| Hitting the ball is only one component of golf. Any | | | | surroundings. He or she may notice how the grass |
| golfer will tell you that there is much more to the | | | | feels as they walk the fairway, but the next shot is |
| game. Experienced golfers find that they must center | | | | not yet at the forefront of his or her mind. That will |
| themselves mentally prior to each shot. Playing golf is | | | | occur when the golfer reaches the ball to tee off. |
| more than simply lining themselves properly with the | | | | Once this point is reached, the golfer will make note |
| ball. Although it may appear to require little effort | | | | of his or her distance to the green, the weather and |
| from the golfer, there is a lot happening behind the | | | | then 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 to | | | | Thinking beforehand can affect the mental process |
| some, but there is truth behind it - Golf is Zen | | | | oftentimes causing the golfer to become tense and |
| experience. This statement is particularly true for the | | | | anxious behind the tee. However, the Zen golfer |
| more advanced golfers, regardless of the fun and | | | | should 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 being | | | | Of course, not every shot can be a perfect shot. |
| completely in each moment all the time. It is about | | | | But, the golfer practicing Zen will not allow the |
| experiencing each moment of life to the fullest and | | | | imperfect shots to adversely impact the next shot |
| appreciating those moments for exactly what they | | | | as 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 in | | | | The golfer not practicing Zen will start to think |
| each and every moment at all times. It is about | | | | negatively about his or her golfing skills. This is, |
| experiencing each and every moment to the fullest | | | | definitely, not going to help improve your game |
| extent possible while also appreciating the moment | | | | whether 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. A | | | | golf club or group. Once you are out on the course, |
| golfer practicing Zen will notice everything around | | | | you 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 her | | | | you don't hear about his in your local golf club! |