A New Positive Golf Inspiring Story ---

We thought that mid-August was a great time to share this story before the main character goes back to school. She has been a source of pleasantry and positivity throughout the summer at the golf club where she works. We think she is an excellent example of a confident, joyful, and satisfied golfer who consistently practices and plays with a Positive Golf approach that leads to a total enjoyment of the game for her and those around her. She leaves the course well-pleased that she gave it her best, regardless of the outcome, and that is a true sign of self-respect and golf success. You too can find that her ideas and attitudes can be helpful both on and off the course...

Davana Kessler is studying professional golf management at Methodist University. This summer, she is an intern in the Pro Shop at a country club in southwestern Pennsylvania. In previous summers, she interned at golf clubs in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Davana began playing golf as a youngster and started taking it seriously around age 12. Along the way, she received a lot of support and encouragement from her father who helped to nurture a sense of confidence. She was also encouraged by her grandfather who started playing golf when he was 60 and continued into his 70s. His can-do attitude inspired Davana, and she has adopted it in her own approach to golf. Her bright, cheerful and positive demeanor is also an integral part of her approach to golf (and life) as well, and we think she is a marvelous example of a Positive Golfer. Not surprisingly, she is more than happy to pass along tips and attitudes to help others enjoy positive golfing experiences.

One of Davana's positive practices on the course is to always remember the joy of the game, even when she hits errant shots. To help with this, Davana always tells herself to "have fun." "I take it shot by shot," she says. "When I hit a bad shot, I have learned to not get frustrated and hang on to it. I smile and let it go and move on. I have worked to consistently use this approach and it really makes a difference." Davana also encourages herself to "relax" as part of her positive game approach. This helps to minimize tension and keep her motion smooth. Another practice she consistently follows is to focus on one thing when she plays, like one swing thought or feeling. This prevents a sense of being overwhelmed and the negative thoughts that can go with that, and it helps her concentration. "I recognize the tendency for my mind to wander," she says, "so I have made it a habit to focus on one key thing in each round."

Davana is an excellent putter, and she attributes that to her positive mental practices. "I really believe in my putting ability," she says. "I feel confident, and I go for the hole. I don't hold back." Along with that, she makes a point to relax and allow her stroke to flow. She actually looks forward to putts and doesn't dread them like some players.

When asked what advice she would like to pass along to help others cultivate a positive game, Davana offers this: "People need to believe in themselves and their abilities. Don't have doubt in the back of your mind - it's going to show up in some way in your game." These are the kind of positive thoughts and habits that Davana practices regularly, and it shows up in her game in many positive ways. Above all, she thoroughly enjoys herself on the course, she plays with confidence and enthusiasm, and her positivity catches on as an enjoyable experience for those playing with her as well. Now that is great golf!

Thanks to Davana for her great example. Here's to great golf for all!

Rick Semple
Positive Golfer
Co-Founder, TheHeartofGolf.com
http://www.TheHeartofGolf.com

Golf Improvement Tip - Use "Inside Information"

The "inside information" I am talking about is the "feeling side" of golf, which includes the sense or the sensation of feel. Some people refer to it as having "the touch." It has long been used to great advantage by pros and other successful golfers who have learned the value of tapping into it. Otherwise, it is used by relatively few recreational golfers, probably because it gets overshadowed by more "flashy" golf tips and there isn't alot of how-to information available for using it. Yet, it's a perfect tool for finding and repeating your perfect golf swing! You don't have to spend more money or time to get it - it's part of your senses that are with you all the time. And using the senses, like feel, more effectively puts you more in tune with your game. I have been practicing tapping into the feeling side of golf for some time now and it has yielded great success for me. It has been so helpful that I have written a whole new e-book about it called FEELING DRIVEN GOLF - How to Enrich Your Golf Swing With "Inside Information."In the book, I provide a practical look at "feeling driven golf" and its various mental and emotional facets that are valuable to golf, along with plenty of tips and exercises that you can practice on and off the course, including your own backyard on those busy days when you can't get to the course or when you just want to step out and have a quick practice to keep the momentum of new skills going.

Here Are 7 Ways That Feeling Driven Golf Has Helped Me and Can Help Others:

1. You begin to feel the mechanics rather than just doing them.
2. You get a better feel for each phase of your swing.
3. You get a better flow of a smooth swing motion.
4. You get a better flow of a smooth putting motion.
5. You become more open to feeling your own "true" or perfect swing.
6. You become more in tune and aware, which makes your practice sessions more effective.
7. You develop more consistency and repeatability in your golf swing.

All of this leads to a much more positive golf experience. Check out this "Inside Information" concept for your swing - you'll be surprised at how much it helps!

Here's to great golf!

Rick Semple
Positive Golfer
Co-Founder, TheHeartofGolf.com
http://www.TheHeartofGolf.com