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Every Shot Must Have a Purpose: How GOLF54 Can Make You a Better Player
Two legendary coaches give golfers a powerful new approach to the game... and to life.
As coaches to some of golf’s top players, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott have designed and refined a revolutionary way of teaching the game, with phenomenal results. They don’t believe in prescribing the same stance, grip, and swing to everyone, followed by hours of purposeless drilling. They don’t even believe in beginning with physical technique. Their success has proven to them that a great game begins with a great vision.
Unlike any other golf book, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose offers cutting-edge techniques for integrating the physical, technical, mental, emotional, and social parts of a player’s game. The book’s revolutionary pre-shot routine will improve your focus, leading to a golf swing that is not only successful but can be repeated under extreme pressure. Emphasizing the individual golfer rather than a rigid set of mechanics, their VISION54 method takes the frustration out of the game. Why 54? Because they believe it’s possible to shoot a 54 (making a birdie on every hole of a par-72 course) if you have the right mind-set and well-honed intuitive power.
An engaging read for the beginner or the seasoned golfer, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose is inspiration for life, not just the links.
As coaches to some of golf’s top players, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott have designed and refined a revolutionary way of teaching the game, with phenomenal results. They don’t believe in prescribing the same stance, grip, and swing to everyone, followed by hours of purposeless drilling. They don’t even believe in beginning with physical technique. Their success has proven to them that a great game begins with a great vision.
Unlike any other golf book, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose offers cutting-edge techniques for integrating the physical, technical, mental, emotional, and social parts of a player’s game. The book’s revolutionary pre-shot routine will improve your focus, leading to a golf swing that is not only successful but can be repeated under extreme pressure. Emphasizing the individual golfer rather than a rigid set of mechanics, their VISION54 method takes the frustration out of the game. Why 54? Because they believe it’s possible to shoot a 54 (making a birdie on every hole of a par-72 course) if you have the right mind-set and well-honed intuitive power.
An engaging read for the beginner or the seasoned golfer, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose is inspiration for life, not just the links.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 28, 2012
Pia Nilsson is a genius. While she did absolutely nothing to help me with my golf swing, she made me a better golfer nonetheless, by teaching me how to make the most of my practice time.
Like oh-so-many others that are trying to master this brutal game, I spent hour after hour at the driving range, scraping balls toward me, hitting them, and repeating the process. I gave little to no thought about what I was trying to achieve. Small wonder then, that my game never really improved that much.
Nilsson showed me the importance of the pre-shot routine. She also offered up valuable drills that help golfers see the importance of every swing they take both on the range and on the course. The drills were so useful, I copied many of them down in a pocket-sized notebook. This notebook accompanies me to the range every time I go. No drill is undertaken without Nilsson's prior "approval."
I knew the drills were effective when during one practice session, I worked my way through a bucket of 40 or so balls in the same amount of time the guy next to me burned through at least twice that many, if not more. The difference: I was putting conscious thought into everything I was doing. He was just scraping and hitting.
Did the routines and drills help my score? Well, before Nilsson, the best score I achieved was a 92. After, I managed an 83.
My next goal is to break 80. With Pia Nilsson's help, I have no doubt that I will get there.
Want to play good golf? Buy this book.
Like oh-so-many others that are trying to master this brutal game, I spent hour after hour at the driving range, scraping balls toward me, hitting them, and repeating the process. I gave little to no thought about what I was trying to achieve. Small wonder then, that my game never really improved that much.
Nilsson showed me the importance of the pre-shot routine. She also offered up valuable drills that help golfers see the importance of every swing they take both on the range and on the course. The drills were so useful, I copied many of them down in a pocket-sized notebook. This notebook accompanies me to the range every time I go. No drill is undertaken without Nilsson's prior "approval."
I knew the drills were effective when during one practice session, I worked my way through a bucket of 40 or so balls in the same amount of time the guy next to me burned through at least twice that many, if not more. The difference: I was putting conscious thought into everything I was doing. He was just scraping and hitting.
Did the routines and drills help my score? Well, before Nilsson, the best score I achieved was a 92. After, I managed an 83.
