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. :)

Great book take time to read it 👍

Golf may have moved on since this book was written, but psychology is still the same. Worth a read

I purchased this book not long ago and I am already seeing an improvement in my game. Of course, this book will not make you hit it further, or make your swing more mechanically perfect, however it will give you a set of ideas that will help you manage your round.I think many golfers know some of the ideas in the book already, but they just don't use them. With great exmaples from dealings with past players, Rotella explians every element of the mental game, from confidence in your putting ability, to dealing with bad shots.I particularly enjoyed the chapter on practice. Here, Rotella gives you some incredibly useful ideas on how to practice, and how to think when you practice. I have been using these ideas on the range recently and I can see a huge difference.A great buy and I would also recomend "Putting out of your Mind", I bought both these books for 1p each and they were in great condition.

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.

I was struggling…….i was getting frustrated and angry as I knew that I could play better and lower my score but when I had bad shot or bad hole I would swear, curse and feel my blood boil. It was hell for me and my playing partners. I fell out of love with the game as I was so focussed on my score and lowering my handicap but it just wasn’t happening. I knew I was capable of shoving it round it much better than bogey golf but it wasn’t until I talked to my wife who said you know what ‘it’s in your head’. I bought this book as the reviews said simple., relatable and not too long. I now have the capability to play whatever swing I have on the day, stay in the moment and give each shot the attention it deserves. I have a pre shot routine and mentally check myself to swing free with no mechanical thoughts. Bad shots still happen, but I can I accept them, not always easy and have to continually work on it but my enjoyment, scores and consistency have all improved……Thank you…….

Some great tips from Dr. Rotella, for golfers of all standards on pre shot routines, their values and how to avoid distractions and to keep calm while playing golf.Only criticism is that it was a bit repetitive and padded out with stories about his clients that I dis not find interesting.

Really good book

Anyone playing golf should read it. It can only help. There are many life lessons to gain from this book as well.

Very good

Amazing insight into the Mental side of the game. Well written and easy to relate to. Refreshing read compared to the “How to Fix” style of book out there. I would recommend for anyone who has a good handle on their game mechanics and looking to expand their Golf IQ

Best golf book I have ever read. It’s incredibly inspiring and shares a lot a great stories of professional golfers. This book has truly help me to improve my golf game.

Recommended for every player who wants to improve his game. One takeaway for me is that the game should be fun and not stress.