Renegade Mindset Techniques for Golf

My Renegade Golf Cat Pays It Forward

2008-11-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

(This is a reprint from last November. Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of my Zen Master cat. Thanks for allowing me to share it, again).

Back in 1993 I would sit in meditation for two hours every morning.

Actually, it was kinda the middle of the night - 3:30 to 5:30 AM.

I did it that way because that's how I learned it during my time at the Zen monastery in Japan.

And it seemed to work damn well. I was in the zone all the time, both on and off the course. I was scoring like never before, even though I had only played twice the year before.

Then I met Malcom...

I was approaching the 17th green when I heard a faint noise coming from the bunker, so I went over to check it out.

Holy crap, I said, as I realized it was a tiny black kitten.

So I take it to the vet, who says "Don't get too attached. I give it a 10% chance of making it."

"Thanks, Nimrod", I said, and spent the next two weeks feeding the little bugger with an eyedropper every three hours.

EVERY three hours - day and night.

Malcom turns the corner and does more than just "make it"...he begins to thrive.

And then he seemed to pick up where my Zen master had left off.

It all started during a Tuesday morning meditation session. Malcom walks into the room and sits down on my lap.

That's cool, I think to myself.

But then after about 15 minutes he starts getting restless. He paces the room and circles me constantly.

And then he starts the loud meowing.

I tried to stay focused and remember my Zen master's words "Pay attention".

It was pretty much all he ever said. After several months I began to think it was the only English he knew. But then I realized it was the only lesson I ever needed to learn.

Cats love ritual and patterns. This "disruption" of my meditation became Malcom's daily mission.

But it actually got worse over time...

Within a month, he would not allow me to have more than 10 minutes before he would start the ritual.

I did my best just to Pay Attention.

But obviously I wasn't "getting it", because Malcom had to pull out all the stops one morning...

About ten minutes into my meditation, he proceeds to walk in, kick over the incense burner and take a dump in my chime bowl!

Little did I ever envision that my first glimpse of enlightenment would be thrust upon me by a big cat crap.

But really, you can't get more Zen than that!

I finally realized two things:

1) Malcom was a Zen Master

2) I was holding onto something I no longer needed

It was only a few weeks later that I learned about Energy Psychology and integrated that with my Zen practice.

For the next 14 years, up until 3 days ago, Malcom would sit quietly in my lap for my 10 MINUTE RMT-style meditation.

Same results as my "overdone" two hour marathons.

Malcom died in my arms 3 days ago.

Some big friggin' tumor in his head.

He seemed fine with the whole situation.

I would have been a complete emotional train wreck, had it not been for my wife, RMT, and the voice of BOTH of my Zen masters in my head saying "Pay Attention".

So, my RANT message is simply this:

EVERYTHING in life, on and off the course, is a teacher. Pay attention...there is much to learn.

http://www.RenegadeMentalGolf.com

ANCHOR YOURSELF TO SUCCESS

2008-10-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Energy Psychology is only one of the Renegade tools that I utilize with my golfers to maximize their performance.

I've also been trained by several Master NLP Practitioners, and get great results with techniques like anchoring.

What is an anchor?

An anchor is formed when an internal response becomes associated with an external stimulus. Think Pavlov and his salivating dogs..

Hear A Bell = Salivate

Anchoring yourself is very easy to do. But because anchors can be positive or negative, and programed with or without your conscious awareness, it's to your advantage to set them deliberately.

Here's how to do it:

When ever you smash an awesome drive or stroke the perfect putt, you are momentarily in what we call a "peak state". Immediately, perform some kind of unique action - say a specific phrase, snap your fingers twice, blink your eyes three times quickly, etc. The keys are that you do it right away, and that it be unique enough that it's not something you do all the time.

After completing this process several times, you will have anchored that action and that peak state.

The cool thing is that you can then perform that action (anchor) at any time on the course, and put yourself right back into that peak state. This will greatly enhance your chances of performing well - we all kick more butt when in peak states.

A great time to set anchors is out on the practice range. Simply hit a shot, and see how the result feels.

Obviously, anchor in only the really good shots.

This practice range environment is ideal because you get the repetition necessary for setting those solid, positive anchors.

Then go out and use them on the course to achieve and maintain your peak states. Simply "activate" your new anchor (by performing the unique action) as part of your pre-shot routine, or anytime (on or off the course) when your need to be at your best.