My next goal is to break 80. With Pia Nilsson's help, I have no doubt that I will get there.
Want to play good golf? Buy this book.
June 30, 2026
Just powered through the rest of this as it was really bugging me to have 3 books on the go (my ideal is 1 fiction e-book and 1 non-fiction hard copy).
It’s a good book, definitely proved me wrong as I went in thinking there’s only so much you can write about golf. Less of a fan of the whole VISION54 thing, but I guess they got to show their brand.
This and “The Game Before The Game” have impressed a lot of the mindset theory of golf into me, which is good.
It’s a good book, definitely proved me wrong as I went in thinking there’s only so much you can write about golf. Less of a fan of the whole VISION54 thing, but I guess they got to show their brand.
This and “The Game Before The Game” have impressed a lot of the mindset theory of golf into me, which is good.
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April 20, 2021Every Shot Must Have A Purpose
By: Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott with Ron Sirak
I am a huge fan of golf and I also enjoy playing the game. This book is about two legendary coaches (Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott) who give golfers a strong new approach to the game of golf, as well as life. This book is definitely a must read for anyone who is trying to improve their golf game or anyone who is interested in the game. It is a captivating read for both the new golfer and the advanced golfer. I didn’t have a problem with this when I read the book, but I would like to warn anyone who is interested in reading this book that it can be a difficult read depending on your reading level and golf terminology.
The authors, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, have designed and refined this book that shows a new and revolutionary way of teaching the game, which leads to remarkable and successful results. They explain and give detailed examples of different techniques/strategies that are used in golf that drives their successful tips and tricks to a great game that starts with a great vision. This golf book is not like any other golf books I have read before. It offers cutting-edge approaches for incorporating all the different parts of golf that include: the physical, mental, emotional, technical, and social parts of the player's game.
Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott are coaches to some of the world’s best and top golf players and they are the owners of the country’s number one ranked golf school called VISION54. VISION54’s core intention is to help golfers reach their full potential by becoming their own great coach as well as playing better on the course. They do this by focusing on your Human Skills through coaching you and an on course training system that benefits you as a player to properly manage yourself while you play. Along with their golf school, Nilsson coached the Swedish national golf team and has spoken at countless conferences worldwide. Marriott was named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers and one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers. They both live in Arizona. Ron Sirak is an award-winning sportswriter who helped Nilsson and Marriott write Every Shot Must Have A Purpose.
Every Shot Must Have A Purpose is appropriate for everyone because not only does it teach you how to improve your golf game, but it also is a motivation for life. Also, it’s relevant for anyone engaged in an intricate and mentally demanding endeavor. The three biggest takeaways I have learned from reading this book is (1.) Focus on the process, not the outcome, (2.) Learn to bring yourself from heightened emotional states back to neutral, and (3.) Trust your swing, it’s your signature. This book has helped me improve my game and I also can use the techniques mentioned in the book to help others. I have noticed that Jordan Spieth uses some of these techniques, such as talking about what he does before a shot and looking at the hole while putting. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more books by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.
By: Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott with Ron Sirak
I am a huge fan of golf and I also enjoy playing the game. This book is about two legendary coaches (Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott) who give golfers a strong new approach to the game of golf, as well as life. This book is definitely a must read for anyone who is trying to improve their golf game or anyone who is interested in the game. It is a captivating read for both the new golfer and the advanced golfer. I didn’t have a problem with this when I read the book, but I would like to warn anyone who is interested in reading this book that it can be a difficult read depending on your reading level and golf terminology.
The authors, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, have designed and refined this book that shows a new and revolutionary way of teaching the game, which leads to remarkable and successful results. They explain and give detailed examples of different techniques/strategies that are used in golf that drives their successful tips and tricks to a great game that starts with a great vision. This golf book is not like any other golf books I have read before. It offers cutting-edge approaches for incorporating all the different parts of golf that include: the physical, mental, emotional, technical, and social parts of the player's game.
Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott are coaches to some of the world’s best and top golf players and they are the owners of the country’s number one ranked golf school called VISION54. VISION54’s core intention is to help golfers reach their full potential by becoming their own great coach as well as playing better on the course. They do this by focusing on your Human Skills through coaching you and an on course training system that benefits you as a player to properly manage yourself while you play. Along with their golf school, Nilsson coached the Swedish national golf team and has spoken at countless conferences worldwide. Marriott was named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers and one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers. They both live in Arizona. Ron Sirak is an award-winning sportswriter who helped Nilsson and Marriott write Every Shot Must Have A Purpose.
Every Shot Must Have A Purpose is appropriate for everyone because not only does it teach you how to improve your golf game, but it also is a motivation for life. Also, it’s relevant for anyone engaged in an intricate and mentally demanding endeavor. The three biggest takeaways I have learned from reading this book is (1.) Focus on the process, not the outcome, (2.) Learn to bring yourself from heightened emotional states back to neutral, and (3.) Trust your swing, it’s your signature. This book has helped me improve my game and I also can use the techniques mentioned in the book to help others. I have noticed that Jordan Spieth uses some of these techniques, such as talking about what he does before a shot and looking at the hole while putting. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more books by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.
March 2, 2020
Every shot must have a purpose by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriot, is a must read for any golfer trying to improve their game. This book focuses on the mental and emotional side of playing golf. It talks about many themes and tips in golf that will overall help you play better golf. Some of the main things the book focuses on is having a playing focus, the think box/play box, and general feel in golf. It also has other detailed subjects throughout the book as well.
Some of the big ideas in the book that i enjoyed learning more about was; Trust your swing. It is your signature and Embrace your fears and drown them in kindness.
Trust your swing. It is your signature.
When talking about trusting your swing in the book it says,
“If you can hit the shots you want under pressure, your swing is working. What is important is to make up your mind what swing you believe in, and to have the discipline not to abandon the belief because of a bad round or two. To be in “search-and-scan” mode never works over time.Find your swing, trust it, and stay committed to it.”
This is great advice about the importance of trusting and having confidence in your swing. Nilson and Marriot share more on how to handle this and to improve your swing to be the best it can be.
Embrace your fears and drown them in kindness.
“Change your beliefs and you can change your reality ! Beliefs are a choice. Beliefs give fuel and energy to our intentions. Embrace your fears and drown them in kind-ness. It starts with examining the beliefs we hold true for ourselves as human beings, as golfers, or about the game itself.”
Having belief in yourself and in the game is definitely important to learn more about. When you believe in a shot you are surely more capable in playing better golf. These authors teach more about using this kindness in your game and in life itself.
Not only this, but the authors also give more valuable advice that you can use on and off the green. They talk about a “thinking box” and “playing box”, which are very useful concepts. And even include lots of practice tips and lots of drills and games to keep your mind into your practice at the range and your mind out of your way during your swings on the course.
As a young golfer myself, learning more about these mental concepts have better helped my game. I’ve been able to apply these tips on the green to really help me go through the process of playing golf. Not only is this book a tool for golf, but also in life. The advice Nilsson and Marriot share can also help you succeed more throughout your life. I definitely recommend for anyone that wants to improve their mental side in the game of golf and life too.
Some of the big ideas in the book that i enjoyed learning more about was; Trust your swing. It is your signature and Embrace your fears and drown them in kindness.
Trust your swing. It is your signature.
When talking about trusting your swing in the book it says,
“If you can hit the shots you want under pressure, your swing is working. What is important is to make up your mind what swing you believe in, and to have the discipline not to abandon the belief because of a bad round or two. To be in “search-and-scan” mode never works over time.Find your swing, trust it, and stay committed to it.”
This is great advice about the importance of trusting and having confidence in your swing. Nilson and Marriot share more on how to handle this and to improve your swing to be the best it can be.
Embrace your fears and drown them in kindness.
“Change your beliefs and you can change your reality ! Beliefs are a choice. Beliefs give fuel and energy to our intentions. Embrace your fears and drown them in kind-ness. It starts with examining the beliefs we hold true for ourselves as human beings, as golfers, or about the game itself.”
