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WHAT WAS PHIL THINKING?
Phil Mickelson had a jaw-dropping meltdown at the 2006 US Open when he seemed to mentally disappear on the 72nd hole, made erratic choices and lost the tournament to Geoff Ogilvy.
 He had a two-shot lead with only four holes to play and he blew it saying later: "I just can't believe that I did that… I'm such an idiot." It was reminiscent of what happened to Jean Van de Velde at Carnoustie during the last day of the British Open in 1999 when he, too, lost his cool as well as the tournament.
 How do you handle your stress - not only during a tournament but also when you make some poor shots and can't seem to get your game back on track?
You can't control the course or the other golfers you play with, but you can learn to take hold of your attitude, your thoughts and your emotional responses. Here's what I'd suggest:
- Always, always remember to breathe deeply throughout the round, but especially before each shot - whether it's a drive, a fairway shot, a chip or a putt. This habit will remove mental tension and tension in your hands, arms, shoulders and hips. You might also stretch and shake out your arms and shoulders while you deep breathe.
I've noticed that many of my clients, when stressed, hold their breath instead of breathing deeply. Surprisingly, they have no idea they're doing this. Is this also true for you?
- Stay positive no matter what. Yes, you might explode and say
one of "those words" after a bad shot, but immediately afterwards encourage yourself. Tell yourself: "The next shot will be better." Don't let the negativity take hold of you. Breathe it out.
- If you chose the wrong club or played aggressively at the
wrong time, just make note and don't put yourself down. Think of every poor choice as a learning experience. That's the fun of the game.
Even Phil needs to do this and not punish himself.
If you have not purchased my CD, "Own The Zone," keep in mind that it will help you quiet that mental chatter that causes
Stress. Here's a link to my website: www.ownthezonegolf.com.
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CHECK THIS OUT!
See Jennifer Scott & "Own The Zone" featured on Fox Sports News --
Click image to view the Video!
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From the "Ask Jennifer" MailbagJennifer loves this section of the newsletter! In each newsletter we'll feature a question selected from the "Ask Jennifer" page on the Own The Zone Golf website. If your question is selected, you'll receive a thirty minute personal phone session with Jennifer! These questions are chosen by Jennifer personally. How you get involved? Click the button (left) or visit the web site and click the "Ask Jennifer" button!
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This month's Ask Jennifer question:
"Jennifer, I no longer am able to play golf.
I suffer from a serious mental block that prevents me from making a complete golf swing. I get to the top of my backswing and freeze. I pull, jerk, lurch and yank, but to no avail. The club never comes down.
I have left many an expert scratching his head, trying to rid me of this affliction but no one has been able to solve this problem. I have become a sideshow to everyone else who knows that "the guy who can't swing" is on the course. All suggestions on how to remedy the situation have failed.
And yet if I were to hit balls in a cage, I would produce a perfectly smooth, effortless, balanced golf swing, But to swing on a golf course or even a driving range presents such severe fear, tension, and anxiety, a simple 9 hole round of golf leaves me physically mentally and emotionally drained. I know this may be a tall order to ask, but I would appreciate any suggestions you may have. I am at my wits end.
Thank you for your time."
Joe- East Providence, RI
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This month's Ask Jennifer response:
Hi Joe,
It sounds like you've developed "The Yips," which I identify as a phobic response. I've helped people with this problem, but it takes more than a few online suggestions to accomplish this. Where do you live? My office is in Scottsdale, AZ and many golfers like you are so troubled by The Yips, they fly in to see me.
What you've done - on a Subconscious level - is to train your body to be fearful. You also intensify the problem by continuing your fearful thoughts. This becomes a loop of negative thoughts/negative behavior.
Because this loop was created by you, Hypnosis can help you change it. Hope this is helpful.
Jennifer
P.S. Don't forget that choosing your question entitles you to one half-hour session at no cost to you. Call me!
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Congratulations Joe! Please contact Jennifer to schedule your session!
You can reach Jennifer toll-free at 1-866-662-0939 or via email.
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Try this breakthrough Golf Hypnosis audio CD set called "Own The Zone™"
GOLF Magazine compared it to 4 other Self-Hypnosis CDs on golf's Mental Game. Reviewer Brian O'Toole gave "Own The Zone™" the highest ranking, saying:
"The best of the batch. Good golf-specific methods to help you focus and cope with anger. It grabs your attention right from the start and makes you want to keep listening. Provides useful tips on how to visualize results."*
"Own The Zone™" gives you 2 audio CDs, 86 minutes of high quality, effective, easy to follow Self-Hypnosis guidelines that can change your golf game forever!
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Many golfers have written to me about the exciting improvement in their game! I never tire of these stories, so please keep sending them! They help me better understand how to fine-tune my program.
I'm a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with offices here in Scottsdale, Arizona. You can call me toll-free at 1-866-662-0939 or you can email me here or from my website, www.OwnTheZoneGolf.com.
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