Improve your game without taking a swing

Do you want to improve your game but the weather is holding you back? Maybe you aren't able to make it out to the course every night to get the practice in that you want to. Don't worry, there are many ways to practice other than hitting golf balls every day.

One of the biggest ways I have improved my game over the last few years is by reading. There are many books on a multitude of topics that relate to golf.

My favorite golf book helps improve your mental game.

"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."

I was hesitant to read this book at first because I knew nothing about Zen but I would say this book is NOT about Zen. The author gives some examples of Zen but the idea is to use your mind to execute shots. By far the best book I have read.

I also love any book by Dave Stockton. He has worked with some of the best players in the world and the results prove he is one of the best coaches there are.

Stan Utley has one of the best short game books out there. He really simplifies the short game and his technique is great for all types of players.

Another great mental game book is Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella. He also works with many PGA Tour players on the mental game and his books are world renowned.