The best players know that golf is a game of confidence, and most important, concentration-the ability to focus and block out distraction. The goal of achieving clear thought is also at the heart of Buddhist teachings. In his highly original and groundbreaking book, noted PGA coach and Buddhist instructor, Dr. Joseph Parent, draws on this natural connection and teaches golfers how to clear their minds, achieve ultimate focus, and play in the moment for each shot. Zen Golf presents a simple system for building "mental game mastery." Dr Parent's unique PAR Approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results) guides golfers with specific techniques for each aspect of their games. In chapters such as "How to Get From the Practice Tee to the First Tee", "You Produce What You Fear", and "How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf", the author shares a personal teaching regimen that has helped improve the games of professionals and amateurs alike. By combining classic insights and stories from Zen tradition, Zen Golf helps eliminate the mental distractions that routinely cause poor shots and loss of concentration, allowing golfers to feel in "the zone" that professionals have learned to master. Clear, concise, and enlightening, Zen Golf shows golfers how to prepare for, execute, and equally important, respond the results of any golf shot. A different approach to golf instruction, this book shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings.

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction Part 1: A Different PerspectiveEmpty Your Cup Four Kinds of Students Thinking Outside the BoxPar for the CourseCover the Roads with LeatherHow Big is Your Mind?You Are Not Your ThoughtsBasic GoodnessUnconditional ConfidenceClearing the InterferenceA Perfect SwingPart 2: The PAR Approach PreparationWhat is Your Target? Your Mind’s EyeThe Vividness of the MomentWhere is Your Target?Don’t Hit It in the Lake Be Decisive Bacon and Eggs BreakfastMore Curious than AfraidNatural CommitmentAvoid the Anyway’sDive Under the WavesCool, Calm and CollectedListen to Your IntuitionCenter of GravityRemember to BreatheIntensify and ReleaseCultivating and Strengthening Awareness ActionHow to Get from the Practice Tee to the First Tee TransitionsSynchronizing Body and Mind Give It Time to Sink InNever Keep More than a Hundred Thoughts in Your Mind During Your SwingDuring Your Swing Is Not the Time to Give Yourself a LessonGive up Control to Get ControlYou Produce What You FearHitting the Target 10,000 Times in a RowIn Golf We TrustCan You Put a Cat in a Box?To Care or Not to Care How to Make Every Putt Putt with Imagination Don’t Count Your MoneyThe Slow Motion Walk-UpNot Too Tight, Not Too LooseBeware of Trying for a Few Extra Yards Nothing Special, Nothing ExtraResponse to ResultsThe Post-Shot Routine Thanks for the MemoriesThe Angry GuyHow to Make a Flower BlossomPebbles in a BowlUntie the SandbagsFire Your Evil Caddie Isn’t Where You Have to Play it from Punishment Enough? Accentuate the PositiveUplifted Body, Uplifted MindYou Can’t Stop the Waves, But You Can Learn to SurfWhy Are You Still Carrying Her?These Things Come and GoOvercoming Self-SabotagePatience PaysTake Your MedicineHow to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf Who Knows What’s Good and What’s Bad? Part 3: A Game of HonorChi Chi’s Prayer Shambhala Golf A Warrior’s DignityGentle, Inquisitive, FearlessIndex of ExercisesReferences and Recommended ReadingsZen Golf Lessons