Golf from inside out demo

GOLF from Inside Out

A Guide Through the Inner Game

VIKAS DAN

Copyright © 2014 Vikas Dan

Interior photographs copyright by Mr. Peter Irman. Illustrations copyright by Mr. Lojze Burja. All rights reserved.

ISBN: ISBN-13:

TO THE MASTER

.

We have never met

And yet we have.

Never heard

And yet you called me.

You offered me a hand

And took me to the

spring

Where I met myself.

The mirror is clean

Now I’m drinking and

My heart is singing.

CONTENTS

Foreword

vii

Author’s Introduction ix

1 Invitation for a Cup of Tea

- Golf in the Past

- Golf Today

- The Essence

1

1

3

4

2 Beginning of the Inner Process

- A New Starting Point

- A Student & Teacher Relationship

To Teach or Help to Learn?

- The Course of a Golf Lesson

- A Driving Range Vs. Golf Course

5

5

7

10

11

14

3 Four Truths about Golf

- Truth about Confusion and Frustration

- Truth about the Source of Frustration

- Truth about the End of Frustration

- Truth about the Path

17

18

20

22

24

4 Technique (Swing Mechanics)

- The Basics

- Mastering the Technique by Experiencing Contrasts and Direction

of shots

- Cause and Effect (Karma Swing)

27

29

33

41

5 Learning the Golf Swing in the Awareness Mode

- Swing which Responds to the Target

- Use of Imagination and Expression of Qualities

Imagining Simplicity

- Teaching Golfers in the Awareness Mode

- Awareness and Relaxed Concentration Exercises

51

58

61

63

64

66

6 Short Game

- Putting

Green and its Characteristics

69

69

72

Targeting, Aim and Mechanics of Putting

Exercises

- Chip & Pitch Shots

Lift or Hit?

Look Up or Keep Down?

Exercises

- Bunker Shot

A Three Step Instruction

Exercises

73

77

79

80

81

83

84

85

86

7 Harmony of Playing

- Switching ON

Preparation for the Shot (Visualization)

Execution of the Shot (Action)

Post-Shot Routine (Evaluation)

- Switching OFF

The Walk

The Talk (Communication)

87

89

89

89

91

92

92

94

8 Alchemy of Emotions

- Playing in the Zone

97

101

9

10

11

12

13

Cutting through the Illusion

- Dreams Come True (My first 69)

In the Quest of an Infinite Shot (Inspiring Stories and Encounters)

Enlightened Era of Golf

Games within the Game and other Exercises for Concentration

-Practice of Mindfulness with the Use of Senses

-Shamballa Meditation

Glimpses of Meditation and Haikus

Epilogue 131

Index of Exercises 132

References and Recommended Reading 133

About the Author 135

School for the Inner Game of Golf 137

103

108

111

117

121

124

126

128

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CHAPTER 3: FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT GOLF

In the world's bestselling book titled ‘Golf in the Kingdom’ from 1972, there are listed some main characteristics of golf which could be feasibly compared to human life. In the book, author Michael Murphy meets his teacher Shivas Irons who thinks about golf as of a journey, at the end of which you come to the point where you started.

Here are summed up some of his reflexions:

About the ball: “If we identify with it, we have a feeling we can fly. It symbolises the flight of our spirit to the final goal.”

About targeting the hole: “The game satisfies one of the main human aspirations, aspiration for self-fulfilment. For the most part of our life we have been filling up vacant spaces inside, and in this way trying to create the feeling of fullness. To fill the hole with a ball means to meet with this fulfilment.”

And about the emotions: “When you seriously dedicate your life to golf, it gets important to get fond of poetry, music, dance, literature, prayer and love as well.”

There are four noble truths in the Buddhist tradition which describe the reality and capabilities of the human life on the Earth. This knowledge can be studied, tested and applied into our own daily routine with respect and gratitude, which certainly doesn’t mean they could be the only source of happiness and understanding of yourself, and the surroundings.

Since I'm well aware that each one of us experiences both life and the game of golf in a relative and unique way, and that it is practically impossible to talk about some absolute reality, we can only rely on our experience, which will lead us to the final goal. Supposing that our goal at golf is to play with peace in our heads and joy in our hearts, regardless of external factors and final results!

In the frame of these four truths I have tried, in as practical and comprehensive way as possible, define the game of golf, which includes the same man and the same options for evolution, or development of the spiritual potential.

The following text is only a short summary and my way of interpretation, which derives from the voluminous testament or tradition that couldn't possibly be experienced only in a few sentences or sections.

The four truths about golf are:

1. Truth about the Confusion and Frustration 2. Truth about the Source of Frustration 3. Truth about the End of Frustration 4. Truth about the Path.

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TRUTH ABOUT THE CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION

“Golf is like a small child who wins our heart very fast, but then he digs from our depths out the most hidden weaknesses of human mind and character.” Tim Gallwey; The Inner Game of Golf I remember a lot of interesting moments from the golf course, when I was working as a caddy in my teenage years. I was never really bored; because in every round something of such nature happened that I started wondering about the purpose of players' behaviour. Not only did their game on many occasions resemble the ball torture, but also the suffering and torment of their own minds!

I remember the competition for professionals, at which one young English professional hit the slice into the forest and then wreaked his anger on his club. A colleague on the team told him not to worry and that everything was just a game, but the young professional thrust his club rudely back into the bag and answered that he hates this game. At that moment I realized that golf means a lot to people and that each player fights his own battle on the course.

Whom they are fighting it against I realized in the following years, when I started to perform in tournaments. I went through deep disappointments many times, but most of all hurt me that there was no one by my side to share such feelings with. In those days we had coaches, that is to say, but they were covering only the technical aspect of the game. And I was always in some way attracted by other golfer’s stories describing similar traumas from golf courses, which were in many ways singing praise to the mysterious golf.

I was wondering what hinders a man to play well in the key moments and why some players appear to be so 'cool', so relaxed, and full of self-confidence! Ever since I remembered, I have had problems with anxiety and nerves, especially on the first opening hole. As a matter of fact I hated it, but the more I tried to get rid of it the more it went inside my nerves, and I didn't know how to handle it.

At first I thought I would remove it with more practice and tournaments, but that familiar inner voice was still in charge and giving me commands. Mostly in the sense how I wasn't good enough and that others were better than me, and that I needed to improve my swing technique. But following this voice led into endless corrections and not accepting both my game and myself.

One thing that all human beings -players share in common is pursue of happiness, either through a game, sport or some other activity. By consciously trying to improve our own game, our behaviour and acts; paradoxically often leads to even bigger confusion and frustration. Undoubtedly, this means we are acting on the basis of ignorance. Our practice and game are led by numerous thinking processes, which are basically related to past events, or possible future events. These processes trigger inside us undesired emotions, which literally prevail over us, and pave the way to disappointments, frustration, sometimes even depression.

Slovenian researcher of cognitive science; Dr. Mitja Peruš, describes and

Golf from Inside Out

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compares the phenomenon of thinking processes with neuron patterns, he calls »attractors«. In his book ‘All-present Consciousness’ he says: “To have attractors means to be attached to something, but this attachment might as well be the source of discomfort and pain, resulting from the blocked flow of consciousness. When a man accepts an attractor, or a thinking pattern, he or she will become his slave, and inside him everything will be automatically happening in a way to keep this attractor in balance, either consciously or subconsciously. Attractors in our mind oblige us, and for this reason they are extremely important - usually they are useful, but sometimes dangerous. They are useful when they are corresponding to the actual situation and guide us with the adequate thinking and conduct through situations. However, they are dangerous in case of being inadequate, obsolete, stiff, in other words inflexible and fictitious, and when they cause internal and external disharmony, which causes mental and psychosomatic issues.”

I remember my own appearances at tournaments and how I couldn't cope with these inner processes. Particularly unpleasant was the feeling when I was walking to the ball, and something inside of me was preventing me from feeling happy about the next shot! And I was totally aware of everything and everybody around me, but my own swing was somehow elusive. I usually finished the round and angrily return to the range to fixate the swing, but the next day similar story repeated. The wheel of fixations starts turning and the more a player has the feeling he must keep everything under control, the more the game evades from his hands.

The lesson I took from such experience is that all my past I had tried to do something – to please myself, or others. I found out that my basic goal had been to score low results as a justification of my personality’s value, which has nothing to do with results at all. I also realized I had never experienced true freedom of playing nor grasped the main point, which is in my opinion doing your best and leaving the rest to a higher, beyond-mind, forces. Another lesson I learned was that failure doesn't count by any means less than winning! Yes, I have experienced both sides and when I play a championship nowadays I’m still trying to win. The only difference is that today I am more aware of my own limitations, especially of my own mind, which sometimes seems like a wild and untamed horse.

According to the latest researches, only in the US every year 3 million people stop playing golf. This equals the number of those who start playing it. The researches revealed that the main reason for giving up was the difficulty of golf itself because beginners found the game too demanding and full of frustrations.

Now, where did we go wrong? Did we forget that nice company and outdoor exercise are basic qualities that golf is about? Or could it be that we, teachers and coaches, are too demanding, or that the students lack patience at practice? The American golf coach Chuck Hogan said witty in one of his articles: »I'm going to start with a new sport which demands less energy input. I think this will be skateboarding as nobody has found out yet how to teach it. «

The fact is that it is the very apparent easiness what makes golf so difficult, but the demanded accuracy makes it excellent. And now we already know it offers us

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much more than mere walk where our focus would be wandering from one hole to another. When we voyage through deeper disappointments, emotional pain or even depression, we can start bowing down to golf as we soon realize it's been trying to teach us something. It conveys an important message for all of us, which is like a hidden treasure and is silently inviting us to self-liberation, stepping beyond suffering and inner illusions.

You can make up your own mind whether it is worth responding to this call, and although at the first glance the first truth looks negative and obscure, it is a matter of fact bright and trustworthy.

TRUTH ABOUT THE SOURCE OF FRUSTRATION

“We must face the fact that everybody wants to be happy and get rid of suffering. But despite this, we often create circumstances which cause additional chaos, because we don't know how to create circumstances in which happiness is born.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Simple Path Every player inside himself cherishes certain expectations or ideas how he would like to play. Especially the beginner is the one who likes comparing himself to others, more experienced players, who are able to strike a ball further than 200 meters. Of course it is also his wish to strike that far, otherwise there is no point practicing anymore. At this initial stage true spirit of the game is yet unknown, which bases on a completely different essence.

I think that one of the first distinctive patterns is comparing ourselves to others and trying to reach exceptional shots as well, because that way we can be equal with them. Our mind is already well trained to compare with and copy others outside the greens, as this might be the only way we feel accepted and get the feeling of belonging. And nobody wants to look funny and clumsy on the venue, surrounded by so many people, acquaintances and celebrities.

In his book ‘Extraordinary Golf’, Fred Shoemaker describes the package we are all carrying along on the course. This package comprises of excessive introversion, preoccupation with oneself and the technique, and constant attempting of showing oneself in good colours. And the result is that an ‘ordinary’ player is constantly on the verge of a bad mood and eruption of emotions, in short, of everything what is taking him energy and strength for concentration and relaxed game.

