Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect book cover

Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Summary

Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect
Bob Rotella
4.36 (6717 Reviews)
Psychology
Self-growth
Mindfulness
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

Discover why elite golfers like Jack Nicklaus trust Dr. Rotella's mental game secrets. Beyond perfect swings lies the true path to victory - mastering your mind. What surprising psychological trick do PGA champions use after bad shots?

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Key takeaways

1

When the Mind Matters More Than the Swing

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Picture a professional golfer standing over a six-foot putt worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. His hands are steady, his breathing controlled, but inside his head, a war rages between confidence and doubt. Now imagine a nine-year-old watching the same scene, casually remarking, "Oh, that's nothing. He always makes those." Who do you think has the better mindset for making that putt? This paradox lies at the heart of golf's greatest mystery: why do we often play our worst when it matters most? Why can a weekend hacker stripe drives on the range but slice into the woods when someone's watching? The answer isn't in your grip, your stance, or your swing plane-it's in the six inches between your ears. Golf exposes our mental weaknesses like few other pursuits, which is precisely why mastering your mind transforms not just your scorecard but your entire relationship with pressure, failure, and success. In a world obsessed with swing mechanics, launch angles, and equipment technology, we've forgotten golf's fundamental truth: the game is won or lost in your mind long before the ball leaves the clubface.

2

The Power of Dreams and Mental Choice

3

Trust Over Technique: The Foundation of Consistent Play

4

Creating Your Own Reality: The Shooter's Mentality and Hot Streaks

5

Your Preshot Routine: The Mental Sanctuary

6

The Short Game and Putting: Where Champions Are Forged

7

The Paradox of Perfection and Playing Your Best

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments
254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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@Pitiful
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