This is the sixth book by noted sports psychologist Rotella (Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect
) focusing on the often troubled mass of gray matter between a golfer's ears. Since the rules of the game allow for only 14 clubs, the 15th referred to is a metaphor for a player's confidence. In the first 14 chapters, Rotella outlines what it takes for a golfer to develop mental strength on the course, prescribing a regimen of positive reinforcement through the following: understanding your attitude, cultivation of a confident outlook, acceptance of imperfection, forgetting poor play, positive spoken and written affirmations, visualizing success, becoming a cheerleader for yourself, and commitment to an excellent short game. The final two chapters focus on Rotella's close relationship with Irish player Padraig Harrington, his client who won the 2007 British Open. Rotella says the effort to build a confident mind, like exercise to strengthen the body, requires commitment. The book is a smooth read and easy to digest in a few sittings, but it has many familiar echoes of advice in positive thinking and sports psychology books, including Rotella's own, that have gone down green fairways before. (June)