Pavlov would be so proud of all you dogs!

The Need for Speed

2008-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Aesop's Fable "The Tortoise and the Hare" is a blatant lie and is contributing to the decline of your golf game, and perhaps even society at large.

OK, that was a bit dramatic, but I do think it is a crock of crap.

I'm not the only person who feels this way, as I came across this quote the other day

"In real life, it is the hare who wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case, it is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market (giving people the fable they wanted to believe in) - after all, hares have no time to read such things. They are busy winning the race."

Anita BrooknerBritish historian and novelist

Amen, Anita!

I've never really understood what is so darn great about toiling away at a tortoise pace towards your golfing goals.

I've got some clients who work at big law firms where they have to put in "face time" at the office on weekends - whether they get any work done or not. This is how they pay their dues, so to speak.

Golf doesn't have to be like that.

Sure, there is a level of skill development that takes some time and repetition, BUT not nearly as much as you might think (or be led to believe).

And once you've attained a certain level of skill, it is simply a matter of getting out of your own way (mentally) and allowing yourself to perform.

This can happen very, very fast.

Anyone up for tortoise soup?

Satisfy your need for speed below:

Renegade Mental Golf Website

Self Destruction "Sergio Style"

2008-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

I really want to like Sergio.

I've been trying for years - really.

I mean, there is so much to like:
1) Incredible talent

2) Hits it a mile and a half off the tee

3) Physically fit

4) Wears cool clothes (most of the time)

5) In commercials with bikini-clad women

What's not to like...?Besides his complete lack of a MENTAL GAME.

Over and over again he does something that not only alienates him from the fans, but also ruins his chance of victory.

This past weekend at The Barclays was yet another example of his mental immaturity.

On the second playoff hole with Vijay Singh, Garcia rolls in a beautiful 27 foot putt, and proceeds to go nuts in celebration.

Now, a lot of golf critics have gotten on him about it and thought it was over-the-top. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon.

As a matter of fact, I think golf could use a bit more energy.

I've even been known to get a little crazy with my celebrations from time to time (hard to believe, eh?).

Back in 2006, I was on a local course, in the rough and behind some trees off the tee. 195 yards out. I knew I struck it clean, it just sounded good, and I hit the exact point above the tree that I had chosen.

I ran out into the fairway, to see my partners jumping up and down next to the green, yelling "You holed it - Eagle!"

I was so damn excited that after four Tiger-like fist pumps, I knew I had to do more. So in my infinite wisdom and delirium, I dropped my pants and mooned the foursome on the nearby tee box.

Although apparently all four found it quite funny, the real joke was on me, as my "friends" revealed the truth - my ball was actually plugged in a green side bunker.

No eagle for me, just a request from the course super to never bring my white ass back to his respectable links.

But I digress...

So it wasn't the celebration that screwed Sergio, but rather how he couldn't bring himself back down after Vijay matched him with a 26 footer.

My wife looked at me and said "This is going to be a good playoff"."No, I said. Garcia just blew his wad and he has no idea how to get it back."

And sure enough, on the next playoff hole Garcia hooks it left and short, almost out of bounds.

Calm and cool Vijay goes on to victory.

Getting pumped up is not a problem. But letting EXTERNAL factors (like your opponent sinking a putt) affect you INTERNAL state, will always put you at a huge disadvantage.

The Renegade Mental Golf System is designed to allow you to control your internal state, no matter what is happening externally.

Don't blow your wad.Find out how below:

Renegade Mental Golf Website

Special Announcements

2008-08-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

This Special Announcement is going to sound like I'm bragging.

That's because I am.

But anyway, I shot an 84 yesterday at Muirfield, which is the Golden Bear's home course here in Ohio.

Now 84 may not seem that breath-taking for some of you studs out there, but considering that it is only the 4th round of golf I've played in 6 months (recovering from a wrist injury - falling on icy steps - hate the friggin' cold), I was more than a bit thrilled.

I've been to Muirfield dozens of times with clients for RMT playing lesson instruction, but this was the first time that I actually played the spectacular course. I was a bit nervous with my wrist and lack of playing time recently.

Of course I was able to overcome that quickly with RMT.

But no matter how calm you are, consistency seems to abandon you if you have been a stranger to your clubs for too long. At least that's the way it has been for me in the past.

So how was I able to keep my consistency this time?

