Welcome to the Mindful Golfer

Welcome to the Mindful golfer

…start your journey towards a more focused mind and efffortless power in your swing!

Introducing the Mindful Golf Course. A unique set of practices and tools drawn from my experience and training in the disciplines of mindfulness meditation, sophrology and positive psychology, with a sprinkling of zen for good measure! The course is suitable for all levels of golfer – all that is required is commitment to practice and an open mind. 

So, Take the first stepsthe techniques are simple, perhaps not easy for everyone, but certainly not impossible.  To start with you will need a clear idea of what you want and why you want it, this will provide the motivation to stick with it.
You need to commit to the practices as they require repetition, time and effort. I know life is busy but you may be pleasantly surprised at just how many opportunities to practice (OTPs) you have in your day.

What is mindfulness and how can it improve my golf?

Quite simply mindfulness is the practice of noticing and paying attention. Paying attention to what is happening in the present moment with acceptance and without judgement. Over time it will allow you to put your attention where you want it, when you want it, and be able to leave it there! Just imagine how handy that wouldIMG_0473 be when there are so many things that can distract you as you set up on the tee or stand over a four footer. The good news is you don’t have to sit crossed legged for hours you can be mindful anytime, any place, any where. Playing golf on the course is a great place to practice – it’s peaceful, surrounded by nature, is good exercise, requires focussed concentration and has a social connection – all the ingredients for effective practice.

History and Science

The practice of mindfulness has been around for thousands of years and it’s only in the last decade or so that neuroscientists have been able to see the positive effects it has on the brain using fMRI brain scans. The brains of meditators have been found to be different to those who don’t, more grey matter and less reactivity to stress.  And they have discovered that you don’t have to sit on the side of a mountain for years to change your brain, a little bit of regular practice over a couple of months will make a difference.  

We know why the mental game is important but the ‘how to’ improve is not always so clear.  My aim is to provide you with tools to practice off and on the course which will have a positive impact on your game and your life.

seven ways to winning and wellbeing

You have probably heard or read about – ‘mental toughness’, being ‘in the zone’, or in ‘the now’, ‘dialled in’, or ‘in flow’ or being able to ‘get out of your own way’. You’ve seen it in action whilst watching the golfing greats BUT what does this really mean and how can you do it too? Watching it in action and reading about it is all well and good but being able to access this higher state of awareness at will and having control over your thoughts and emotions takes a bit of practice. This is where The Mindful Golf Course or Mindful Golf Coach comes in.

So whether you are looking for a presentation for members and guests at your club; a workshop tailored to meet the needs of a small group; 1:1 sessions for yourself or the online course which will help you to embed the practices for real and lasting change in your golf and life you will find it here.

JOIN THE CLUB FOR FREE to receive your FREE mp3 recording.

What are the benefits?

These are many benefits and positive side effects  including following:

  • reducing your handicap
  • feeling more at ease and relaxed
  • improving your relationship with your self and others
  • fewer headaches
  • reducing blood pressure
  • reducing aches and pains
  • better concentration
  • improved immune system
  • better balance
  • feeling happier!

I have committed to applying my mindful techniques to bringing my own handicap down and also putting in the practice on the course and range. Follow my  blog to see how I’m doing! I was cut 6 shots in a recent competition, I was very much in the NOW that day! 32 to 17 within a year and counting.

How do I practice?

To get started with your mindfulness practice take a few quiet moments to listen to the mp3 download which is free with Mindful Golf Club Membership . Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably, upright and alert yet relaxed. Close your eyes or focus your gaze along the line of your nose.

Just allow your attention to settle on your breath. Then keep bringing your attention back to my voice each time your mind wanders – which it will, but only a few hundred times! Be patient it’s a bit like learning to ride a bike it takes a bit of time and persistence, but will get easier. This will give you a taste of what we are talking about here. Some of you will find it easier than others so I have included many different techniques and practices throughout the course so that there is something that will suit you no matter how busy your brain is.

What are you waiting for!! Get started on your journey…..

Join The Mindful Golf Club to receive your free mp3 recording. Then make your way to the 1st tee to tee off on The Mindful Golf Course where you can buy 9 holes at a time or each of the 6 levels separately. Or head over to Mindful Golf Coach for downloadable practices and one to one or group coaching via the Coachnow app.