Strong emotions, such as fear and anger, prevail among many players. Exaggerated self-confidence also sooner or later falls apart and turns into helplessness, as the former hasn't been built on solid foundation. This false self-confidence was only masking fear and doubt about our own capacities. True self-confidence will be gained only after having realized what we are avoiding and what we are really afraid of. We are avoiding and being afraid of those shots and high scores which will discredit us in the public eye, but in reality it is only us scolding ourselves. The very fact is that other people don't pay much attention to us, and we keep forgetting that each one is busy enough with his persona and interested only in


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his game. This is natural; after all we all play for our own delight. However, it is disharmonious when we start competing with others in the manner of not wishing them good luck and good game. Additionally, many players wish to win other participants hearts with »fake« kindness and superfluous compliments for each swing, and I have a feeling that this manner prevails even more. Scarcely have I played with someone who is authentic and gives compliments only when deserved.

Then we see those who would like to help fellow-players at any costs (especially husbands to wives and fathers to their children), giving them conventional advice in the well known manner: “watch the ball and keep the head down!” By doing this, we are step by step distancing from the essence and the main purpose of the game; which in my opinion is that it is up to us- how to finish a hole with as lowest number of shots as possible. The rules don't say how we should do it, but we can do it in the way which we find the most suitable, appealing or the simplest one!

However, golf wouldn't be interesting enough if a man weren't burdened by a million other things. For many players, the most important things are to make good impression on others, win a trophy (even if with wrong counting or ignorance of rules), and taking part in tournaments only for the reason to improve (decrease) their own HDCP. A HDCP is indeed some kind of an ID of golf players, but not the one of our own personality! “HDCP is not a mirror of your soul, but merely a current result on the golf course,” says teacher Shivas Irons in already mentioned book ‘Golf in the Kingdom’.

As long as we are going to evaluate our value as to our performance, frustration will be always close at hand because results and performances will at one time be better and at the next one worse. There will be more of bad ones actually, as they motivate us for more practice. My best rounds have always taken place immediately after the most disastrous ones; which had worn me out to a degree that the next day I couldn't care less how I was going to play. Since I didn't nurse any expectations and my mind was more focused on the play – one swing after another, also the result was better.

The fact remains there will be always somebody better than us, and also somebody else we are going to beat down. So we can calm down and return back to the only realistic goal; how to achieve and make the best of our own potentials. For many years, I was troubled by inferiority complex and comparing myself to numerous professionals. I wanted to swing the club as strong as they did. I thought that the secret lies in their technical performance, but later I found out that the real secret is experience you gain from playing the game and right attitude. And facing the nerves and management of our own inner world, especially at the moments of inner storms- caused by our thinking patterns and emotions.

Namely, we forget far too often that emotional outbursts, among which prevail anger and blame, don't bring about anything useful in the long run. On the contrary, they deprive us of patience and energy, both of which we need in order to return to a shot ahead of us. It holds true that some players use anger for the relief of tension and this helps them to ‘pick up’ faster; however, they never realize how to use this

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same amount of anger in a more constructive way. This doesn't indicate we have to suppress or crush down the emotions, but it means to allow them to flow freely and not to identify with them. In his bestseller ‘NOW!’ the contemporary spiritual teacher Echart Tolle cites three options we can opt for when we find ourselves in an unbearable situation:

- to completely accept the situation,

- or to act and change the situation in which we are,

- or to leave the scenery.

I find the last option to be the least appropriate for golf, as giving up the game would stand for some kind of ‘losers’ surrender. Chuck Hogan says that the key to good golf is anchoring the emotions derived from good shots, and staying neutral after bad ones. His answer to the question what it means to stay neutral after the bad swing is: “You can simply say to yourself; the ball fell into the water, period.”

When we respond critically to bad shots, these shots are likely to be ‘carried’ along with us from one hole to another. Those of you who have been playing golf for some time must certainly know this inner voice which appears right prior to the swing, warning us not to repeat the swing from the previous hole or a round, e.g. when we sent the ball into the water. It might also happen that when after a 9-hole game our result is good, our thoughts already wander forwards to the solemn ceremony of rewards, and we identify with the role of a winner and rehearse the winning speech!

This way we are travelling among a crowd of feelings for which we think they are our only reality. It’s quite simple to play a good golf in times of a happy emotional state. But when the feelings are foggy, heavy and undesired, we find ourselves in the big ‘drama’ with a sad title. Such heavy feelings resonate completely realistic for us, and the only logical escape gate seems to be the fixation of our swing, leaving us unaware that an old habit is repeated. Thus we re-activate identical process and we keep forgetting that the only obstacle to a good and accomplished game is ourselves.

TRUTH ABOUT THE END OF FRUSTRATION

“Firstly, men have to get to know their mind, which is so close at hand and yet so unfamiliar. Secondly, it is necessary to go beyond the one which is so eager and stubborn, and liberate yourself of it, here and now.” Osho, Seeds of Wisdom

By now, we have known the process of practice comprised of the following characteristics:

- Constant trying and swing fixation

- Proving of oneself ; performing with the aim to look good in front of the others

- Exaggerated introversion (analysing and criticism of yourself)

- Dependency from results.


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There are many reports from top sportsmen describing their mindset during optimal performances. It has been mainly described as a state without any forced thinking or wish to control, and that the body performed a certain motion without a shred of doubt or fear. Amongst sports experts such state of mind is known as a “zone.” This is not to be confused with some mystical experience which is available only to some fortunate or chosen ones, but it has been occasionally experienced also outside sport fields by all of us.

Some spiritual teachers say this is our natural state of mind and that we can attain it at any moment, provided being conscious enough. The best sportsmen, such as Tiger Woods, Roger Federer or Slovenian athlete Primož Kozmus, spend most of the competition in this state, or they can consciously return to the one. A widely known phrase ‘think positively!’ may bring about certain results, but usually only in the short run. The thoughts are still there, and by our attitude of aversion sooner or later disturbing and destructive thoughts appear again.