I honestly feel as though I owe it mostly, if not totally, to my friend Tracy Reed and his new Ultimate Golf Swing DVD set.

Tracy is a dude with chick name, but no one ever says anything because he's a stud ex-military interrogator - just a little FYI...

Even though I had only been to a driving range once in the last month, I had been watching his DVDs at home. Tracy has what I believe to be the most simple system to incorporate into your current swing that delivers outstanding results.

But don't take my word for it, check out the awesome video below:

Tap Here for Video

Simple, straight forward instruction that gets you results.

Hell, that alone makes Tracey a renegade among swing coaches!

Try it out on the range and see if you don't experience an immediate difference in the quality of your shots.

Then if you want more, consider investing in the whole package. Tell Tracy I sent you, and keep me posted on the results.

Unless you break 84 - just keep that to yourself.

HIDDEN DRIVING POWER RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE

2008-08-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to tell you right now, this tip is going to seem even more odd than usual to you newbie Renegades.

But just suspend your disbelief for a brief time and test it out for yourself.

As you already know, there are meridians (clearing points) all over the body and face.

Some of these points have specific effects for particular parts of your mind/body energy system.

The basic RMT protocol covers several of the main points and therefore gets great results.

But today I'm going to tell you about two particular points that can seriously wake up your entire system, AND make you a smarter golfer.

These two points are located on your upper lip (just below your nose), and between you bottom lip and your chin.

We are not going to use these points for clearing negative emotions, so there is no need to focus on anything. And I'm going to suggest that instead of tapping these points, that you actually RUB them back and forth vigorously at the same time. This is easy to do with your index and middle fingers. Simply place your index finger on your upper lip and your middle finger just under your bottom lip. Rub back and forth 4-6 times.

These are very powerful points that 1) wake up your entire system. But not in a way that will cause any tension in your physical body. This will usually result in 10-15 yards extra on your drives. 2) Balance the right and left hemispheres of your brain. This is crucial because it will enable you to think more clearly and make better decisions on the course.

I've got several college coaches in different sports who use this during games to keep a level head and call better plays.

I know it seems a bit goofy.

Several of my junior golfers (who forget that I'm the funny one) call this the "smell my finger" move.

However, they use it all the time, because it works.

So go ahead and smell your finger. Better yours than mine, seeing that I know where mine have been!

To learn about ALL the ways that RMT will have you kicking butt on the course visit:

Renegade Mental Golf

Crying Over Spilled Creamer

2008-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it.

I've got a stupid crush on Paula Creamer.

I know it's not a cool crush for a Renegade, not like Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman or Cameron Diaz.But she really is so damn cute that I just can't help it.

Plus it's nice that my wife OK's these kinds of of odd ball crushes of mine, like Lisa Bonet, Parker Posey and Valerie Bertinelli (pre and post her fat period).

Although I do think that my latest one, Kat Von D (from LA Ink) might have her a bit perplexed.

But I digress...Back to Paula - I'm always pulling for her to break through and win a major.

I know, I know, the pink ball thing is borderline nauseating.But then again, I have black Renegade balls (so to speak), so who am I to talk.

Anyway, the point is that I was totally bummed to see her lose it in the final round of the U.S. Open two weeks ago.

Long (and painful) story short: She doubled an easy par 4 ninth and had what appeared to be a mental collapse. By most accounts she was close to tears and escaped to a trailer restroom for almost 10 minutes, finally emerging wearing dark sunglasses.

Although she regained her composure enough to finish the round and sign autographs (she is very cool that way), she was never back in the tournament after that episode.

This certainly isn't just a female thing, as we all can remember Phil Mickelson sobbing at Winged Foot. He had the "blessing" of falling apart on the last hole.

So how can this happen to players at the highest level of our sport?

The answer is quite simple - because they don't have a mental/emotional management system in place to allow them to quickly clear negative emotions and then return to the task at hand.

The one obvious exception to this common trap is Tiger Woods. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I've personally seen Tiger get very upset on many occasions. But he is then able to regain complete composure and execute to his full potential on his next shot.

That skill is a vital one for Paula to learn.

It might even be useful for any of you, whether you would just like to take some money and skins from your Saturday foursome, or if making a cut on Friday determines if you eat at McDonald's or Mortons (more on nutrition in a moment).

Of course there are many paths to mental game mastery.

Some are like one lane dirt roads. You'll eventually get there, but it will take a long time.

The Renegade approach is like an 8 lane super highway with no speed limit.And it works for almost everyone, regardless if your balls are pink, black or even blue.Hang on and enjoy the ride:

Renegade Mental Golf Website

Will Tiger-Less Golf Suck?

2008-06-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a way for Tiger to end his 2008 season (in June)!

That was some of the best golf I have ever watched.

Now the big question is whether or not fans will tune in to watch without Tiger.

I've heard that often times the events that Tiger is not playing, or on rare occasion, not in the hunt on the final day, viewership is down as much as 30%.

Are that many people just tuning in to see Tiger win, or maybe to see him lose?

As a dude who loves golf, this really pisses me off.

Now don't get me wrong, I think that Tiger is the most exciting thing to happen to golf since...well, ever. And I must admit that I am disappointed when he is missing from the final pairings.

But it's not Tiger, or any other individual golfer, that is the source of my PASSION.

No, it's the great game of golf itself.

These people who only watch when Tiger is involved (I'm sure it's none of you Renegades) remind me of the ultimate sports dweeb - the fair-weather fan.

You know the guy - he only supports whoever is winning, claiming to have been a life-long fan.

Then turns his back on the athlete/team when they lose and switches allegiance more often than he changes his underwear.

Don't be that guy.

Be a renegade and support the game and all the other golfers during Tiger's downtime.

Why Golf Psychology Sucks!

2008-03-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

Just for the hell of it, I counted up all of the golf psychology books in my personal library yesterday.

37 total...over 8,00 pages.

Really could have been less than 200 pages.

Why?

Because they all fall into one of two categories, all saying pretty much the same friggin' things:

1) Pansy-Ass Positive Thinking

2) Pompous-Ass Pretentious Theorizing

I'll be honest with you (always a warning phrase from me to those with virgin eyes/ears) - If I have to endure one more traditional positive thinking, sugar-coated affirmation program, I may have to stick my family jewels into the local golf course ball washer and end it all!

Let's be serious (relatively speaking), is there anything more pathetic than acting like Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live (back when it was funny)?

"I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone-it, I'm a scratch golfer.

"PLEEEZE!

He's a loser.

And you are destined for the same fate if you follow his lead and use affirmations ONLY, without addressing your NEGATIVE emotions and feelings as well.

Don't be a Stuart.

And then you have the Pompous Ph.Ds

I do have several friends who are Ph.Ds who are NOT pompous. So it is possible, but apparently not fashionable with that crowd.

This bunch tries to impress you with scientific jargon like "left hemispherical activity".

They make my head spin, and give me GERD-like symptoms.

Not because I can't understand them (I've got almost a decade of graduate-level education under my belt)...but because I just couldn't give a crap.

Most all of that theorizing is just "intellectual masturbation".I

'm called a "Renegade" because all I care about are RESULTS on the golf course and on my clients' score cards.

Yes, there are different methods to get results.

But some are just plain better than others.

Yes, there are indeed many different paths up the mountain.

Most people seem to choose to travel by foot up the path with rough terrain, which takes years of struggle to complete - if you can stay with it that long. You'll probably see Stuart along the way - smack him upside the head for me.

But there is another (better) option...On the other side of the mountain is the newly constructed Renegade Super Highway.

It's got five paved lanes and no speed limit.

And I've got a Hummer with a few open seats.

Jump on in and let's get this party started!

www.RMTforGolf.com/bookspecial.asp

RMT for Pain Relief

2008-02-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

Note: The information in this article is NOT to be used in place of medical treatment. If you have an injury and have any doubts about it's seriousness, then go seek professional medical attention. In other words, don't be a friggin' wanker!

RMT is a sports specific version on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

The truth is that I may have "bastardized" a bit of it here and there, but EFT is at the foundation of my work with golfers.

EFT was originally used to treat post traumatic stress disorder in war veterans. It proved to be incredibly successful in relieving the emotional distress of these men and women, often times where conventional therapies had failed.

What was also interesting was that many of them also reported a significant reduction or complete elimination of physical ailments, including:

Headaches

Back Pain

Arthritis

Stiff Muscles

Sprains

Etc.

At the current time, there is no "hard science" evidence as to why this type of energy psychology may work - but do you really want to wait around for the lab coats to figure it out?

