Golf is Not a Game of Perfect

Golf may have moved on since this book was written, but psychology is still the same. Worth a read

Best book for game improvement I've ever read. I originally purchased this book about 8 years ago and found it very inspiring. Dr Bob keeps things simple with clear examples of how you should be thinking on the course, what to focus on and where to focus your practice. I found after reading the book not only did my score improve but also my enjoyment of the game which is what it should be about. I revisit the book every couple of years just before the start of the season to remind me how brilliant it is. Just started reading it again and playing better already. The mind game really does need constant work and with this book it's there to keep you on track. I just ordered a copy for my dad who's getting back into the game after retirement. We are playing in the final of a winter league at our course in March and I have no doubt reading this book will increase our chances of winning. If not, well I'll keep focusing on the target anyway.

In depth thinking regarding the game. A book to keep going back to.

Like many other golfers I worked my way down to bogey golf but then I got stuck. I could go out and shoot low 80's or on another round, maybe only a week later be struggling to stay under 100. I have lessons, practice and have been commended by my coach on the fact that I work on the game and am bound to lower my handicap over time. Well despite that it didn't seem to be happening and after another lesson where I was really struggling my coach recommended this book. He said I was too hard an myself and kept looking for perfection when I should be enjoying the game more and freeing up my mind. I was sceptical; I don't normally go in for the mind aspect of things and take a rather bullish approach but with no other answers on the horizon I ordered it and read it in two sittings - it is a very easy read. Lots of the points raised in the book hit home, I am one of those people who says, "Hey, I'm better than this!", I am someone who tries to fix his swing on the course and I am someone who practices and focusses intently on getting better but am not, or at least don't seem to be. I had become someone obsessed with the mechanics of the swing. Took all the advice to the first tee the following day and shot 85 despite 36 putts and recorded my longest drive to date (since I have had a GPS watch) of 258 yards with the easiest, most fluid swing and next to no muscle/effort. More importantly I really 'enjoyed' the round, something that had been lacking in my game of late. I wasn't worried about the score, I didn't add up the front 9 or keep working out what I needed to finish the last 3 holes on in order to lower my hcp. I hit bad shots, sure but I shrugged them off and relished the challenge of getting out of the trees. It was one shot at a time with no thoughts of mechanics in my mind. It might only be one round and while this book clearly wont fix a fundamental swing flaw it has helped turn my mind off mechanics on the course and on to a positive approach where I am thinking, "Get in the hole!", not just, "I hope this goes somewhere on the green and clears that bunker...". Try it. This is isn't a book full of swing tips and I can't see how it could hurt you game, it has certainly helped mine. :)

I was advised to read this book by a golfing friend. I am so glad that I did. Excellent, timeless advice, which has changed my approach to playing.

Excellent book if your interested in golf!!

Great book, 3/4 the way through and already played some better golf. Would give it 5 stars but most of the anecdotes are super dated. You can still relate but lots of old names new golfers may not recognise and no real way to update them.

This book is a great read and makes you understand that you need to take your mind along with the right attitude to the golf course. Two years ago I moved to Tunis in North Africa from Manhattan, NY And little did I know that I would also take up playing golf. Having been an avid fan of Tiger Woods and watched the Masters at Augusta, the PGA tours etc....I guess an interest in the game was nurtured. Golf is big in Tunisia and I have been struggling to learn the basics over the past six months...reading this book has strengthened my resolve to keep going. It is more of a collection of very humane experiences of some of Golf's best players - their fears, anxieties, and ups and downs on the golf course-Bob Rotella relates each experience in such a simple but captivating way ......Golf is about being comfortable that you can do it.....and indeed not a "Game of Perfect." This has been the best lesson learnt thus far ....more than any Pro can teach you. Definitely a great reference book for all golfers.

Pour ceux qui comprennent l'anglais. C'est un bon livre qui permet d'appréhender le golf (et la compétition) de manière différente. Très facile à lire.

15年ぶりにゴルフを再開したものです。 高校時代はちゃんと勝負の準備や練習をしておらず、今思うともったいなかったと反省し、過去の自分の贖罪的にちゃんと精神論含めて学ぶためにこの本を手に取りました。 結論、ゴルフだけの本として語るにはもったいなく、人生の色々なところに当てはまる教訓が詰まってます。 ゴルフというミスが前提のスポーツと自分とどう向き合うか、過去の伝説的なプレイヤーたちがどう考えていたのか、どう考えれば最高の結果を出せやすくなるのかなど、最初から最後まで教訓と共感の嵐です。20〜30年前（もっと前？）のゴルフの偉人たちでも悩んでいたし、ミスをよくしていた話も詰まっており、おかげで自分のミスショットも許せるようになりました。 ゴルフ以外にも当てはまる話が多いのも良いです。 ミスショット続きでも平均に戻るはずだから次は入ると信じて、平均以上ショットが入ってたら「今日はノッてるから次も入る」という矛盾を当たり前のように信じるバスケ選手の話が特に気に入りました。うまくいっているときは行き続けると信じ、うまく行っていないときは絶対上向くと信じる癖は、仕事などにも当てはまるいい思考法だと思います。 先日、この本の内容を念頭に置きながらコースに出ましたが、お陰で難しいコースでもアンダーハンディーの82を打てました。そしてまだまだ行けそうです。 自分のバイブルになりそうです。

Amazing insight into the Mental side of the game. Well written and easy to relate to. Refreshing read compared to the “How to Fix” style of book out there. I would recommend for anyone who has a good handle on their game mechanics and looking to expand their Golf IQ

Recommended for every player who wants to improve his game. One takeaway for me is that the game should be fun and not stress.

Very good, a classic also for leisurely golfers