GOLF IS NOT A GAME OF PERFECT
Written By: Dave Shillinglaw

     Golf is not a game of Perfect. Truer words have never been spoken . The popular book by Sports Psychologist Bob Rotella is a must read for every golfer that wants to improve his/her game.

     It is divided into 22 small chapters that range from your short game to how important the mental approach to the game really is. If you say you can't hit your driver then I guarantee, you can't! If you talk about what a bad putter you are, then your going to be a bad putter. It' s hard to image how important the mental approach to the game is. I have a friend who is going through some swing changes under the tutelage of one of Omaha's top teaching professionals (Mike Cornell). He is struggling with the changes, which is understandable, but sometimes things get worse before they get better. The negative tone of his comments lead me to believe it's going take him longer to improve unless his confidence gets a boost. Thus I recommended he read Rotella's book.

     I can say in all honesty that it helped me win my first major amateur event last month at Beatrice Country Club (The Homesteader Classic). As I read the book for the second time this spring on a plane to Phoenix, I highlighted things that directly related to me and my game. I transferred those to inside the back cover for review at any time. The book is going with me to every event this year and I will read over my comments before each tournament. Call it crazy but I don't believe you can win or improve until you think you can. Bob Rotella helped me believe that I could.

     I have summarized and paraphrased some thoughts I think will help you improve your game. No matter what your goals are, it will work for everybody whether your a scratch or 32 handicap. The things he talks about applies to everyone. It's an easy read.

Go out and buy it now!

PUTTING and SHORT GAME:

• Golfing potential depends on players attitude and how well he plays with his/her wedges and putter

• It is more important to be decisive about reading a putt than correct

• Your attitude needs to give your putts a chance to go in.

• Your first look at a putt is probably your best read.

THE MENTAL SIDE OF THE GAME

• Set goals that are realistic and achievable

• Negative thinking is 100% effective

• The best swing though is no swing thought

• The inability to forget is infinitely more devastating the inability to remember

• No matter what happens with a shot accept it. Acceptance is the last step in becoming a better player.

• Pick a target for every shot. Not the tree on the right side of the fairway, the branch or a lief on that branch.

• Be strong mentally. Drown out, outside influences and playing partners that make you uncomfortable.

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