Thoughts are like a coin we are playing with in the hand. The problem occurs when the coin starts playing with us, as we cannot control thoughts constantly. As to the latest data, a man thinks over 60,000 thoughts daily and most of them are repetitive. The usual approach and work on the mind is based on setting these thoughts in order, i.e. on adding and fixation of them, which brings about confusion and frustrations in the long run. In other words, being too ‘full’ at the moment of our performance is a bigger obstacle than being ‘empty’.

The amusing part is that as long as we try, we cannot consciously separate from our mind- our computer, as the very act of trying to do this originates in the mind itself. In the book ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior’, the mentor teaches author Dan Millman: “The brain is real, the mind is not – it is only an illusionary image of basic brain processes and is composed of random and uncontrolled thoughts, coming from the subconscious.” The researchers say that as many as 90 % of our life we are supplying the subconscious part of brain. This part always functions either in the past or future, and on the golf course this is shown in the repetition of swings from the past: e.g. when we are afraid of hitting into water hazard again.

It is similarly projected in our behaviour when we are making ‘drama’ out of our game (“I knew it, I did it again!”), and therefore sinking into the war of nerves and disappointments. We might fantastically play 17 holes, but then »screw up« at the last one. Or we might see ourselves already on the festive stage too soon and start closing the game with increasingly controlled swing.

Two of the best golf coaches worldwide, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriot, conveyed me the story about a professional player who had visited their academy in the US. Exactly at the point when they had been explaining this disturbing inner voice, he had approached them and said: “I have to admit I was scared. I thought I was the only one having this problem, but now I am relieved. Now I understand much better our inner nature and how our brain works.” In their book ‘Every Shot Must Have a Purpose’, they say that emotional responses to our shots are up to us, including the way we perceive our own reality. “Learn to react neutrally or happily,” is a piece of

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advice given by both teachers.

I think that this part of subconscious is also influenced by the society and culture we live in, as it is a collection of all beliefs which »add colour« to our way of thinking and acting. This is so called collective consciousness. Sometimes already by entering a club house in some other country, we can sense a difference in the culture of golf being played there. In some countries this atmosphere could be very relaxed and genuine as golf represents a healthy and quality way of spending spare time, whilst in some others we would feel aloofness and closed energy.

When we realize it is pointless to fight with disturbing inner processes or try to push them away as we are doing it by using the same tool which already controls us, we can ask ourselves what to do with it? Can we at least make it busy and silence it in this way? Or we could simply detect it, thank to it for such detailed information and leave it alone, as it has been offering us one and the same version day by day!

Great Zen masters compare such a process of mere observing and non-interference with the sky and clouds in it. They teach us that in our deepest core we are this wide sky, and not the clouds (thoughts), nor the storms (emotions, coming and going through this sky). Only when our inner screen and awareness are pure, our body starts moving without any attempt to move it consciously, and we could say that the club swings “by itself”.

TRUTH ABOUT THE PATH

“Anyone looking for goal will remain empty when it will be reached, but whoever finds a way, will always carry the goal with him.” Nejc Zaplotnik, The Path

The game of golf ends at the 18th hole, and it is worth remembering we will be tested many times along the way. We just have to stay patient and pay attention to each shot separately, bringing us to the end. Even if we do not score the “par” of the course, it does not mean we are not allowed to look forward to every shot ahead of us with interest and enthusiasm.

For this reason, it is logical to accept each situation as a challenge or opportunity to learn. In other words, it is wise to forget about the result which lies in uncertain future. In fact it is already destined, but our task is to do our best, despite emotional outbursts and feelings which discourage us to a degree that sometimes we would simply just like to walk out from the course.

When facing emotional issues, we can find support or “anchor” in one of the following qualities or values:

- Gratitude,

- Trust and dedication,

- Compassion and friendship,

- Sense of humour and being in a good mood,

- Ability to refocus back to the present moment (through breath and the body).


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Anybody can choose his/ her value up to his likes, and stimulate and revives it throughout the whole round. By doing this, we are nurturing positive attitude towards the game and the rest of the environment, including to the nature. What all the said values have in common is they cannot exist in the future unless we start implementing them here and now, be it on the fairway, or either on the sand or water hazard.

So, despite dreadful conditions on the course, can we be grateful? Despite bad shots, can we trust? Are we able to open and talk to fellow-players or to make a joke at our own account when we aren’t doing that well? Being able to feel O.K. with whatsoever is happening?

Gratitude, for example, could be a thought that we are taking part in something good and useful, and that the time spent on the course is a gift from life. Many times, those who are only spectators (parents) ask themselves: “Is my kid going to turn out well in golf?”, and doubt the success of their children. However, they do not know that what counts most is their children taking part in the useful activity on that day, where they are part of a team and they have a feeling of belonging somewhere.

The trust and dedication could be manifested in not losing patience while waiting for a shot, e.g. when the game is hindered or interrupted due to bad weather. To dedicate or surrender yourself means to dance joyfully in the rain and switch off all “inner fuses”, which provide us only illusionary safety anyway.

The Buddhist tradition is especially known for the path of compassion when we feel empathy for other people’s misfortunes and wish them well. Golf players have opportunity to practice compassion in a similar way. Every intelligent person understands very well- to be envious at good shots of other contestants is stupid, as we don’t compete against them, but against the course.

The word ‘flight’ means flying with other members of the crew together. And members of the same crew are supposed to be on a friendly terms and not to hinder each other. But yet, we are very good at it, and if we were really flying together, we wouldn’t land safely. Therefore, it is always welcome to share a good mood (with oneself first) and a good intention with others.

