Your Swing Is Not the Time to Give Yourself a Lesson", "Isn't Where You Have to Play It From Punishment Enough?" and "How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf," the author guides golfers with simple yet powerful techniques to prepare for, execute, and, equally important, respond to the results of any golf shot. The author, Dr. Joseph Parent, is a PGA Tour Instructor who draws on his teaching experience to offer special methods that have led to amazing improvements in the games of professionals and amateurs alike.

Zen Golf offers a fresh perspective for golf and for life. Rather than focus on what's wrong with us (what's broken, flawed, or missing) we can take the attitude that there is something fundamentally, essentially right with us. Through mindful awareness, distractions and negativity can be recognized and cleared away.

Clear, concise, and enlightening, Zen Golf introduces a unique combination of modern psychology, Buddhist wisdom, and professional golf instruction. By applying classic insights and stories to the challenges of golf, Zen Golf shows you how to make your mind an ally instead of an enemy: how to stay calm, clear the interference that leads to poor shots, and eliminate bad habits and mental mistakes. Zen Golf shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings, leading golfers to the effortless focus and unconditional confidence of being in "the zone."

©2002 Joseph Parent (P)2003 Mental Game Mastery

Critic reviews

"Zen Golf is the best book at connecting the mind and golf together. It's for everyone, and you're really going to like it." (Vijay Singh)

Zen Golf Great

This book hit the nail on the head as far as golf's "head" game! I could see myself in every example that was given. I hope to put the mental exercises into good play.

Great book for beginners

I’ve struggled with the mental game of my golf and the results have been no improvement at all. This book has given me some insight into what I can do to improve my game. Great for all levels of golf

Great Advice for Golfing and Life

The narrator’s peaceful, almost meditative tone mirrors the messages in Zen Golf. Focus on the present shot instead of the prior bad shot.
If you’re focused on the past, you are unable to focus on the current and therefore set yourself
up for a downward spiral.
Quick take away: Get outside, have fun, don’t focus on the score, and note anything positive about your play that day.

Wouldn't have believed it...

Never having been much of a believer of the concept of Zen, I chose this book only after reading many articles about Phil Jackson's use of Zen in his coaching. I figured that the man has done some winning over the years so I'd give it a shot myself. I'm 47, have a 6 handicap, and figured what the heck, I've got nothing to lose in trying this for the fun of it. Well, let me tell you - this sceptic has been transformed! Since "reading" this book, my worst golf score has been a 1 over par for nine holes at the course I regularly play. The first time I went out to play after having finished 3/4s of the book, I shot the first 4 under I'd had in 15 years on 9 holes, and the first 5 under for the 18 I'd had in forever. I think this is the type of book that, if you truly listen to it closely, your going to find something there that will click for you as it did for me. Give it a try - you've nothing to lose except your high scores! I've become a believer.

Till Zen...

"Zen Golf" is a well written, well read, informational work that could benefit every golfer, whether aspiring or pro. Take a deep breath - relax - and take the time to enjoy and implement these great practices.
- Until Zen, Enjoy

Yes!

A staple for golfers & a true classic. I couldn't be happier owning this book.

Same principles for bowling

Great book to help you focus. Increased my bowling average by 20 pins!! Thank you great book!!

Great book, lots of useful info

great book and loads of useful info, quite long though. Would love to have a 30 - 60 minute summary of all the useful stuff in this book so you could go back to it and refresh the memory from time to time. If you've got a tournament or something coming up but don't have time to listen to the whole book the night before a summary would be perfect.

Good for your golf

I listened to this and shot 5 shots lower and holed longer putts. the shot image advice is amazing.

Very helpful!

I really enjoyed this book about how to manage the mental aspects of golf. It has already helped me.