The Golfer's Mind

November 15, 2004
For all those players who gnash their teeth at flubbed drives or missed puts, sports psychologist Rotella comes to the rescue with this breezy little mental massage for frustrated golfers. Each of the chapters--with their uplifting names like "A Golfer's Sense of Self"--come with easily digested bits of advice, which range from the obvious ("Slow play, wind and rain are contingencies you must plan for") to the obvious-yet-still-helpful ("Accept whatever happens to a shot and move on"). Rotella doesn't pretend to have the perfect approach to the game, and reading will certainly not immediately improve one's swing. But Rotella is successful at hammering home the realization that, while golf may be just a game, it's infinitely harder to play it when angry. Rotella even counsels against playing more intensely during the final holes of a game, stressing that the best players keep a steady, measured intensity at all times. This is a quick course in golf relaxation, soothingly and professionally delivered.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.