The sense of humour doesn’t stand for being born as comedians. It stands for taking the situation as it is, the simple expressing of satisfaction, and being deeply aware that taking things too seriously and too much to the heart – especially when playing badly, never ends happily. With a good sense of humour we destroy the feeling of self-grandiosity and give the game a touch of frivolity back.

We can work on the ability to refocus back to the present moment each time when:

- we are complaining about outer circumstances,

- we are scared and we feel threatened,

- we pay attention only to our game and don’t communicate with others,

- we are too serious and not being able to smile,

- we have lost contact with our body and we are not aware of breathing.

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All the above listed “symptoms” can be taken as a warning sings, because for sure we are heading for a dangerous direction. If we can either turn them around or change them, our game will automatically improve, and consequently the results. I guess every player has to lose himself many times in order to find himself again. But there is actually nothing to worry about, because if we didn’t get to know the bad moments, we would never enjoy the good ones.

Echart Tolle writes in his guide for spiritual enlightenment ‘The Power of Now’ about portals (doors), which can help us enter directly into the present moment. He gives special emphasis on the physical body- which he sees as a tool or a means, closest within our reach to return into the “now”. Our bodies live constantly in the present moment and just by tuning with our bodily sensations interrupts the thinking process in a good way. Different story goes for processes in our head, which most of the time circle images and events from the past, or interpret stories supposedly to happen in future.

Since the physical body functions independently, without any need to encourage or control it, it is worth giving ear to our bodies and decode what their message is. If we start observing our breath, we can realize already after a few seconds that we don’t have to control it, as the body “breathes” automatically. We just have to become aware of it, bring attention more often to either our belly or our nostrils and soon we will feel much calmer. “It is not possible to transform inattention to attention. Being aware of inattention is the attention itself,” teaches Jiddu Krishnamurti in his ‘Meditations’.

Since golf involves a great deal of walking, we are thus given a chance to practice awareness and attention in the period between shots; additionally of all five senses. In what way, I will describe in detail in the following pages.

Buddhist Symbol: The Dharma Wheel

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CHAPTER 4: TECHNIQUE (SWING MECHANICS)

In the field of golf, there is a huge pile of written and oral material on the technical performance of swings and even more analyses on this subject, not to mention the search for the most perfect technique. However, I feel that a lot of experts have already run out of knowledge and methods how to install this “perfect” technique.

Today we have access to various studies of the best world players, computer measurements of their body’s motion and club positions in the swing, and we can use them as a criterion and goal for the improvement of our game. This is a very conventional learning method where we are trying to achieve perfection which motivates us, but far too many times this is the only motivational reason for practice. Being aware of the existence of the perfect swing performance; invented by the great golf players before we even started with the game, it is natural to aspire after it. However, every player can come close to it only to a degree as much as his body, flexibility and other psycho-physical abilities allow him to.

Therefore, we are lucky enough (or having bad luck!) that somebody has already discovered how and where to move the club with the aim to achieve the perfect impact position and enjoy the ball’s flight. Nevertheless, we are tending to forget, that these players by themselves, to a great extent with experimenting in many years’ practice, discovered their optimal and functional swing. In those days the number of instructional-guidebooks was not as high as today, but most of all players lacked information how to hit a ball. The conclusion following from this would be they must have been strongly connected with their bodies.

Additionally, all possible combinations of swing were likely to be tried before discovering the optimal one. Saying in a simpler way; their minds were empty and their bodies full - full in the sense of experiencing and becoming aware of motion. And since their minds were emptied, there was no room for criticism and judgments of swings; as they simply did not know what was theoretically right or wrong and how they were supposed to play.

One of the first players who wrote about the basic model of swings’ technical performance was Ben Hogan. In his bestselling book from 1957, ‘The Modern Fundamentals of Golf”, he says: “I do not know what came about first: chicken or egg. All I know is that you must correctly perform a relatively low number of basic moves in order to achieve a good shot.”

Our task would then supposedly be only to ‘copy’, or transfer, these very same movements into the performance of our body. And STOP! Soon we would realize it is not that simple after all, as the first impression might have been. Especially not on the golf course, where our game would very fast resemble ‘mix’ of everything we’ve ever heard or seen. The legendary golf player Bobby Jones says in his book from 1966, ‘On Golf’: “Mind you, now that we know what the left hand is supposed to be doing, we are facing a much bigger problem how it’s going to do it. A student needs to be inspired by a certain phrase or an idea to get a feeling for a certain move.

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Usually we believe that our technique is not good enough, or that we are never going to master such complex movements. When our game on the course varies from extremely good to bad shots, or when we feel low body-energy, we are to often attributing this exclusively to the technique and we practically depend on it. We start believing that we are doing something wrong. When we are succeeding, we assume it’s only because of a certain tip or a move. But only a few players could identify the real reason for a bad game, and that is: simply having the head ‘full’, or a bad day.

If only a modern player understood that the reason for a ‘bad’ shot- technique is primarily our inner state, and not vice-versa. The game of golf would become much simpler, lively and creative. I stopped adjusting positions in the swing some time ago, or trying to constantly reach the ideal one. I needed to study swing, then losing it, searching-finding it and losing it again. However, when you get really frustrated by your game and in the end run out of advice and new approaches; you start searching for reasons somewhere else. Then you look inside yourself and your attitude towards the game and life itself. By having done this, I have reached the following conclusions:

1. A good shot in golf requires impeccable adjustment and coordination of movements.

2. Such a performance is pre-conditioned by quiet and focused mind. 3. We can change the technique only by applying the opposites and being aware

of what is happening in the present moment. Trying to changing it directly or forcing the motion brings in unnecessary tension.

