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Zen Golf  By  cover art

Zen Golf

By: Dr. Joseph Parent
Narrated by: Dr. Joseph Parent
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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)

What listeners say about Zen Golf

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

All golfers read this book

No matter how many lessons, how many buckets of balls, regardless of handicap, every golfer needs to listen to this book. I had been playing ok, then took a lesson and hit my all-time low. I was heading to break 90 and then couldn't break 100 again. I had 20 swing thoughts every time I walked up to the ball - the lesson wasn't the problem, I was. Until you can take the lessons from this book - to be positive, to clear your mind, to be in the moment - I think it is very difficult to be a good golfer. I used to curse, pound the club into the ground, scream - only to make things worse for my game. This book has made all the difference for me. It is presented in a concise, instructive, calming way that can be applied to golf or life in general. The chapters are short, and it is easy to listen to in the car, on the way to work, anywhere! Golfers looking for that elusive next level will not be disappointed.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

this can really help your game

This book does a great job of introducing principles of zen that are applicable not only to golf, but to your day to day life. Relative to your golf game, you learn some great techniques to help manage your swing, stroke and game. Moreover, for those listeners in the East, this is a great listen while the snow is still covering the fairways.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

Instantly helped my game. My playing partner in a match play event even commented about how loose and relaxed I looked during the round. Also shot my best round this year. Highly recommend.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great, not just for golf.

I was looking to figure out my mental game as an amateur pool player. Having grown up playing golf, I figured I could relate the two, as I already approach the two games in the same physical manner. I just finished this book, feel great, and am looking forward to applying the techniques taught within. The pace of the book is steady and methodical, much as it recommends you approach golf and life. Thank you for these insights.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Great book for Golfers

I bought this for my husband, who plays golf several days a week and has'nt been ejoying the game like he used to. I heard him telling his golfing buddy that it's the book that has really helped him improve his game dramatically.

And more importantly he's enjoying himself again.

He's also reccommended his friends listen to it.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My 12th book on golf and this is the best!

I've read all of Bob Rotella books, Pyscho Cybernetics, etc and this is the best one yet. if you are wanting to improve the way you play while improving your life this is a must read.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Audio it was my first purchase

The information in this audio can not only help your golf game but also help your life. With proper use and understanding.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Can save strokes and possibly a stroke, too.

As some have already said in their reviews, you wouldn't think applying Zen or Zen-like techniques to golf could make a difference. Let me tell you that at least for me and the rest of my foursome, it has. Not only has it made the game more pleasant (both in score and attitude) but it has helped reduce the frustration levels of the entire group. Get mad at yourself, someone in the group will tell you "don't be a bad caddy." When I make a double-bogey on the hardest hole on the course, I DO look at it as a "Zen par." You owe it to yourself to listen. After you do, pass it on to your playing partners. After they're done, listen to it again. Reinforcing the lessons helps.

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2 people found this helpful