Be the Ball: A Golf Instruction Book for the Mind

by Charlie Jones, Kim Doren

Chevy Chase's infamous line from the movie Caddyshack provides the perfect title for this book, which deals with the mental side of golf. In their search to discover the secrets to managing the mental aspects of the game, Jones and Doren interviewed more than 100 professional and amateur golfers and instructors. The result is a collection of unique tips, philosophy, and insight on what it takes to become the very best golfer you can be. Inside Be the Ball, you'll find a vast array of informative - and entertaining - advice on controlling your mind and emotions so you can elevate your game to heights you never thought possible.

Genres: Sports

224 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
The title of this is kind of misleading. It’s more of book of mental thoughts than an instruction book. In fact there is no instructions at all, only advice from professionals and famous golfers.
Each page contains thoughts or advice from a golfer. There is no discussion or prose concerning this advice. It is essentially a book of quotes.
Which isn’t all bad since golf is largely a mental game. If any of these mental thoughts can support you during a round of golf it is worth the time to read. All of which you don’t really know until your out on the course in need of support. You never know what is gonna work for you so the book gets a positive 3 stars rating from me, not quite.....fore!!!!

[Paul Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be The Ball Golf Instruction Book For The Mind is a very interesting book about golf it is filled with golf advice for Golfers no matter the level of skill. It was very instructive and it was interesting because of the varying advice on different golf skills. I would only recommend this book for Golfers over the age of 12 because just like golf you have to be patient while reading this, it might seem boring to young golfers because this book focuses on golf advice so I would not recommend it to them. Overall I rate it a 4/5 stars because the book is informational and interesting.

[Frodo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a golfer with a lot of chatter going on when I play, I found BE THE BALL a fun and inspiring read as I contemplate improving my game. The many conversations going on in one's brain while playing golf can be disaster waiting to happen. This little book hopes to provide ways to deal with the nagging inner voice telling me I can't make a shot. Fun, yet serious.

[Ken Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidbits of advice from a collective of people who have a shared passion for golf. From legendary players to sports psychologists, teaching pros and coaches, and even some celebrity types who happen to play, it a quick and entertaining read.

[Ashley Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chevy Chase's infamous words to Danny:
"There's a force in this universe that makes things happen. All you gotta do is get in touch with it, is stop thinking, let things happen and be the ball".
The book includes hundreds of testimonies from Pro and Amateur golfers of tips on how they too can reach this heightened state of control in the game. Tiger Woods, Nichlaus, Arnold Palmer all offer wisdom up on how to achieve this.
Personally, I think if you take all the golf lessons and pearls of wisdom that help you "be the ball" and apply that to your daily life, those true words Chevy spoke transcend into reaching that same place in life...whatever your ball may be. ;) the book has sat on a side table in my den for years as a guarantee that the next man who walks in the room and notices it will shriek with laughter give his best Caddyshack impression of that infamous Be the Ball scene (including the naaanaaaanaaaaaaa....nuuuunnnnuunnnnn backwards putting shots followed by a "thankyou very little,". at the end. So all in all, a great buy

[Sue Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great thoughts from the pros about the game of golf which is basically played in 6 inches...the distance between your ears!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book it really improved my mental side when playing golf.