If you ever have a chance to watch the best world players, you will notice that, despite differences in their swings, they all maintain good rhythm and perform the swing in one-piece action. You will see no hesitation, compensations, controlling... They seem like being guided, and it looks somebody presses the button and ‘boom’! Their swing is soft, and at the same time delivers power. Most of these players claim they don’t think of anything when at their best, and especially not during the performance itself when they simply let the swing happen. In most cases they are focused on the smallest target in the distance which helps them focus and silence the mind, and allow the body to do its task.

Correcting your technique directly, or retrying it again and again, it means you will have to think more throughout the swing. And these will nothing but open the door to comparing and constant criticizing. Additionally, it will trigger control over the body, which will find very difficult to “decode” or translate commands into its own language. Namely, the body is not familiar with these orders or it hasn’t had a chance to experience them yet.

We can compare the direct changing of technique with a group of kids. You know very well, that if you resist their way and keep telling them to be quiet, the situation will grow even worse. On the other hand, we can make them busy with thinking puzzles or a small game with reward at the end, and deceive them in this way. They will probably calm down much faster. So could we in a similar manner employ our


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minds during the swing, but not in the sense of retrying and straining, as there would still be too much control in our motion. Enough would be permitting ourselves to feel the motion at a given moment or a stage in our swing, still making us participating in the processes of monitoring and awareness. In this way, our body is given a green light to move freely and we switch off the inner judge who likes to compare and criticize.

The following exercises are intended for those who are willing to test them, and check on their own skin if they might benefit from such a type of practice. I’m not saying that the practice so far has been utterly useless or worthless, as otherwise you wouldn’t have reached this point when you want more and you want to research further. And neither am I rejecting the importance of swing mechanics or claiming they are irrelevant. I just want to make you alert that there are other approaches to the practice which will truly meet our needs, enable us faster progress and make it easier to achieve our potentials.

Let me point out that the technique descriptions and shot variations are explained for ‘right-handed’ golfers, nevertheless, I have done my best to make the explanation understandable also for ‘lefties’.

Below the notes BIRDIE! and HOLE IN ONE! are written important conclusions, guidelines and instructions for successful practice. THE BASICS OF THE SWING TORSO of the body is turning around its pivot and provides support to working with hands and the club.

We are standing shoulder-width apart; heel, knee and shoulder are in the same vertical line (left photo). By turning the body, our back is facing the tartget (middle photo). In the finish position weight prevails on the front-target leg, chest is facing the target (right photo).

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HANDS AND ARMS are moving around the body.

Hands are hanging above toes; palms are turned towards each other (left). By turning the body, hands are moving around the body, the right elbow stays close to it (middle). In a follow through swing, the left elbow is close to the body (right).

PALMS (wrists) are moving vertically in this rotation.

Forehands and wrists are stretched out straight (left). By bending the wrists- elbows slightly bend, between forehand and wrist emerges the angle (right).


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Our CLUBS together with arms and hands determine the BODY POSITION in relation to a ball. Since clubs vary in angles and length, also our body responds to them in different ways.

A shorter club is more upright (steep), and that’s the reason why we are standing closer to the ball. In case of longer clubs, which have a more flat lie, we are standing further from the ball and thus its position changes as well. Due to the different impact position (club will hit the ball on the way up), ball is closer to the front leg.

Body posture with a shorter club (the 8-iron)

Body posture with the longer club: driver (wood Nr. 1)

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If we unite the body, hands and club in one harmonious move, we get the final product – SWING.

Swing is composed of two main parts: swing backwards or BACKSWING and a swing forward (FOLLOW THROUGH) continuing into the FINISH POSITION. When performing the swing, it looks like a one-piece action.

The path and angle along which the club is moving is called the SWING PLANE.

Backswing and finish; the 8-iron (chest view)

Backswing and finish; the 8-iron (down the line view)


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Backswing and finish; driver (chest view)

Backswing and finish; driver (down the line view)

MASTERING THE TECHNIQUE BY EXPERIENCING CONTRASTS AND DIRECTIONS OF SHOTS

“We could never become aware of a day unless there is a night, and we could never get to know the good and the beautiful unless we become aware of the bad and ugly. Only when we see the contracts, the scale will be created.” Martin Kojc

To have also bad days in golf is a must if we want to be conscious of good ones. A shot to the left or right gives us a chance to feel a straight shot. To sense the swing at which we pull the club to the body, will help us feel the one at which we push it

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away from the body. To tell the differences while sensing moves and give ourselves the permission to feel these differences without self-judgment, brings about a natural swing. This would then be a unique shot; a ‘signature’ style for each individual, which differs from one golfer to another. In this way we are learning the middle path and are discovering how our body-mind system functions.

As mentioned before, the club in the swing moves along the swing plane. From this we can conclude that:

- Palms and the grip influence the club face

- Hands and the body influence the swing plane.

When learning about the CLUB FACE (hitting surface), it is advantageous to get acquainted with all three options that may occur before and during the swing:

OPTION 1 = OPEN CLUB FACE We say that the club face is open when it’s hitting surface is pointing to the right (opposite for left- hand players!). This usually happens in a starting position (stance) or at impact position (moment of contact with the ball). Also, the clubface is open, when it’s hitting surface is pointing to the ground. That applies for a backswing position.

The club face is directed right from the target (left photo). The club face at the top of the backswing is

pointing to the ground (right photo).


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CHAPTER 6: SHORT GAME

I doubt that golfers are aware of the importance of the short game, and how many shots could be saved in this way. Putting, in particular, deserves much more attention as I’m going to dedicate it in this book and it would take another book, as the knowledge on putting is immense.

The way we perform in a long game is very similar to short game, with minor differences in speed, length and power of movement. Therefore, it would be wise to start correcting harmful habits already at putting and short shots near the green; chip shots and pitch shots. For example, if a golfer is pulling his arms throughout the shot and cutting a ball with his driver, he will do this at putting as well. Usually we are not aware of it, and we compensate with bad body posture and wrong direction or aim.

