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Your 15th Club: The Inner Secret to Great Golf
All golfers have fourteen clubs in their bag, but the real winners have a little something extra -- that mental attitude that puts their game above the others. Dr. Bob Rotella, author of the bestselling book Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect, brings together his skills and years of experience as a golf psychologist to give readers the insight they need to improve their game -- before they ever step up to the tee.
The 15th Club is the tool that golf stars like Tiger Woods use to block out negative thoughts, doubt, and fear. It is what allows champions to perform at their peak both in practice and during the game. Golfers who lack it find the game elusive and frustrating. Confident golfers play the game as they have always sensed they could play it. Now, one of the most renowned golf writers offers up the foolproof methods that will allow golfers at any skill level to give their game that extra boost.
Dr. Rotella provides tips and techniques for how to learn from better golfers, overcome fear in pressure situations, and keep a clear mind, no matter what. He tells golfers that inner arrogance is not a negative trait, but instead is something that can improve performance on and off the course. In order to perform at peak levels and achieve your goals, you must believe that you can win. Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful tool, and it can change the way a player approaches the game. Knowing how to focus on the challenge at hand and understanding your own talent are crucial parts of becoming a confident golfer.
Dr. Rotella provides a detailed plan that anyone can use to build the self-image of a winner. He offers a one-year schedule in diary and calendar form that will incorporate the daily mental routines that he assigns to players on the PGA Tour. This is how the pros learn to ignore negative influences, focus on productive advice, and take pride in their abilities.
Your 15th Club will tell golfers of all abilities how to develop the confidence they need to maximize their physical gifts and defeat the Tigers of their world, whether that world is the PGA Tour or the third flight of the club championship.
The 15th Club is the tool that golf stars like Tiger Woods use to block out negative thoughts, doubt, and fear. It is what allows champions to perform at their peak both in practice and during the game. Golfers who lack it find the game elusive and frustrating. Confident golfers play the game as they have always sensed they could play it. Now, one of the most renowned golf writers offers up the foolproof methods that will allow golfers at any skill level to give their game that extra boost.
Dr. Rotella provides tips and techniques for how to learn from better golfers, overcome fear in pressure situations, and keep a clear mind, no matter what. He tells golfers that inner arrogance is not a negative trait, but instead is something that can improve performance on and off the course. In order to perform at peak levels and achieve your goals, you must believe that you can win. Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful tool, and it can change the way a player approaches the game. Knowing how to focus on the challenge at hand and understanding your own talent are crucial parts of becoming a confident golfer.
Dr. Rotella provides a detailed plan that anyone can use to build the self-image of a winner. He offers a one-year schedule in diary and calendar form that will incorporate the daily mental routines that he assigns to players on the PGA Tour. This is how the pros learn to ignore negative influences, focus on productive advice, and take pride in their abilities.
Your 15th Club will tell golfers of all abilities how to develop the confidence they need to maximize their physical gifts and defeat the Tigers of their world, whether that world is the PGA Tour or the third flight of the club championship.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2008
73 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2015
It is hard to distinguish one Rotella book from another but the good thing is they are all very helpful. I have played golf for 25 years now and have taken lessons, falling in love with different swing theories and done all the other things passionate golfers do to try to get better. I have to say reading a few books on the mental side of golf has done more for me than all the money spent on equipment and lessons through the years. Like anything else it requires practice too so every year I revisit some of my favorites.
January 18, 2024
The most in depth mental game analysis of Rotellas collection and the best for serious golfers. A book that necessitates interaction and note taking. A book that holds up a mirror to your game and forces you to improve. That being said it can be challenging to read.
December 17, 2018
Your 15th club is best described as a coaching manual for the most important part of the golf game, the mental side. The title of this book was very clever by Bob Rotella as in golf the rule is that you may only carry fourteen golf clubs at a time. He believes that confidence and your mental skills are so important they can be classified as your 15th club. Bob Rotella knows so much about controlling the mind for the game of golf and uses his books to coach what he knows best.
My favorite parts of this book were when he actually gave tips and examples to express the importance of your mental game. I like when he gives ways to improve your game and how and why it is important. His stories in this book help bring his lessons alive because they are all true stories and it makes what he preaches feel more truthful. Rotella knows how to make books for every age and level of golfers understand what he is talking about. This book is so good and there are so many different lessons within the book. Each time you read and reread you find something else to focus on and work on to help improve your own game. There was nothing I disliked about this book. It was such a good book and I can read it multiple times because there is so much I can still get out of it. This book was a 5 out of 5 and I would recommend it for anyone involved in golf in any way.