Having belief in yourself and in the game is definitely important to learn more about. When you believe in a shot you are surely more capable in playing better golf. These authors teach more about using this kindness in your game and in life itself.
Not only this, but the authors also give more valuable advice that you can use on and off the green. They talk about a “thinking box” and “playing box”, which are very useful concepts. And even include lots of practice tips and lots of drills and games to keep your mind into your practice at the range and your mind out of your way during your swings on the course.
As a young golfer myself, learning more about these mental concepts have better helped my game. I’ve been able to apply these tips on the green to really help me go through the process of playing golf. Not only is this book a tool for golf, but also in life. The advice Nilsson and Marriot share can also help you succeed more throughout your life. I definitely recommend for anyone that wants to improve their mental side in the game of golf and life too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
This is a solid read, especially for serious golfers looking to improve their mental game. The authors dive deep into course management, pre-shot routine, and the psychology behind every swing. It’s packed with great insights and practical takeaways — but at times, it can feel a bit over the top, almost like it’s trying too hard to turn golf into rocket science.
I’ll say this as nicely as I can: It’s also an interesting look at how women approach the game mentally. There’s a lot of emphasis on emotion, focus, and personal intention that gives you a little window into a different mindset than the typical "grind and attack" style many men bring to the game. That’s not a bad thing — in fact, it’s probably why it’s so helpful — but it might feel a little different if you’re used to the more mechanical, aggressive approach to golf instruction.
Overall, definitely worth reading if you want to improve your mental approach. Just know going in, it’s more philosophical and reflective than technical.
I’ll say this as nicely as I can: It’s also an interesting look at how women approach the game mentally. There’s a lot of emphasis on emotion, focus, and personal intention that gives you a little window into a different mindset than the typical "grind and attack" style many men bring to the game. That’s not a bad thing — in fact, it’s probably why it’s so helpful — but it might feel a little different if you’re used to the more mechanical, aggressive approach to golf instruction.
Overall, definitely worth reading if you want to improve your mental approach. Just know going in, it’s more philosophical and reflective than technical.
April 22, 2019
What this book teaches is far different than most golf books. It deals with the mental approach and gives wonderful advice on pre-shot routines and post- shot routines. I’ve played 4 or 5 nine hole rounds while reading this and have improved enough to where I am having fun no matter what my score or the quality of my shots. They also suggest some games within the game of golf which will have you focusing not on just scoring (ironically your score will improve while your attention is not on how well your scoring) highly recommend his to anyone who wants to have fun and play golf with more intention.
August 6, 2022
This is written for all golfers despite skill level in my opinion as a 61 year old golfer trying to improve. I have now realized that my own roadblocks to improvement are not predominantly swing related, and more to that space between my ears. Chasing an elusive grooved swing without working on the attitude may be an utter waste of time for most. We see catastrophic collapses on Sunday in PGA events every year.
Beginner golfers may feel they need to be better before adopting Golf54 thinking but I strongly disagree. The sooner one realizes the importance of routine and positive thinking before each shot, the faster the improvement will come.
Beginner golfers may feel they need to be better before adopting Golf54 thinking but I strongly disagree. The sooner one realizes the importance of routine and positive thinking before each shot, the faster the improvement will come.
October 11, 2020
The book provides you with a good mental toolbox for your game. It tries to take all levels of golfers into consideration, but I felt that in order to fully comprehend the tactics and get the max benefit out of the teachings you ought to be a fairly experienced player. I am in this context a too much of a golf newbie, hence not more than three starts. I might rate it differently in the future as my skill level (hopefully) develops.
February 18, 2024
I sort of feel the way I did after reading Ball Four. In that case, by the time I read it, ESPN was a thing and knowing more about the players was more common. Here, because this classic is now almost 20 years old, I feel like a lot of techniques have been integrated into podcasts on the mental game and other books I have read. Still worth reading, but am probably not giving it enough credit for being as revolutionary as it was when first published
March 6, 2021
This is a wonderful book that covers how we should approach every shot in golf.
Think box
Decision line
play box
Study yourself and figure out your consistency because we are more consistent than you think
Figure out what works for you and make that your 54
Just a fabulous book about how to be a player and how to learn to play golf and not just rake and pound balls
Think box
Decision line
play box
Study yourself and figure out your consistency because we are more consistent than you think
Figure out what works for you and make that your 54
Just a fabulous book about how to be a player and how to learn to play golf and not just rake and pound balls
August 25, 2021
There's some good stuff in here, although at times it can be a little repetitive. Some of the words of wisdom are common sense, but I liked how the authors made links between one's psychology as a golfer and a person. The putting section was particularly useful, and the general emphasis and advice on making practice purposeful.
May 4, 2022
Containing a good balance of stories, philosophical musings, cognitive tools, and practice drills, this is the golf book to help improve your mental game on the course and in how u approach practice. If you love golf, or even if you just like it, do yourself a favour and read or listen to this book. You may not necessarily score better right away, but you’ll enjoy the game so much more.
October 9, 2025
This book is a one solution for all golfers. The trick will be selecting the relevant parts to suit one's position in one's golfing journey.
For me, the title became my mantra during a round and it enabled me to focus and take one shot at a time.
If nothing else, the advice on structured practice will help to reduce handicaps, regardless of a golfers ability.
For me, the title became my mantra during a round and it enabled me to focus and take one shot at a time.
If nothing else, the advice on structured practice will help to reduce handicaps, regardless of a golfers ability.
May 7, 2018
Very good book for the mental side of golf
The mental side of golf is very difficult. This book helps explain how we think and how to abandon those ways. It is a good read and quite helpful.
The mental side of golf is very difficult. This book helps explain how we think and how to abandon those ways. It is a good read and quite helpful.
July 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was a brief and worth it read. The book focuses a lot on committing to your shot and practicing like you play. It has personally made my time practicing more enjoyable. Would recommend.
April 10, 2022
I started golf last year and dealt with the usual frustrations. This book gave me an entirely new perspective and I'm excited to get in the course this season! It's a must read for any golfer, new or old.
February 8, 2023
Somehow my dads favorite book… I just don’t get it. Trite, predictable, unmemorable. The one thing ill take away from this book is the think box / play box, which could have been detailed in 5 pages.
November 18, 2023
I can see how some of these mindsets and (cognitive/mental) drills/games could have a significant impact on facing a golf game without any major shifts in mechanics. Makes me want to play more regularly and then pick this up again for the details.
January 7, 2018
Great read
Lots of practical and psych advice for both a player and a coach. Plan to use several tidbits with my guy and girl players.
Lots of practical and psych advice for both a player and a coach. Plan to use several tidbits with my guy and girl players.
May 14, 2019
It’s all in your head!
June 6, 2019
Great thought and great advice
Great book on the fundamentals of getting your game to another level. Really liked the Think box/Play box. Use it on every shot it does work.
Great book on the fundamentals of getting your game to another level. Really liked the Think box/Play box. Use it on every shot it does work.
Read
October 7, 2019Incredible stuff—very mind-opening!
December 3, 2019
Great for mental aspects of the game
Got a lot of how to think about the game and how to get a lot more out of practice
Got a lot of how to think about the game and how to get a lot more out of practice
July 27, 2020
Not impressed by this method of teaching. It is more psychological than really helpful. If you were a 0 to 10 handicapper this method of teaching may be appealing. Don't read this author again.
October 12, 2020
My favorite book on golf by far. Totally changed my mental game. Excited to read it again.
January 10, 2022
The best golf book I have ever read
August 19, 2022
i hope this improves my golf game drastically
December 27, 2022
Love love love this book. This book makes such great sense. I can’t wait to apply the techniques I have learned. The authors are gifted writers as well. Highly recommend!
April 24, 2023
Enjoyed this book, especially the anecdotes involving Anika. Found a few tidbits to work on in my golf game. It mainly reinforced many of the things I already do, which is helpful, too.
September 22, 2023
Excellent information, reduced handicap and scores with the only change being this book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews