How to Play #Golf in the Twilight Zone

Which golf books are on your Memorial Day weekend reading list?

Almost everyone has a few books lined up for lazy beach days, from "how-to" improve the golf swing to mental game tips, possibly with a New York Times best-selling fiction thrown into the mix.

Since the start of 2015, although I have been reading books on game improvement, I have also been enthusiastic about fictional tales written by storytellers who weave golf into the mystery of life.

This year, my first tale of machinations and conspiracies, Shari's Shot by noted author James Ross, proved to be a real page turner filled with intrigue and a plot which ended quite differently than I anticipated - kudos to James!

My next page turner was "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most."

Currently I am in the middle of "Golf is No Ordinary Game" by G. Guilford Barton. Have you read it?

Each of the fourteen tales is its own chapter and takes the reader into a world of imagination, science fiction and magic - similar to tales by renowned Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling but not as dark (so far) as The Night Gallery.

So, if you are intrigued by a magical golf club that can change a life, wonder what it would be like to play golf with a clairvoyant caddie or, maybe, you're considering taking a train trip to get to your next golf destination, you may want to read this book before you pick up your next iron.

The Golfing Bard (internet nom de plume for G. Guilford Barton) sells this book on Kindle for $2.99. The quick-read tales allow you to put down/pick up the book at intervals and begin a whole new journey with your next poolside margarita.

Enjoy and have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Which books are you reading this Memorial Day? Share on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this golf blog!

Performing Under Pressure: Doing Your Best When It Matters Most #golf

When Jordan Spieth was asked on Bloomberg Business television network how he handled the intense Masters Tournament pressure putts he replied, "I just tried to have an imagination."

The art of visualization and getting your brain involved in the process of golf have been studied by psychologists, performance coaches and instructors because, as Bobby Jones once aptly stated, “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course...the space between your ears.”

In order to learn how to perform at my highest level during a round of golf, I have been reading the book, "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most." Psychologist Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D and performance coach JP Pawliw-Fry explain the debilitating effects that pressure has on your game and also provide strategies to overcome those stressful moments.

In one chapter, the writers discuss several solutions to pressure situations, one of which is to lessen the importance of the situation and another which is to focus on the mission.

Going back to the Spieth interview, here is how Jordan said he beat Augusta National:

"Ultimately, you really have to focus on the hole. You can't think of anything like looking at the scoreboard, don't think about it being for birdie, for par...it doesn't even matter. The point is you have to think about the read, get the speed and just pretend you're hitting another putt on the practice range."

Sounds like Spieth already read the book...



Another pressure solution from the book which Spieth put into play? Recall you at your best.

Golfers usually make great shots at the practice range/putting green as there is all confidence and very little pressure. Try putting a few of those successful "makes" into your memory bank for your next game!

For the average golfer who jumps out of his car and bolts for the first tee, Spieth's tips are easier said than done. Instead, we read books, we watch the greatest golfers on the world's stage hoping to take away a bit of their magic for our next round. If you are interested in exploring the science behind rising to the occasion, Performing Under Pressure may help you do your best when it matters most.


How Do You Deal With Pressure on the Golf Course? Join the Conversation on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and let us know on this Golf for Beginners blog!

photo credit: The Mindful Golfer infographic found on visual.ly