My favorite parts of this book were when he actually gave tips and examples to express the importance of your mental game. I like when he gives ways to improve your game and how and why it is important. His stories in this book help bring his lessons alive because they are all true stories and it makes what he preaches feel more truthful. Rotella knows how to make books for every age and level of golfers understand what he is talking about. This book is so good and there are so many different lessons within the book. Each time you read and reread you find something else to focus on and work on to help improve your own game. There was nothing I disliked about this book. It was such a good book and I can read it multiple times because there is so much I can still get out of it. This book was a 5 out of 5 and I would recommend it for anyone involved in golf in any way.
September 9, 2020
Revealing book about the mental side to golf. Main points:
1. Assume you have the talent that is needed to play at the highest level.
2. Gain REAL confidence - I have it within me! Ch 1.
3. Confidence is your subconscious of self-image of calm capability.
4. Your subconscious updates your self-image. Page 46-47.
5. Each night relive the good shots that I played and keep a journal.
6. Assign low level of importance to each shot and rejoice in every good shot.
7. Ch 9. Practice with intensity.
8. Ch 9. Visualisation - use all the senses, detail is very important.
9. Ch12. Put 10 balls down on the edge of the green and get down in 20 shots.
10. Ch 12. Make my wedge game a routine like my putting routine.
11. Putting - see the ball going in the hole.
12. Be decisive with putts.
13. The first read is usually the best read.
14. Focus only on the target with putts.
15. See p 117 for grading my putting.
16. Feed my mind with images of the ball going in the hole. Be like a kid - fearless!
17. Let go of the memory of bad shots by maintaining a cool attitude on the course.
18. Develop confidence by:
- visualisation
- affirmations
- Joy
- Short game
- Journal good shots
19. Golfers at their peak of their games never think about their swings; they think about where they want the ball to go. Think only about the target in the pre-shot routine.
20. Have a soft focus-only on the target not how hard to hit the ball etc.
1. Assume you have the talent that is needed to play at the highest level.
2. Gain REAL confidence - I have it within me! Ch 1.
3. Confidence is your subconscious of self-image of calm capability.
4. Your subconscious updates your self-image. Page 46-47.
5. Each night relive the good shots that I played and keep a journal.
6. Assign low level of importance to each shot and rejoice in every good shot.
7. Ch 9. Practice with intensity.
8. Ch 9. Visualisation - use all the senses, detail is very important.
9. Ch12. Put 10 balls down on the edge of the green and get down in 20 shots.
10. Ch 12. Make my wedge game a routine like my putting routine.
11. Putting - see the ball going in the hole.
12. Be decisive with putts.
13. The first read is usually the best read.
14. Focus only on the target with putts.
15. See p 117 for grading my putting.
16. Feed my mind with images of the ball going in the hole. Be like a kid - fearless!
17. Let go of the memory of bad shots by maintaining a cool attitude on the course.
18. Develop confidence by:
- visualisation
- affirmations
- Joy
- Short game
- Journal good shots
19. Golfers at their peak of their games never think about their swings; they think about where they want the ball to go. Think only about the target in the pre-shot routine.
20. Have a soft focus-only on the target not how hard to hit the ball etc.
December 4, 2020
5 stars without question. Being a high school golf coach, I wish I would have read this book at the beginning of my career. After reading this and applying some of these tactics to my golf game, I feel more comfortable on the course and more confident in my game. My fellow golf buddies have commented on my mental stability while playing I put up some of my best numbers.
If you have paid much attention to your mental game when it comes to golf, I strongly recommend picking this easy read up and applying it to your game as soon as possible. Dr. Bob makes great arguments in here about why the mental game needs to be paid attention to and how it will make you a better golfer.
No swing instruction, no goofy fixes to your swing, no garbage like that. Complete strategy that can transform your game if you apply it.
If you have paid much attention to your mental game when it comes to golf, I strongly recommend picking this easy read up and applying it to your game as soon as possible. Dr. Bob makes great arguments in here about why the mental game needs to be paid attention to and how it will make you a better golfer.
No swing instruction, no goofy fixes to your swing, no garbage like that. Complete strategy that can transform your game if you apply it.
October 1, 2020
5 stars again for Rotella. Everything he writes is terrific.
Your 15th Club was written after Golf is not a Game of Perfect. In his introduction, Rotella explains that he decided to write it not because the advice in Golf is not a Game of Perfect isn't good, but because people need help applying that advice to their games.
In this book is a plethora of advice to help build confidence, focus, and examine your rounds. The mental game in golf is so important it might as well be a 15th Club, so do yourself a favor and read books like this to improve it.
I highly recommend.
Your 15th Club was written after Golf is not a Game of Perfect. In his introduction, Rotella explains that he decided to write it not because the advice in Golf is not a Game of Perfect isn't good, but because people need help applying that advice to their games.
In this book is a plethora of advice to help build confidence, focus, and examine your rounds. The mental game in golf is so important it might as well be a 15th Club, so do yourself a favor and read books like this to improve it.
I highly recommend.
