We’ve all been there; the round you played, where almost no thought crossed your mind throughout the 18 holes. But, how do you do, nothing?

It’s that space we’re striving towards, where Tiger Woods appeared to be throughout his entire career – the zone. You walk up to your ball, no matter where it is on the course, or what hole, or who is looking, and you are simply sure of where it’s going. In fact, you’re so sure, almost no swing thought crosses your mind, and if even if one does, it does not phase you – the thought simply passes by, like a cloud in the sky. You are unphased by anything. This is the zone.

If this experience sounds familiar, you may have reached a peak state, that allows your game to flow freely and produce the best possible results in the moment. This clarity is not easily achieved and can be even tricker to maintain. We all have our own triggers or vulnerabilities, that will stress the flow state and potentially cause you to lose it. However, it would be a mistake to try and hold on to it, it’s a sure way to lose it – like trying to hold on to water. It is a state of allowing, accepting, witnessing your thoughts, and being fully present.

Getting There

So, now that you have an idea what this state feels like, how can we actually get there, and when you do, how can you maintain it (without trying to “hold” onto it)?

This is where the hard work is done, and each one of us differ in our path towards it. The destination of stillness is inside us all, and similar, but you must find your unique way. Common methods would include meditation, prayer, sitting in silence, therapy etc. Clearing the mind can often mean facing the thoughts you may have been pushing away or ignoring, and if so, might cause some distress initially. My only advice if you do experience this, is to keep going, you will get through it, you are bigger than any thought.

When you do come through the other side, you will feel extraordinarily light, clear and ready for anything. Everything flows and feels completely effortless (yes, even golf!). You are now ready to take on the golf course and play the best round of your life.

How Do You Maintain This State?

The good news is, in this state, you are hard to rattle, it will take a lot to remove you from presence. However, over time it can be etched away by small distractions, issues arising, etc. To maintain your clarity, you must be vigilant with your mind; should a distraction or distressing situation come about, you must face it head-on. Meet it as soon as possible and work through it. Should you choose to ignore it, it will gather weight in the back of your mind and eventually bring you down. Sweeping under the rug might feel like a win in the moment, but in the long-term you cannot remain present.

Can I really do this every round?

Yes, but I would recommend it becomes a way of life for you, rather than an event. There are some fantastic readings and teachings that may help you on your “way”, that might include some Taoist, Zen or Buddhist teachings, which all promote a simplistic, clear way of life and thought. Golf will only be one area you’ll notice “improvement”, your whole life will rise in vibration.

How Can I Get Training In This?

I offer on-course lessons and Life Coaching, which is a great environment to test yourself on and learn how to bring it out onto the course. You can book a lesson with me through my booking engine by clicking here.

‘Til next time, stay present!

Gary