Golf is Not a Game of Perfect

Like many other golfers I worked my way down to bogey golf but then I got stuck. I could go out and shoot low 80's or on another round, maybe only a week later be struggling to stay under 100.I have lessons, practice and have been commended by my coach on the fact that I work on the game and am bound to lower my handicap over time. Well despite that it didn't seem to be happening and after another lesson where I was really struggling my coach recommended this book. He said I was too hard an myself and kept looking for perfection when I should be enjoying the game more and freeing up my mind.I was sceptical; I don't normally go in for the mind aspect of things and take a rather bullish approach but with no other answers on the horizon I ordered it and read it in two sittings - it is a very easy read.Lots of the points raised in the book hit home, I am one of those people who says, "Hey, I'm better than this!", I am someone who tries to fix his swing on the course and I am someone who practices and focusses intently on getting better but am not, or at least don't seem to be. I had become someone obsessed with the mechanics of the swing.Took all the advice to the first tee the following day and shot 85 despite 36 putts and recorded my longest drive to date (since I have had a GPS watch) of 258 yards with the easiest, most fluid swing and next to no muscle/effort. More importantly I really 'enjoyed' the round, something that had been lacking in my game of late. I wasn't worried about the score, I didn't add up the front 9 or keep working out what I needed to finish the last 3 holes on in order to lower my hcp. I hit bad shots, sure but I shrugged them off and relished the challenge of getting out of the trees. It was one shot at a time with no thoughts of mechanics in my mind.It might only be one round and while this book clearly wont fix a fundamental swing flaw it has helped turn my mind off mechanics on the course and on to a positive approach where I am thinking, "Get in the hole!", not just, "I hope this goes somewhere on the green and clears that bunker...".Try it. This is isn't a book full of swing tips and I can't see how it could hurt you game, it has certainly helped mine. :)

This book is a great read and makes you understand that you need to take your mind along with the right attitude to the golf course. Two years ago I moved to Tunis in North Africa from Manhattan, NY And little did I know that I would also take up playing golf. Having been an avid fan of Tiger Woods and watched the Masters at Augusta, the PGA tours etc....I guess an interest in the game was nurtured. Golf is big in Tunisia and I have been struggling to learn the basics over the past six months...reading this book has strengthened my resolve to keep going. It is more of a collection of very humane experiences of some of Golf's best players - their fears, anxieties, and ups and downs on the golf course-Bob Rotella relates each experience in such a simple but captivating way ......Golf is about being comfortable that you can do it.....and indeed not a "Game of Perfect." This has been the best lesson learnt thus far ....more than any Pro can teach you. Definitely a great reference book for all golfers.

In depth thinking regarding the game. A book to keep going back to.

This book is considered a classic in golfing literature. It is the go-to book for people on the mental side of golf. In fact, there's a podcast that I listen to where industry guests are asked which one golf book they would recommend, and this is the one that the vast majority pick.And it's easy to see why it's become the industry staple book for golf psychology. It's sound, wise and easy to read. It's broken down into short chapters and is very well constructed, introducing concepts in bite-sized chunks, liberally sprinkled with anecdotes as you would expect with an America self-help book.Of course, the author is Bob Rotella rather than Tom Kite as suggested by the Amazon by-line on the purchase screen I had - Kite wrote the Foreward and is a pupil of Rotella's.In summary, if you're looking to give yourself a psychological edge in golf, this is probably your first port of call.

Best book for game improvement I've ever read. I originally purchased this book about 8 years ago and found it very inspiring. Dr Bob keeps things simple with clear examples of how you should be thinking on the course, what to focus on and where to focus your practice. I found after reading the book not only did my score improve but also my enjoyment of the game which is what it should be about. I revisit the book every couple of years just before the start of the season to remind me how brilliant it is. Just started reading it again and playing better already. The mind game really does need constant work and with this book it's there to keep you on track. I just ordered a copy for my dad who's getting back into the game after retirement. We are playing in the final of a winter league at our course in March and I have no doubt reading this book will increase our chances of winning. If not, well I'll keep focusing on the target anyway.

As a mid handicap golfer looking to improve I find Bob Rotellas simple clear messaging and metaphors incredibly helpful.

Makes you think about your golf game in a different way

Took a while to get to me but it was my brothers dream present! Good price and well packaged. His paperback copy had gone missing! The hardcover blow him away! This is his golf bible and loves it! Thanks a million.

I was struggling with my game and this book about the mental aspect of the game really made a difference- if you truly practice what Bob Rotella suggests .

Este libro lo lei hace muchos años y me sirvio mucho, ahora lo vuelvo a comprar para que mi hijo lo lea y mejore su desempeño en la cancha de golf.

Bought for my son who is a golf pro. He loved it!!

Awesome book and teachings. Despite the release date, it's still very up to date

Will improve every golfer who reads this book.Short chapters, easy to read and understand.