May 19, 2021
A very solid read for any golfer on ways to think and visualize the game of golf! This can be for the hard core golfers trying to make it or for the casual golfers like myself who want to improve.
For myself, this is a good model to not overthink or beat myself in game and also it’s ok to take step back and resync up and even the best at the games get the yips or struggles too
For myself, this is a good model to not overthink or beat myself in game and also it’s ok to take step back and resync up and even the best at the games get the yips or struggles too
November 1, 2018
This is the perfect book to have an audio version of. You can listen to it when practicing your short game or full swings, at least that's what I have done. I think if you listen to this 3-4 times, you can begin to absorb a few of the recommendations.
February 7, 2021
Great book for the mind!
A great book that confirms everything in previous books but backs it up with more takes from the professionals. I love the examples art the back of the book that sets you things tho do! Great read if you want to improve your good!
A great book that confirms everything in previous books but backs it up with more takes from the professionals. I love the examples art the back of the book that sets you things tho do! Great read if you want to improve your good!
December 7, 2022
This is great golfer book
I have used the authors ideas and recommendations on being stronger mentally. It takes so much practice but Bob To tells is the best. He teaches you all through the book. I'm going to re-read what I highlighted.
I have used the authors ideas and recommendations on being stronger mentally. It takes so much practice but Bob To tells is the best. He teaches you all through the book. I'm going to re-read what I highlighted.
January 23, 2023
Good read, build confidence
The book teaches you that it’s important to focus on your best shots, forget your poor shots, the positives will be reinforced and give your subconscious the path to help the body to “just do it”
The book teaches you that it’s important to focus on your best shots, forget your poor shots, the positives will be reinforced and give your subconscious the path to help the body to “just do it”
June 1, 2019
A lot of golf is played between the ears, and this book has greatly helped that part of my game. It teaches you how to build confidence and how to avoid things that erode that confidence.
August 23, 2019
Always good to get a little advice from the Doc-who by the way grew up just a few blocks away from me. Recommended.
March 28, 2021
Was hoping to get more out of this book. It was ok, very monotonous in the second-half.
January 18, 2024
All credit to Dr. Bob when I finally break 80 this year
October 14, 2024
Very interesting outlook on the inside of a players mind. I will have to learn how to apply these techniques to my game and I very much feel like this book will help me in my future as a golfer.
December 11, 2024
It’s a golf book but I actually took more from this than I thought I would. Very enjoyable read for the golf course and off it
July 28, 2025
Basic ways to help your "mental" golf game which can be generalized to other sports and areas of your life.
April 8, 2016
This is another well written book by Bob Rotella about the game of golf. There is this rule in golf were you can only have 14 clubs in your bad. If you have more than 14 clubs in your bag, you would be disqualified. But, in this case, this book talks about the 15 club. Now it isn't talking about an actual club. It's talking about a tool that will help you get a better score. And its the most important tool you have to use in golf. This book tells you what the 15 club is and what and how to use it.
December 26, 2013
Success in golf and in life can be attributed to confidence. This must be tempered by assigning a given level of talent and devotion to practice. I cannot hit like Tiger but given the amount of talent I have and the amount of work that I put into golf I can maximize my performance by positive thinking.
Forget about losses, accentuate the positive. Hang out with supportive friends and peers and not cynics.
Forget about losses, accentuate the positive. Hang out with supportive friends and peers and not cynics.
March 8, 2016
This book really helped me understand the game of golf a lot better and gave me more knowledge on what to do in some situations that i will most likely be in in the future. It doesn't mean that i will get better just from reading it but using the knowledge the book gave me will help me train to get better. Some of the suggested lessons in the book gave me the focus that i needed to play well in practice and also in competition.
February 28, 2013
This book has changed the way I view golf. It put my mental game into a whole new perspective, and has helped my confidence, which in return helps my tournament play. So much golf wisdom lies beneath the cover of this book. Without the elements that are discussed in this book, it is so hard to play to the best of your ability. So for all the golfers out there, this book is a must read.
July 15, 2016
Well this was good but I think I have read better. This is the first book I've read of Bobs, maybe I should read his others. Also, as I don't play golf it was hard for me to relate. I tried putting his advice into a different sport but it was difficult. I think if you play golf this book is probably going to help you
January 28, 2009
this book is tremendous and helped my golf game improve immediately. i highly recommend this book to any golfer.
August 18, 2009
AWESOME!!!
June 7, 2009
The mental side of golf. I am not into affirmations--I cannot effectively deceive myself (seems dishonest). I thought the book was a waste of time--perhaps that is why I am a very mediocre golfer.
May 19, 2012
I really find his tips to be repetitive and annoying. They didn't really help me; I hope they'll help you
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July 19, 2012Not as good as golf is not a game of perfect. Pretty good, focus is on thinking on the golf course. More geared to the advanced player.
September 16, 2012
Great to understand what you need to play better golf and enjoy while doing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews