How Playing Golf is a Zen Experience

Hitting the ball is only one component of golf. Anysurroundings. He or she may notice how the grass
golfer will tell you that there is much more to thefeels as they walk the fairway, but the next shot is
game. Experienced golfers find that they must centernot yet at the forefront of his or her mind. That will
themselves mentally prior to each shot. Playing golf isoccur when the golfer reaches the ball to tee off.
more than simply lining themselves properly with theOnce this point is reached, the golfer will make note
ball. Although it may appear to require little effortof his or her distance to the green, the weather and
from the golfer, there is a lot happening behind thethen select a club. By not focusing on the distractions
tee.around, the golfer can rather focus on the shot.
The following statement may sound like a stretch toThinking beforehand can affect the mental process
some, but there is truth behind it - Golf is Zenoftentimes causing the golfer to become tense and
experience. This statement is particularly true for theanxious behind the tee. However, the Zen golfer
more advanced golfers, regardless of the fun andshould trust his or her body knowing that the mind
joking around often observed during the game.and body are aligned and, simply, make the play.
What is Zen? Zen is simply the idea of beingOf course, not every shot can be a perfect shot.
completely in each moment all the time. It is aboutBut, the golfer practicing Zen will not allow the
experiencing each moment of life to the fullest andimperfect shots to adversely impact the next shot
appreciating those moments for exactly what theyas opposed to the golfer who stresses about a
are.missed shot allowing it to affect the next shots.
This is what Zen is - being completely and totally inThe golfer not practicing Zen will start to think
each and every moment at all times. It is aboutnegatively about his or her golfing skills. This is,
experiencing each and every moment to the fullestdefinitely, not going to help improve your game
extent possible while also appreciating the momentwhether you are a die-hard golfer, in the early stages
for what it is.of learning golf or an occasional golfer as part of a
Zen and golf correspond all throughout the game. Agolf club or group. Once you are out on the course,
golfer practicing Zen will notice everything aroundyou are a golfer and negative thoughts will impact
such as the direction and force of the breeze. Yet,you just as another. Don't be surprised, though, if
the golfer is not actively thinking about his or heryou don't hear about his in your local golf club!