X Files Territory
The zone is neither an existent thing nor a nonexistent thing. Then who can really arrive at the zone? Or does not exist, or both or neither. Is true inspiration and peak states achieved through denial – or transmutation – of the ego? Are golfers who claim to be in the zone achieving a sense of one-ness with nature?
There is a certain relationship between Peak states and Nirvana; both are knowable by the mind. Practicing rightly, with a purified mind, free, straight, without obstructions, and desireless, a noble disciple can see nirvana, though, in your everyday game, it may be attained more easily by having in advance a clear mental image of the stroke you want. The one requirement is that your skills so perfectly match the demands of the moment that all self-consciousness disappears. “There is no place for conscious effort in golf,” said Dave Stockton.
This present tense performance style sets aflame the physical faculties of your body. In this high-octane state of mind and body synergy, you are so well focused on attaining your goal that only when you step out of it do you realize that it felt like a vacuum. When in the Zone you perform with no feelings or sentiments of the past or future because you perform solely in the Now. Without a thought you concern yourself only with the task at hand. Nothing stands between you and your goal when you reach the Zone.
The Open Mind
“You need to keep in the memory bank a portfolio of good shots. Sometimes they will be more courageous than perfect. The whole idea is that you can draw on the images and let them play through your mind the next time you face a similar situation.” Paul Casey, Daily Telegraph, October 5, 2006.
“It’s not a matter of poetry or carpentry. It’s more important than that.”
Bobby Jones, discussing the sub-conscious golf in a 1928 interview.
Golfing Trivia
In your opinion, “Be in the Now” refers to:
- Play one shot at a time.
- Don’t think ahead.
- Play within yourself.
- Just hit the damn thing.
You catch the present moment without words or thought. Few things are easier to describe and harder to do. Walter Hagen knew that long before it became the mantra of sport-golfing psychology. It’s called the law of Be a Man and Hit the Ball!
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