"Zen" Series by Joseph Parent

[iacas]

Discuss the "Zen" series (like "Zen Golf" and "Zen Putting") by Joseph Parent here.

[bradpet]

Discuss the "Zen" series (like "Zen Golf" and "Zen Putting") by Joseph Parent here.

In the absence of any other comments, I'll throw in a piece of potentially useful/useless information. Haven't read either yet but Christie Kerr referred to Zen Putting in an interview recently & said it really helped her game.

[Mikey]

I actually got a couple of his videos that a friend let me borrow a while back.

They were pretty good and straight to the point. I have not read his book so cannot really comment on the book.

[julie_m]

The two of us here find it pretty much useless fluff. IMO.

[Guest]

I golf, and I practice Zen and am familiar with the Shambhala buddhist lineage that Joseph is coming from. I think meditation will help your game, but I haven't used much out of his books, although I certainly enjoyed them.

[Baraethon]

Reading it now.

I wish I could understand the part about hitting bad shots in the "Clearing the Interference" section. It makes no sense, and I have a horrible habit of blowing the first 2 or 3 holes.

[mikelaw]

Half way through zen golf and I am loving it! I can't wait for warmer weather so I can work on some of these ideas.

Great book if you ask me!!!!!!!

[oreodawg1]

I just started reading the book yesterday, so I'm barely on page 82, but so far so good. Parent puts in these little scenario's for example that you need to "empty your cup". If a cup(or mind) is full no tea(or info) can get in. This definetly helps when people are giving advice. Well I would recommend the audio book version because I don't like to read, but this sounds like it could help I'll keep you guys updated as I get further in the book.

[Clambake]

I read "Zen Golf" last night and frankly didn't care for it much. While everything in it is of some use, I feel that he tosses out too many different thoughts in such a disjointed way. It seems there are a half dozen ideas or concepts in each one or two pages that there really isn't anything to key on. I feel if I tried to go out to the course and use the Zen book that I would have way to many ideas swirling around in my head, and this would actually have the exact opposite effect of what Zen golf should be about - freeing your mind. I don't recommend the book.

[Guest]

Hey guys...
let me start by letting you know where I am at in the game of Golf...(The cliff notes version. Lol )
At age 39, I started in golf late...Been at it for about 11 years. Worked for a good golf school in Florida and taught for a few years for the school.

I am very analytical...Back in the day it was not uncommon for me to process 4 or more swing thoughts in my head, each and every shot. I loved the process of learning golf but always found it taxing, and as such was your classic driving range hero..Ha..

I have found Dr.Parents Book on Tape "Zen Golf" to be SO SO much what I needed! I literally finished the book a few days ago..worked at the Range two different days and played the best golf of my life this morning.
Who knows, will it be another band-aid fix that we all come across that is fleeting and all together fail next week?

I seriously think this is the one concept I was so sorely lacking. I have a billion thoughts, drills, techniques jammed in my head, but not the capability to use them practically or effectively on the course.


IMO if you have a moderate knowledge of the golf swing this book might be the thing that gets you the next level.

If anyone wants more specifics just give me a shout!


Walt

[HSip]

I read "Zen Golf" last night and frankly didn't care for it much. While everything in it is of some use, I feel that he tosses out too many different thoughts in such a disjointed way. It seems there are a half dozen ideas or concepts in each one or two pages that there really isn't anything to key on. I feel if I tried to go out to the course and use the Zen book that I would have way to many ideas swirling around in my head, and this would actually have the exact opposite effect of what Zen golf should be about - freeing your mind. I don't recommend the book.

It's hard to not think about things when you're constantly thinking about things. I guess it's just looking for the "zone" when you find it for a swing, hole or round(s) everything seems so easy. I would have to agree that it's probably not going to be found in a book. If it helps - use it, if not - move on.

[americanfighter]

I have read a little bit of zen golf. It is great for the mental game of golf which is the part everyone has trouble getting past. If you are looking for an instructional book on swing machanics and stuff look else where but nearly every golfer canbenifet from it as it helps your mental game allot.

[jonathan0530]

I'm half way through Zen Golf and I already think it is one of the best metal game books I have ever read. For anyone thinking about reading it and not sure I say go for it. If anything it will give you a better perspective on life. I can't wait to finish it and give Zen Putting a read.

[golfin88]

I just actually bought this book yesterday because I know i need help on my mental game and I've already read over 100 pages of it and will finish it by the end of this week. It really does seem to work in your head.

[golfbarefoot]

I listened to this audiobook on my iPhone a while back and I actually like it. Nothing magic right? but he and Rotella are clever and really have a way of exploiting positive mental angles that really help you relax and think.

[HSip]

I listened to this audiobook on my iPhone a while back and I actually like it. Nothing magic right? but he and Rotella are clever and really have a way of

Parent and Rotella are both adament about this. A big part of their message is either be positive or blank but not, at all costs, negative. It's something we all struggle with even the pros. Visualizing a positive outcome as opposed to "don't hit it over there" is so important.

[mattboywonder]

All,

I'm reading the book Zen Golf and I'm wondering if anyone else has read it.  Did you like it?  What was the best thing you took away from the book?

I've never messed much with the mental side of golf, but I'm realizing how much difference it can make after listening to this book.  Am I wrong?

http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Golf-Mastering-Mental-Game/dp/0385504462/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie;=UTF8&qid;=1326924901&sr;=1-1

mm

[lostmyballs]

The woman bought it for me for Christmas. I think its a good read; it sits atop my toilet. I think its more leisurely reading than serious sports psychology though (but so is Rotella's stuff too). Might I recommend "The Mental Game of Golf" by Patrick Cohn? There's a lot less narrative, and a lot more practical advice.

PS: There is a specific form on this site for books etc. I think its called the Reading Room.