the moment of zen

For all the mechanics I've worked on in the past two years, for all the articles I've read and hours I've spent on the range and on the putting green -- there is an experience that I think is central to at least my game and it's potential that I need to figure out how to repeat.

Before all of my greatest and most satisfying shots I have something like a little 'spiritual' moment between me, the ball and the clubhead -- and in that moment I just know I'm going to hit the ball well. The backswing and follow through feel like something pre-ordained and the whole movement feels confident and effortless.

When I broke 100 almost 2 weeks ago - I had a BUNCH of those moments... I know it has something to do with trust and calm and an 'empty mind' but I want to know what the trick is to getting that to happen almost every time - it usually sneaks up on me unbidden, but when I'm conscious of trying to get that moment it is elusive.

Anyone else?

Yup--that's the ticket. I consistently shoot 80-85. All of the sudden last summer I played a round where I was just hitting every putt. I was hitting lots of greens too, and I had this rhythm sound in my head like a "click clack" that seemed to make tempo work with every club. It was a hot day and I was on a desert course, and I was just kind of in another place mentally. All of a sudden I made a 75, which was 4 strokes better than my best.

Later I read Bob Rotella "Golf is a Game of Confidence" and he talked about harnessing that state of mind. Memorizing it, and finding ways to get it back. It happened again last week: out of nowhere I shot a 34 on the front (47 on back was dissappointing, but so was the 35mph wind that kicked my butt).

I just got in this place where there was nothing but the swing, and every shot I saw in my mind I was able to pull off. Can't wait for the next time it strikes. Till then, I am at the range, and the putting ground.

Yeah I know exactly what you are talking about.

Its just letting go of all negitive feelings, not worry about the results of the shot. It is a great thing when you are in this state, everything seems to be just flowing, effortless and natural. When I play a round like this, it seems to be in slow motion, and I can recall every single shot in the whole round.

I believe that whatever you think about, you get!

so if you think about hitting into the water, thats what you get
if you think about putting the ball onto the green, thats what you will get

DISCLAIMER>>>>>> Below is an early morning quote by me and should not be read until you have had your morning coffee>>>>>>>>>>>


"Think of golf and life as pretty much the same game, you will not get far at either if you are defeated before you ever get started" - Barry

Yup the moment of zen. I wish it would come and visit me more often. I had a round last year that I described to my playing partner as almost "spiritual". It was the coolest feeling. Every shot I was in total control and confident. My swing effortless. I hit 13 GIR that day. Shooting darts from everywhere. My zen didn't transfer to my putting unfortunately but everything else was like an outer body experience.

The one thing I know about this moment of zen was that it came after I took a couple weeks off from golf. I had reached a point in my game where I had too many swing thoughts, mechanics, and stress in my game. I took 2 weeks off to relax my mind and let some of the things I had been practicing sink in. Then when I came back I had no expectations and I had the greatest round of my life.

Tiger must have that same feeling all the time. Lucky SOB. LOL!

Sometimes there is a moment of stillness, where the club just feels right in my hands, as though it is part of them. I look down at the ball, and it all just suddenly seems so easy. I know the next shot will be a great one.

Sometimes the next shot is great and sails effortlessly straight towards the flag, and I think... " I knew that was going to happen" other times I feel exactly the same way but manage to topside the ball and spoon it about 10 yards... I tend to forget about those.

I think obviously there is a lot be said for having a positive and relaxed attitude. I always try to remain calm for every shot and not put too much pressure on myself and I find that helps a lot. If the shot goes bad I try and look on the bright side "oh good a chance to practice with my sand wedge"

It certainly doesn't help to get worked up. The other day my playing partner had a couple of bad shots and then managed to convince himself that this was the worst round of his life, and then he proceeded to make it come true. I felt very sorry for him he looked like he just wanted to thrown down his clubs and go home. Every shot he was snatching at the ball like it owed him money and eventually ended up missing it completely, which only added to his frustration.

I remember listening to Bruce Lee talking about fighting once. I managed to dig up the quote on google...

"The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature take it's course, and your tools will strike at the right moment."

This has always stuck in my head, and I think it rings true for pretty much everything you do in life. If you are always focusing on what the outcome of your actions will be... then how can you be truly focused on performing the actions themselves (thus giving yourself the best chance of success)?

Sounds like a part of "Bagger Vance", when Will Smith tells Matt Damon to watch Bobby Jones, and how he responds.

Thats exactly it, you have to find something within yourself. Let go of all negitivity. It is one thing to say it, a totally different thing to know how to do this. Thats what bagger did, he helped matt damon find that something that was inside him the whole time.

i only ever know i'm gonna hit a great shot after i hit it