The Formula
The brainwaves of a person deep in meditation (Zen) closely resemble the brainwaves of a golfer playing ‘in the zone’ – that transcendent state of play where golf becomes instinctive, natural and intuitive. Many golfers have had this experience, even if for just a few shots – and of course, as subtle as the zone is when it appears, conscious awareness of it only causes it to evaporate as mental interference returns.
Yet, it is possible to quieten the mind such that the zone is more likely to manifest itself when playing; moreover, one can reach and retain this state of enhanced performance even if a series of poor shots have been played or if anxiety has kicked in.
The formula for getting in and staying in ‘the zone’ is SKILL plus PASSION plus IMMERSION:
a) It is important for an intermediate level of skill to exist (i.e. an individual has played golf for at least three years).
b) A love of the game and the willingness to improve are attitudes which help to find the ‘missing link’ in refining performance and therefore enjoyment, resulting in being immersed in the game rather than watching and analyzing technique and play.
The Perfect Shot
I’ve long pondered on why golf is one of the world’s most popular sports, played by an estimated 58 million people every year. Perhaps the answer lies in the zone experience which gives us access to other-worldly abilities and a glimpse of the limitless potential inherent within the human heart, mind and spirit.
The sheer number of books on the subject – from Steven Pressfield’s ‘Bagger Vance’ (the mythical teacher who seeks to cultivate his students’ ‘authentic swing’) to Esalen Institute Founder Michael Murphy’s ‘Golf in the Kingdom’ (of Shivas Irons fame) and M. Scott Peck’s ‘Golf and the Spirit’ – each lay testimony to the sublime and uncanny states of awareness experienced on the golf course when the player becomes immersed in the game and stops analyzing performance.
Try This:
Arrive at the club early next time. Sit in the car or locker room for at least 10 minutes, quietly focusing on the sensation and activity of breathing in and breathing out. Pay attention to the sensation of the chest/stomach rising and falling as you inhale and exhale, or tune into the sound of your breathing as the air enters and exists the nostrils. This simple, yet profound awareness exercise will have the effect of reducing the internal dialogue, neutralizing the emotions, and flooding the nervous-system with quiet confidence.
Repeat this quietly at address for each and every shot, taking a moment to enjoy the stillness and be aware of your breathing before starting the motion of your swing. Enjoy the results.
