Hitting the ball is only one component of golf. Any golfer will tell you that there is much more to the game. Experienced golfers find that they must center themselves mentally prior to each shot. Playing golf is more than simply lining themselves properly with the ball. Although it may appear to require little effort from the golfer, there is a lot happening behind the tee.

The following statement may sound like a stretch to some, but there is truth behind it - Golf is Zen experience. This statement is particularly true for the more advanced golfers, regardless of the fun and joking around often observed during the game.

What is Zen? Zen is simply the idea of being completely in each moment all the time. It is about experiencing each moment of life to the fullest and appreciating those moments for exactly what they are.

This is what Zen is - being completely and totally in each and every moment at all times. It is about experiencing each and every moment to the fullest extent possible while also appreciating the moment for what it is.

Zen and golf correspond all throughout the game. A golfer practicing Zen will notice everything around such as the direction and force of the breeze. Yet, the golfer is not actively thinking about his or her surroundings. He or she may notice how the grass feels as they walk the fairway, but the next shot is not yet at the forefront of his or her mind. That will occur when the golfer reaches the ball to tee off.

Once this point is reached, the golfer will make note of his or her distance to the green, the weather and then select a club. By not focusing on the distractions around, the golfer can rather focus on the shot. Thinking beforehand can affect the mental process oftentimes causing the golfer to become tense and anxious behind the tee. However, the Zen golfer should trust his or her body knowing that the mind and body are aligned and, simply, make the play.

Of course, not every shot can be a perfect shot. But, the golfer practicing Zen will not allow the imperfect shots to adversely impact the next shot as opposed to the golfer who stresses about a missed shot allowing it to affect the next shots.

The golfer not practicing Zen will start to think negatively about his or her golfing skills. This is, definitely, not going to help improve your game whether you are a die-hard golfer, in the early stages of learning golf or an occasional golfer as part of a golf club or group. Once you are out on the course, you are a golfer and negative thoughts will impact you just as another. Don't be surprised, though, if you don't hear about his in your local golf club!