Such a technique might be efficient at long shot distances, but highly inefficient in case of putting where the direction of the shot and the slope of the green are essential. We can practise short game at home; in the garden or in our office. And the goal is not merely to hit a hole, but also to recognize the opponent inside us whose voice hasn’t changed. On the opposite, maybe even increased. Namely, the more we are going to be approaching the hole, the stronger desire and tension will become.

PUTTING

Legendary Ben Hogan once said that in golf exist two games: swinging the club and the game of putting. It is a game within the game and also an opportunity for all those who are not able to hit a ball further than 200 metres. Good putting substantially lowers our result and provokes the same feelings of satisfaction as the long game. The world of professional golfers knows many players who hit a ball further than 300 metres, but rare are those who need only one shot on the green. That’s why the best players excel at both.

One of them is certainly Tiger Woods, who is an excellent putter, or as the Spanish would say ‘el patador’. And another one is American John Daly, whose long shot ranks among the furthest ones, but at the same he has refined feeling for putting as well. Let us not forget that a record holder of the most ‘major’ tournaments, Jack Nicklaus, won his big trophies with brilliant putting.

A good player knows that at putting there are only three things within his power he can influence on:

- To choose the best line of a putt,

- To direct the club head and the ball to this line and

- Trust in the length of a swing and hit it on the middle of club face (sweet spot).

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In order to do this properly, we have to:

- Know or ‘evaluate’ the green and its slopes,

- Know or ‘evaluate’ the speed of a green and

- Know the basic principles of aiming, body stance and putting technique.

Evaluating the slope of the green and the line of the shot. (above) Directing the club head to the target and final position before the performance. (bellow)


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Performance of the putting stroke (chest view)

At the address position the knees and hands are slightly bent (left). In the backswing, only the upper part of the body and hands swing, whereas the lower part doesn’t move (middle). The swing continues in the follow through; in the finish the club face is directed to the target (right).

Performance of the putting stroke (down the line view)

At the address position shoulders and feet are in parallel line with the line of the shot, eyes are over the ball (left). In the backswing hands and club move close to the body (middle). The body stays at the same height in the follow through (spine angle is maintained), head stays still (right).

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The Green and its Characteristics

The green is the heart and core of the course, and in most cases the main criterion for the quality of it. If the average golfer stepped on a green during a professional championship, he would feel the respect for it already right there on the spot. Here I’m referring to the amount of work done and the maintenance of greens, which demand a lot of expertise and patience, and above all mainly the passion for this kind of work. The best golf courses in the world are adorned with fast and winding greens, which are closed for entrance several months before the biggest tournaments, and during this time being prepared for the big day.

The first characteristic of the green is its slope. To determine a slope, we can throw a ball in low arc and watch how the terrain influences its roll. At least twice the size of the slope we think it should be needed has to be included in our calculation. So a good putt will always end up ‘above’ the hole, as in this way we will find it easier to stop it by the hole. Let us also remember that:

- The ball will be curving more on fast greens, because its speed of rolling is slow

- The ball will be curving less on slow greens, because its speed of rolling is fast.

To get more acquainted with the green during our practice, it is advisable not to putt directly at hole, but to putt to the empty space, or the line between the green and fore-green. We hit balls to a larger area and keep focused on the whole move. By doing this, we are:

- Avoiding unnecessary pressure caused by the hole,

- Getting the feeling for distance control and

- Getting the feeling for acceleration through the shot.

Photos above demonstrate how to practice the distance control (without aiming at the hole): Head stays still during the stroke; we wait for a second and then watch the roll and curve of the ball.


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CHAPTER 8: ALCHEMY OF EMOTIONS

To head for the course means to go on a journey. It is wise to carry along a plan and be ready, not only because of the possibility being caught by bad weather, but also because of the activation of inner processes at the moment when least expected. If in this case goes for a tournament where, atop of it, we shall play with people we dislike or we don’t know them, the journey will be so much more exciting.

The problems occur because of our inability to get ready for such a journey, or because of simply not knowing which inner processes will activate. To get ready means to expect storms inside us and courageously wait for them to pass by.

As I said, it is advisable to express happy emotions and allow ourselves to show enthusiasm about the shot. Today one could seldom see anyone on the driving range (and in particular any good player) who dares to express enthusiasm aloud, proudly raise a fist in the air or dance from joy. Yes, golf can be a very serious game, but no one has a right to deprive us of joyfulness. The game is taken seriously especially by someone who failed to win thousands of Euros on a green, but we shouldn’t forget that the number of such players amounts to less than 1% of golf population!

The fact that inner feelings inside golfers are very similar is intriguing. Either the word is about a point-turning putt of a professional for victory at the Open Championship, or the last decisive drive of an amateur at the club competition. The anxiety and fear inside of professional can be completely equal to the one inside of average player.

The author of the book ‘Instinctive Tennis’, Happy Bhalla, says: “The inner and outer game differ in many aspects, however, they are connected and at the end they meet. The outer game is based on gathering of skills, whereas the inner one on relaxation. Every player has to create his own understanding for his activities (why do I play golf?), because without it we cannot achieve real relaxation, which is our birth right. And, indulging in this relaxation, we can be successful both inside and outside of the course, regardless of what we are doing.”

If the best thing what may happen to us (victory or a low score) isn’t that satisfactory and glittering in the long run; and if the worst thing (the last place or a very high score) is not that bad as we shall still be alive and keep friends – what is then our goal? What can we truly control and what is worth directing energy into?

