MENTAL SPOTLIGHT
The Zone
Finding The ‘Zone.” Pro talk about it, amateurs fantasize about
it, but does anyone really know what it is?
Lacking s definition in Webster’s. I would say that the Zone
involves three elements: (1) very positive images; (2) an
ultra-relaxed state; and (3) an extremely clear focus on swing
thought. The combination of these creates a “can’t miss”
attitude that leads to outstanding performance over a period of
time. The Zone never lasts as long as we’d like, but you should
ride it for all it’s worth when it happens.
That’s another thing about the Zone—it just “happens.”
For
example, you’re three over, as usual, when you get to the
par-three fourth hole. Out of nowhere, your tee shot drops next
to the pin and you make birdie. On the fifth, you hit another
spectacular approach for another easy birdie. You’re feeling,
“How can I miss? And even if you do miss a green, you know
you’ll get it up and down. That is, if you don’t chip it in.
If
you have hard time imagining this scenario, consider the
opposite—a rut of bad holes when you can’t make anything, when
all you see are images of disaster and par seems unattainable.
The
Zone is the flip side of that broken record. It is a positive
rut that floes from a spectacular shots. Playing well leads to
beautiful images, peaceful relaxation and intense concentration.
It’s been said that one’s focus becomes so intense that vision
seems to sharpen. As you address the ball, the logo and the
dimples jump off the cover, the blades of the grass are
individual bristles and, most important, there’s nothing in your
mind but crystal-clear images of success.
If
it sounds as if I I’m describing a work of art, that’s not far
off the mark. The Zone stimulates the senses, the way poetry or
painting does. It’s flamboyant, grandiose—and the shotmaking
that coincides with it lives up to those expectations. At its
best, the Zone is a peaceful hypnotic trance that you hate to
leave.
But,
unfortunately, you can’t stay in the zones forever; eventually
you return to familiar reality. With any luck, you can stay in
the Zone through the end of your round, but don’t bet on it. Be
happy you found the Zone at all.
Is
there a way to bring on the Zone? Well, if it was that
automatic, somebody would have bottled the formula long ago.
But, through the Zone can’t be turned on and off like a switch,
there are ways to put yourself in position to make it happen.
Everybody has a Zone. For the tour pro, it’s birdie upon birdie
leading to an outrageous score in the low 60s. For the weekend
amateur, the Zone may be six straight two-putt bogeys. In either
case, two or three great shots in a row may get the Zone rolling
The
better player, of course, has a better chance of stringing
together a few great shots and finding the Zone. Therefore, it’s
not only. “The more I practice, the luckier I get,” but also,
“The more I practice, the better my chances of finding the
Zone.”
You
may be able encourage the Zone with preround visualization.
Between practice area and the first tee, walk off by yourself
for a few minutes and focus intensely on swing thoughts or
imagine spectacular shots. It might sound a little strange, but
you can even study the ball you’re about to use in an effort to
enhance its definition. Consciously working to heighten your
senses may increase your chances of finding the Zone.
This article is from the book “The
Complete Golfer: Physical Skill and Mental Toughness” by Dr. Tom
Dorsel, the sport psychologist.