Golf In The ZoneGolf in the Zone is a phrase coined by author, Jim Fannin who has instructed many elite players on his approach to achieving optimum golf for a player based on inner control of his/her mental processes during a round. Players in many sports speak of he "zone" as if it were a mystical place where their mind goes to perform at very high levels. Being "In the Zone" is referred to as mystical because it is such a fleeting experience. It comes and goes, seemingly without reason or at random. Fannin and others have tried to develop "systems" where athletes can attune their minds and control their attainment of this state in order to achieve their goals and attain their peak potential. To achieve the zone state, Fannin has developed a set of tools he calls the S.C.O.R.E. system that help a person manage the way they think and manage their mindset in order to achieve your optimal mental state to perform your best. This system consists of a series of principles which focus on 5 factors that are key to achieving the phenomenon referred to as the zone. The five factors through which his S.C.O.R.E. system influences are:
Golf in the Zone consists of two key components through which the S.C.O.R.E. system acts on these factors. They are, Visualization and Self-Awareness. Through visualization of positive experiences and outcomes, athletes can influence the sub-conscious mind to adjust the way you feel and perform. Visualization acts through imagery to influence the sub-conscious so that the conscious mind is better able to perform to achieve desired results. Jack Nicklaus used a version of this technique throughout his career. He called it "going to the movies" but it involved exactly the same process. Jack mentally viewed or "saw" every shot before he swung the club. Another strong example of visualization is used By Aaron Baddeley on tour. Before every shot, he stands behind the ball, looks down the target line and closes his eyes for what seems like 10 -20 seconds, "playing his movie" of the shot he is about to hit. By being more aware of the five factors of the S.C.O.R.E. system and their impact on Zone-state achievement, athletes can manage stress levels in order to attract the Zone phenomenon. Stress management can reduce unwanted thoughts that cloud the mind and reduce your chances of entering the zone. Fewer thoughts mean a less cluttered mind, freeing you up for more positive results. You enter higher levels of the five factors; you are more disciplined, achieve more concentration (ie. are more focused), more optimistic, more relaxed and experience more enjoyment during stressful situations than you would if you were not in the Zone. Jim Fannin's ground breaking work in this area, has certainly popularized the term "In the Zone" if he didn't invent it. He has been a prolific author, producing audio CDs specific to many sports (including golf), books and speaking engagements to many companies. In 25 years of study, Fannin has developed his system through observation and has helped many professional athletes achieve excellent results. And not just athletes, he has clients in all walks of life that have benefited through applications of this system. The roster of golf clients include:
I have a copy of his audio CD "Golf in the Zone" and I recommend it highly to anyone interested in developing the mental side of their game. Return from Golf In The Zone to Home Page Return from Golf In The Zone to Golf The Mental Game |