Once the American golfer Peter Jacobson missed a very short putt at the PGA tournament, and when they were asking him what had happened, he answered: “I didn’t miss it, it was the ball which missed the hole! I did everything what was in my power – chose the optimum line of the shot, struck with the right strength, and believed in success.”

Legendary Walter Hagen was calming his expectations in this way: “I expect to hit

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seven bad shots per a round. And it’s no tragedy to miss a short putt, because it has happened to everybody.”

I think we all keep secret key at hand, but we are trying to unlock the wrong door with it. The course, weather situation, fellow players, and the score are the wrong doors, and all we can do is to get prepared for them the best way we can, and let the game take its own way. The next door are our thoughts and consequently our emotions, but sadly enough we are too frightened of peeking into this room, despite being the Lord of chambers. Because this room is too crowded and noisy, we prefer to turn our backs on it. When storms are visiting us, we usually react in two ways:

- Fight against them or

- Run away (give up).

The fight is usually manifested in anger, foul language, throwing of clubs, and conscious breaking of game’s rules. We believe that with these manners we are going to control the situation better and even if it seems we have done it, the feelings will soon return, in an even stronger form. Running away or giving up is manifested in passive attitude, taking the form of feeling sorry for yourself and whining (‘Today I’m really unlucky, nothing goes the way I want….’). We have to understand that such inner processes resemble peeling off the skin, and if we want to enter the optimal state of playing, we have to go through different emotional phases.

The word emotion can be divided into E-MOTION (movement). When we are angry, for example, this is only a form of energy in motion and is not harmless as such. Anger can help us go into action and face the fear. It is in our hands whether we are going to swim with the stream, resist it, or redirect it. If we swim with it, we turn into slaves of our own feelings. If we resist it or even try to stop it, it will sooner or later find an escape gate and erupt even more abruptly. In Dan Millman’s bestseller, ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior’, Socrates tells to the boy: “We control the emotions by allowing them to circulate freely, and then we release them. Only when we learn to stay with a certain feeling and direct its current, only then we can also control its source.”

The process most of the times starts with FEAR, continues with ANGER, followed by PAIN, and at last comes the state of PEACE, JOY and LOVE. Coaches prefer to say that at this state we find ourselves in the flow, or playing in the ‘zone’. As much as we resist and reject fear on one hand, it is on the other hand a good indicator we are approaching something much bigger and exceptional. If we learn how to invite and accept it in our life, we make an important step towards the inner freedom.

Neither anger should be rejected or denied as it can be helpful along the path, but we have to be careful it doesn’t reign over. The energy of anger could be, for example, directed into some activity, such as being totally focused on ranking of sand after a shot, leaving no room for a critical evaluation or self-humiliation. We can also use anger in this way that we accelerate walking up a hill, or steep slopes. Such a


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direction of activity provides room for a certain feeling to fade away and leave us.

Zen teacher of golf, Joseph Parent, says there are only two options how to deal with unpleasant emotions: either be wetted by waves or sail on them. Sailing means to stay in the process of the game, despite thousands of thoughts and feelings. When we sense something is boiling inside us, we can say: “Aha, the storm is coming, pass through…”

In the third phase of travelling with emotions, we come to the emotional pain-core, which may be seen as a player’s bad mood and despondency to continue the game. Surprisingly, here lies a chance for us to let go and surrender. If the situation is not too heavy and we continue with playing, our expectations and wishes to score a good result will fade away, and eventually we will surrender to current circumstances.

In the last, fourth phase we are more relaxed, more at peace, and our swing becomes smoother. Many times it happens no sooner than at the end of a round, or even the next day; it depends how skilful we are at becoming aware of inner processes. That’s why disastrous rounds are more than needed, as we feel empty and devoid of all knowledge after them. We also should bear in mind that this process will repeat again and again until we learn to identify and face whatever we may feel.

Suggestions for working with unpleasant emotions; such as fear, anger, pain, and sadness:

- Be kind to yourself, and be aware this is not your true nature.

- Be aware that these feelings will soon disappear.

- Squeeze the ball strongly.

- Pay attention to the breathing (diaphragm).

- Start singing or whistling.

Important questions to become aware of feelings:

- Do I know I’m afraid?

- Do I know I’m angry?

- Do I know I’m envious?

- Do I really grant co-players a good game?

Dangerous inner dialogues which lead to unpleasant emotions and stress:

- ‘The same story again!’

- ‘This cannot be happening!’

- ‘Something is wrong with me!’

- ‘Bad luck again!’

- ‘This game is too difficult for me!’

- ‘I’m not made for this sport!’

- ‘Everybody else is better than me!’

- ‘I cannot do it!’

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This dialogue runs automatically! It is a distorted interpretation of thinking how things are supposed to be. A huge amount of energy is consumed in vain by these dialogues, as we are trying to deny or erase our only reality – a current feeling. If we are afraid of striking at the first hole or embarrassed of doing it badly, it is best to admit this to ourselves. A man aspires to come out well in front of the others and there is nothing wrong with it. This aspiration starts impeding us when it starts controlling our behaviour and gives birth to the masquerade, whose fearful actors are hiding behind masks.

Inner dialogues which lead to well being:

- ‘I’m allowing myself to relax!’

- ‘I’m here to have a good time.’

- ‘There’s nothing to be afraid of.’

- ‘There is nothing wrong about being nervous.’

- ‘The course and co-players are the way they are.’

- ‘Only the shot in front of me counts.’

- ‘I’m totally accepting bad shots.’

- ‘I’m making progress in the game; I am getting better and better.’

Let us remember that either way we are talking to ourselves, both ways will work, as we are attracting what we are thinking about. And we can always choose either emotional break-down or emotional-breakthrough. Either we are going to stay average players and victims of outer circumstances, or extra-ordinary golfers who are spreading around the magnificent spirit of golf.

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