In The Zone
Been reading a few books at the moment some for work some for golf. Sir Ken Robinson - The Element and a few by Bob Rotella.
Both of them talk about being 'In The Zone' and it got me thinking if I had ever been 'in the zone' Thinking back over the last few rounds and thinking about what both authors talked about I would have to say at times, yes.
Take Monday night - practice night. Ended up spending nearly two and half hours there. An hour on the range and an hour and half putting and chipping. Everything I struck felt brilliant, I even slam ducked the hole from when practicing my flop shots over a nearby tree! Never done that before. Lost all track of time, even the drizzle didn't stop me. Only a phone call from the Mrs wondering were I was brought me back to reality.
Ken Robinson talks about time passing quickly, losing track of time, a clear joy in what your doing. All these things happened during this practice sessions.
Yesterdays round was a mixture. I had in my mind how much everything worked the previous practice day but try as I might I could not get into 'the zone.' Swing didn't feel as natural, shots didn't come as easy and I stumbled my way round to +5 at the turn. The books clearly say its near impossible to force yourself into 'the zone' and when you recognise your there, things tend to change.
I drove up 10 and then hit a cracking 3 wood to be on the green in two. Walked off with a birdie. My pace picked up and although I carded a double on the next hole, things 'felt' different. The next few holes were amazing. Par, Par, Par, Par, Par, Bogey, Par. The back nine in +2. Even the bogey on 17 I considered a save with a 15ft putt. The Par on 18, got down in 2 putts from 50ft.
My entire game changed, when I'm not sure, but it changed. Confidence was sky high, I didn't have to think, my sub-concious did all the work. Great feeling - How did I get in that position, I've no idea.
Anybody else describe the feeling of being 'in the zone?' Is it something you stumble into or is it through dedicated practice?
Reply : Sun 24th Jul 2011 20:37
I don't think how you get off the first tee, hitting from fairway or hitting from the rough. Anybody can walk up and put the ball in the right direction. Its about a feeling, your sub-conscious taking over, not having to think about your swing, rythm, or tempo.
I never aim to get into the zone, it just happens and I can't explain why.