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Golf Is a Game of Confidence
From the author of the bestselling Golf is Not a Game of Perfect comes a masterly illumination of golf's mental game.
When that book was published, Dr Bob Rotella made accessible for the first time what he had learned from working with the best golfers in the world. Dr Rotella follows up the success of Golf is Not a Game of Perfect with a book filled with anecdotes and motivational instruction focusing on the most important skill a golfer can have: the ability to think confidently.
Filled with inspirational stories about the great players, great courses and great tournaments, Golf Is a Game of Confidence encourages golfers, no matter what their level, to reach new heights in their games and their lives.
When that book was published, Dr Bob Rotella made accessible for the first time what he had learned from working with the best golfers in the world. Dr Rotella follows up the success of Golf is Not a Game of Perfect with a book filled with anecdotes and motivational instruction focusing on the most important skill a golfer can have: the ability to think confidently.
Filled with inspirational stories about the great players, great courses and great tournaments, Golf Is a Game of Confidence encourages golfers, no matter what their level, to reach new heights in their games and their lives.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 18, 2019
Golf is a Game of Confidence
Those of you who have read Dr. Bob Rotella’s books you know that everyone he writes is about a different aspect of golf. All the books he writes are so accurate to the golfers play. I have been playing golf for 8 years. I have read almost of him books and I have never read something that relates to my game as much as his books do. Throughout reading this book I really had to start thinking about what my mind goes through while playing a round of golf. Having confidence in yourself and your golf game is one of the main components. It doesn’t seem like it would be hard to go into a tournament round and have positive thoughts the whole time. It is one of the hardest things to do while under pressure. What most golfers are thinking what if this ball ends up in the hazard, what if this ball goes out of bounds and I have to hit another one while thinking the same exact thing, what if I chunk it, what if it goes over the green, what if I scull it out of the bunker, what if I 3 putt, what if my playing partner starts playing lights out, what If I don’t win this golf tournament, or what if I choke. I could go on and on about the things that go through a golfers mind when they aren’t confident in there game. This book really talks about how you have to bring yourself back to reality most of the time when your mind starts wondering and you have negative thoughts. A good amount of people shut down after they have a bad whole or a few consecutive bad holes. This is one of the things you cannot do. If you think negatively your results are going to be negative. If you think positively you have a way higher chance of doing well. Golf is just a sport it’s not life or death. You can’t go out there after hitting bad shot and just shut down. The best thing you can possibly do is just forget about the shot you just hit and hit the next one. It would be so long if I explained this whole book to you. If you are a sports fan or play sports I recommend this book. It will for sure help if you’re the person that doesn’t have a ton of confidence. As a golfer myself this book changed my mental game so quick. While, you’re out on the course you just start to think about what you read in this book and it all clicks. My dad recommend me to read this book because he plays golf as well. He said that it made a huge impact on the way he thought about this game and also the way he played it. I thought it would be good for me to read it as well because I never had a ton of confidence. After, reading this it really changed a lot about my game.
Those of you who have read Dr. Bob Rotella’s books you know that everyone he writes is about a different aspect of golf. All the books he writes are so accurate to the golfers play. I have been playing golf for 8 years. I have read almost of him books and I have never read something that relates to my game as much as his books do. Throughout reading this book I really had to start thinking about what my mind goes through while playing a round of golf. Having confidence in yourself and your golf game is one of the main components. It doesn’t seem like it would be hard to go into a tournament round and have positive thoughts the whole time. It is one of the hardest things to do while under pressure. What most golfers are thinking what if this ball ends up in the hazard, what if this ball goes out of bounds and I have to hit another one while thinking the same exact thing, what if I chunk it, what if it goes over the green, what if I scull it out of the bunker, what if I 3 putt, what if my playing partner starts playing lights out, what If I don’t win this golf tournament, or what if I choke. I could go on and on about the things that go through a golfers mind when they aren’t confident in there game. This book really talks about how you have to bring yourself back to reality most of the time when your mind starts wondering and you have negative thoughts. A good amount of people shut down after they have a bad whole or a few consecutive bad holes. This is one of the things you cannot do. If you think negatively your results are going to be negative. If you think positively you have a way higher chance of doing well. Golf is just a sport it’s not life or death. You can’t go out there after hitting bad shot and just shut down. The best thing you can possibly do is just forget about the shot you just hit and hit the next one. It would be so long if I explained this whole book to you. If you are a sports fan or play sports I recommend this book. It will for sure help if you’re the person that doesn’t have a ton of confidence. As a golfer myself this book changed my mental game so quick. While, you’re out on the course you just start to think about what you read in this book and it all clicks. My dad recommend me to read this book because he plays golf as well. He said that it made a huge impact on the way he thought about this game and also the way he played it. I thought it would be good for me to read it as well because I never had a ton of confidence. After, reading this it really changed a lot about my game.
January 25, 2020
Of the books I have read by Dr. Bob Rotella, I believe this is his best. Each chapter unfolds with a story of a golfer essentially overcoming a particular challenge through things like a change of mindset or mental preparation. This is not a book about the specifics of playing golf, such as proper grip or bunker play, but rather the things you should do mentally to play better golf. These lessons can also apply in ways beyond golf. A good book for the golfer seeking advice on how to think about the game and apply it to improving your game.
March 24, 2025
Dr. Bob Rotella's philosophy centers on mastering the mental game rather than focusing on fixing the mechanical movement of your swing. He teaches that confidence in your swing—trusting it without constant tweaks—separates great players from the rest. Instead of obsessing over positions like the average golfer, they focus on targets, committing to a consistent pre-shot routine that keeps them present shot after shot. Rotella emphasizes that mistakes are part of golf; the key is to accept imperfection, recover quickly, and avoid self-criticism. By visualizing success before each swing, players program their subconscious for peak performance, turning belief into reality.
Ultimately, Rotella reminds golfers that the game should be enjoyed, not feared. When players shift their focus from outcomes to the process—and from frustration to fun—they unlock their best performances. Pressure fades when the mind is free, allowing natural ability to flourish. Whether a tour pro or a weekend player, those who embrace this mindset play with more freedom, consistency, and, most importantly, joy.
Examples that prove Rotella's thinking:
The sun hung low over Westchester Country Club as Brad Faxon lined up his putt in the 1995 Buick Classic playoff. The pressure was suffocating—one stroke against David Ogrin to decide the tournament. But Faxon, one of the greatest putters in history, didn’t feel the weight of the moment. Instead, he went through his routine like it was just another practice round: read the green, visualize the ball curling into the cup, trust the stroke. The ball dropped. Later, he’d credit Dr. Bob Rotella’s mental coaching for keeping him calm when it mattered most.
Two years later, Davis Love III stood on the 18th green at Winged Foot, the PGA Championship trophy finally within reach. For years, Love had been haunted by near-misses in majors—always overthinking, always tweaking his swing. But Rotella had drilled a new "mantra" into his mind: Commit. Don’t doubt. No mechanics, no second-guessing. Just pure trust. Love won by five strokes that day, later admitting, "Rotella didn’t change my swing. He changed my brain."
Then there was Pat Bradley, a Hall of Famer who woke up one day and realized she couldn’t putt anymore. The yips—which refers to a jitter when a golfer is about to putt—had turned her smooth stroke into a jerky, unreliable mess. Rotella stripped her routine down to its essence: Stop thinking. Just feel. Slowly, the confidence returned. The putts started dropping again. Before long, she was back in the winner’s circle.
And finally, there was the amateur—talented but stuck, unable to break 80 no matter how many lessons he took. Rotella’s advice was simple: Stop keeping score. Play one shot at a time. No judgment, no expectations. Just golf. Weeks later, the man shot 77 without changing a single thing in his swing. This helped most of the readers XD
The lesson? Golf isn’t just about perfect mechanics. It’s about what happens between the ears. And for those who learn to master that, the game—and the trophies—become a whole lot easier to hold onto.
Ultimately, Rotella reminds golfers that the game should be enjoyed, not feared. When players shift their focus from outcomes to the process—and from frustration to fun—they unlock their best performances. Pressure fades when the mind is free, allowing natural ability to flourish. Whether a tour pro or a weekend player, those who embrace this mindset play with more freedom, consistency, and, most importantly, joy.
Examples that prove Rotella's thinking:
The sun hung low over Westchester Country Club as Brad Faxon lined up his putt in the 1995 Buick Classic playoff. The pressure was suffocating—one stroke against David Ogrin to decide the tournament. But Faxon, one of the greatest putters in history, didn’t feel the weight of the moment. Instead, he went through his routine like it was just another practice round: read the green, visualize the ball curling into the cup, trust the stroke. The ball dropped. Later, he’d credit Dr. Bob Rotella’s mental coaching for keeping him calm when it mattered most.
Two years later, Davis Love III stood on the 18th green at Winged Foot, the PGA Championship trophy finally within reach. For years, Love had been haunted by near-misses in majors—always overthinking, always tweaking his swing. But Rotella had drilled a new "mantra" into his mind: Commit. Don’t doubt. No mechanics, no second-guessing. Just pure trust. Love won by five strokes that day, later admitting, "Rotella didn’t change my swing. He changed my brain."
Then there was Pat Bradley, a Hall of Famer who woke up one day and realized she couldn’t putt anymore. The yips—which refers to a jitter when a golfer is about to putt—had turned her smooth stroke into a jerky, unreliable mess. Rotella stripped her routine down to its essence: Stop thinking. Just feel. Slowly, the confidence returned. The putts started dropping again. Before long, she was back in the winner’s circle.
And finally, there was the amateur—talented but stuck, unable to break 80 no matter how many lessons he took. Rotella’s advice was simple: Stop keeping score. Play one shot at a time. No judgment, no expectations. Just golf. Weeks later, the man shot 77 without changing a single thing in his swing. This helped most of the readers XD
The lesson? Golf isn’t just about perfect mechanics. It’s about what happens between the ears. And for those who learn to master that, the game—and the trophies—become a whole lot easier to hold onto.
May 23, 2025
This book bridges the gap between the mind and the body. It is truly amazing in the way that the mind can have such powerful influence over results, when used properly and in conjunction with other practice and determination. There are many lessons to be learned here, all of which I will be noting and practicing in the season to come, as I have already begun doing.
This book reads almost like therapy for the ailing golfer, and provides insight and guidance to some questions and experiences difficult to put into words, even though practically all golfers may encounter them. Finding similarity in the stories and lessons between one’s own game and the knowledge of others is inspiring, relaxing, and provides a sense of relief and calm.
In so many ways, this book truly does inspire confidence and character in those who read it, and is a must for any golfer of any ability who strives to improve.
This book reads almost like therapy for the ailing golfer, and provides insight and guidance to some questions and experiences difficult to put into words, even though practically all golfers may encounter them. Finding similarity in the stories and lessons between one’s own game and the knowledge of others is inspiring, relaxing, and provides a sense of relief and calm.
In so many ways, this book truly does inspire confidence and character in those who read it, and is a must for any golfer of any ability who strives to improve.
October 12, 2025
Golf gets chilly in the fall, so I also bundled up and bought one of the cool mens golf sweaters from Donald Ross. I chose the Newton, a cotton-cashmere blend that's incredibly soft but not too warm, meaning you don't sweat when you're active. What I also loved was that it holds its shape after washing. It has a classic cut, suede trim, and a neat zipper, making it perfect for both the golf course and dinner at the club. Donald Ross makes clothing that perfectly balances sport and elegance. If you're looking for something for fall, this brand definitely won't let you down. Especially if you want to not just stay warm, but also look truly stylish on the course.
June 19, 2018
This was just as good as Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect, and just as helpful to me. These books have helped me become a much better tournament player, but they've also helped me have more fun on the course and play the game without destroying my rounds by getting angry over every bad shot. A very important book for those who want to take their game to the next level.
July 3, 2022
This book gave some good pointers on getting out of your own head and being your worst enemy when playing a round of golf. By following several professional and amateur players and the battle they have with the mental side of golf I was able to take away some good tips that I think will help with my game.
September 16, 2022
4.5 stars
Perfect for lessons in the game and in life
It's so much fun to follow someone's round and see how they plan out holes and set their own routine and react their own way to golf
Not recommended for someone who doesn't play/know the game of golf
The lessons get repetitive after a while, so keep reading for the entertainment of the stories
Perfect for lessons in the game and in life
It's so much fun to follow someone's round and see how they plan out holes and set their own routine and react their own way to golf
Not recommended for someone who doesn't play/know the game of golf
The lessons get repetitive after a while, so keep reading for the entertainment of the stories
January 10, 2022
I made it just past the turn before turning on the book. Divided into 18 chapters/holes, I only read through chapter 10. The advice is somewhat commonsense, but they are helpful reminders about how mental the game of golf is (and I use mental in all of its permutations). The anecdotes are enjoyable, but I found them repetitive after a while. All that said, I will be recalling some of this advice in my next round.
January 18, 2024
Very much a follow up to “not a game of perfect”. This book expands heavily on that book and is aimed more for the competitive golfer than the casual. With that being said to me it felt like a great sequel and something you don’t really see often with self help style nonfiction.
January 1, 2022
It really doesn’t take 18 chapters to tell tell you the same thing over and over again.
March 8, 2022
Listened to the audiobook
June 20, 2022
Concepts are presented through good storytelling. A wide variety of players and conditions are presented. Anyone should be able to find a few nuggets to use for themselves.
January 26, 2023
I loved all the moral of the stories and the themes of the chapters. The hole-by-hole rundowns get a little tiring after 17 stories. But worth it for the lessons.
January 26, 2024
Good book with lots of lessons that you can take from lots of stories of golfers with completely different backgrounds in the game
May 20, 2024
This book was very disappointing to me. The author told 3 or 4 stories and that was it. Nothing more. I expected more.
March 1, 2025
Absolutely essential insight into the psychology of golf. Great for those of us who struggle with confidence on the course.
April 21, 2025
This book is beautifully written with rich description illustrating what goes on in the mind of a golfer during the game. I enjoyed it; it made me smile.
April 30, 2025
Good anecdotes; not enough tips to help my game.
August 7, 2025
...some cute stories...okay for a free audiobook...perhaps the written is better?
June 28, 2020
A must read for every golfer wanting to get better - practice what Doc has leatened and shares with us will only make youa better playet
Read and practice what Doc shares with us will only make you better player with more confidence and lower scores
Read and practice what Doc shares with us will only make you better player with more confidence and lower scores
April 24, 2018
This book was great! I would recommend this book to anyone that likes golf or is interested in learning about golf. It talks about your mentality going into the game and good tips on the game. It gave great detail about the game of golf and how to interpret each and every shot.
March 27, 2016
The illustrations were old and boring but the advice was fresh and professional golfers actually pay for his advice so I thought it was worth reading.
I am trying to just become a golfer who doesn't embarrass myself on the course and sometimes I accomplish that but most of the time it is something little on each hole that throws me off. It is his advice to pros so keep that in mind. So I thought there could be some gems here in his book that I could use to improve my game. What I found is that this book is filled with advice and is a sort of check list to go through to improve the mental aspects of the game. I sped through it and there is a nice summary at the end of the book of some of the key takeaways.
A pretty good read here.......
I am trying to just become a golfer who doesn't embarrass myself on the course and sometimes I accomplish that but most of the time it is something little on each hole that throws me off. It is his advice to pros so keep that in mind. So I thought there could be some gems here in his book that I could use to improve my game. What I found is that this book is filled with advice and is a sort of check list to go through to improve the mental aspects of the game. I sped through it and there is a nice summary at the end of the book of some of the key takeaways.
A pretty good read here.......
December 9, 2021
Felt like a money grab. This is just 4 random stories. Nothing more than a mediocre extrapolation of one chapter of his other book.
September 22, 2014
Golf is a Game of Confidence is a helpful little book that walks the reader through some mental approaches to the game. It contains several detailed and applicable case studies from the playing strategies and thought processes of Davis Love III, Pat Bradley, Brad Faxon, and Tom Kite. The author walks us through routines and swing thoughts and priorities during the actual play of these players. This gives the reader some idea of how to approach the adversities and challenges of following up successes and failures on the course (and sometimes off).
June 9, 2017
As a meditation teacher you would think I would be doing these things that the author teaches anyway. Great book that points out 4 or 5 wonderful teaching tools to play better golf through confidence and staying present with the only shot that matters... The one your about to take. I incorporated 3 pertinent points in a few rounds already and feel like I am playing best golf in years if not ever. Shooting 40-43 for 9 when I used to shoot 45-48.
November 27, 2014
standard rotella. follow his advice, and it'll make you a better golfer and probably a more effective person.
short and concise, homespun psychology.
short and concise, homespun psychology.
September 5, 2016
Typical instruction on building confidence in the game.
October 28, 2016
Awesome lessons learned from hearing how the game greats struggled with the same things we do on the golf course. Awesome, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews