“When the golfer proclaims a certainty, the birth of the opposite takes place.”
-W.T. Firth

Golf is considered quite a paradox.  Hit down on the ball to make it go up, aim left and the ball curves right, swing easy and the ball goes farther.  We’ve all experience this. What about the mental opposite?

The sage Patanjali states: “vitarka-badhane pratipaksha-vhavanam” (2:33)“When the mind is disturbed by negative thoughts, one should dwell on their opposites.”  When you find yourself in an afflicted state of mind, contemplate the opposite.  Give yourself permission to make a MENTAL U-TURN.
For example:

• Over a golf shot feeling DOUBT? =  Contemplate TRUST and COMMITMENT.
• Lining up a 3 foot putt WORRYING if it will miss and its OUTCOME? = Practice DETACHMENT.
• In a bunker feeling ANXIOUS? =  Add some FEARLESSNESS.

Dodie Mazzuca is the Director of Instruction at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ (November – April).  She also teaches golf in Santa Cruz, CA (May-October).