One theory is that these techniques relieve excess tension throughout the body and nervous system, allowing a more relaxed, and therefore, less painful physical state.

Another possibility is that most physical problems are actually just a manifestation of emotional/spiritual stress.

Regardless of WHY it seems to work, my experience over the past eight years is that almost 75% of clients can achieve moderate to complete relief with RMT.

As with all the RMT protocols, let's keep this as simple as possible - just use the physical pain you are having as your Negative Focus.

That could be back pain, knee pain, acid reflux, etc.

Then for a Positive Focus use something along the lines of "Let it go" or "Easy".

Always remember the deep breath.

Rinse, Wash, Repeat as necessary, until results are achieved.

Emotional Causes of Physical Pain

Whenever I have a golfer who is not getting results with a physical pain using the pain as the Focus, I began to look for any possible emotional roots to the problem.

I simply ask the question "If there was an emotional cause to this physical pain, what might it be?"

If it's not obvious, then just guess. Often times your intuition will give you incredible wisdom in the form of a guess.

Then simply use RMT on the emotion identified. Once cleared, the physical pain will often subside.

Now for your playing partner that is a figurative "pain in your ass", well that's another story altogether.

John Daly, Jerry Springer and Brittney Spears All Walk Into A Bar...

2008-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

Apparently I ruffled some feathers last week with my inquiry - "Why the hell is John Daly so popular?"

It was actually the third highest number of emails I've ever received about a particular topic.

The second most was on my article about the Yips (who knew so many suffered).

The biggest response by far was after the passing of my renegade cat Malcom (who knew so many cared).

But back to the topic of big JD...

As I was saying, I got quite a bit of flack, to say the least.

So let me be perfectly clear about this - I didn't say I didn't LIKE John Daly.

Hell, I don't know the guy.

What I was curious about was why so many fans (who also don't know him) seem to have such undying admiration for a guy who (in my opinion) is the Brittney Spears of the golf world.

I have a large number of junior golfers who I work with personally. About 50% of them are junior high and high school girls.

In addition to being excellent golfers, every one of these girls is smart, personable, responsible, and headed for a bright future.

So you can imagine my surprise to find that most of them ADMIRE Brittney Spears!

Why, you may ask...

I did, and the answers I got were strangely similar to the emails I received from adults regarding John Daly.

Below is an overview of the reasons given that golf fans like JD, and, so I'm told, the reasons I should like him too (my comments are in italics following each reason):

1) He's an everyday guy who lives by his own rules, doesn't care what anybody thinks, and will say whatever is on his mind, regardless of who he might offend - (kinda sounds like the crowd at a Jerry Springer show)

2) It's fun to pull for an underdog - (Yes, I get that. But JD is not exactly a Cinderella story of someone who gives his all to overcome obstacles and attain greatness. Rather he is a great natural talent who seems bent on self - destruction. I don't find that fun to root for.)

3) He draws big crowds - (so do multiple car pile-ups on the freeway)

4) He can "grip it and rip it" - (yes, I admit that is damn cool)

5) He likes boobs - (OK, I get that one as well. But that's a pretty low standard, don't ya think?)

And then there were several of you who emailed and said that I should like him because we are so much alike!

At first I was a bit shocked.

Then I thought about it and realized that if you take away the excess weight, the hell-bent self destruction, the incredible golfing skill, and the popularity, then John and I are rather similar.

After all, I am a guy that lives by his own rules and says whatever I want.

And I like boobs...

Gotta go, Springer's on in three minutes!

RENEGADE PAIN RELIEF

2008-01-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

Note: The information in this article is NOT to be used in place of medical treatment. If you have an injury and have any doubts about it's seriousness, then go seek professional medical attention. In other words, don't be a friggin' wanker!

RMT is a sports specific version on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

The truth is that I may have "bastardized" a bit of it here and there, but EFT is at the foundation of my work with golfers.

EFT was originally used to treat post traumatic stress disorder in war veterans. It proved to be incredibly successful in relieving the emotional distress of these men and women, often times where conventional therapies had failed.

What was also interesting was that many of them also reported a significant reduction or complete elimination of physical ailments, including:

Headaches

Back Pain

Arthritis

Stiff Muscles

Sprains

Etc

At the current time, there is no "hard science" evidence as to why this type of energy psychology may work - but do you really want to wait around for the lab coats to figure it out?

One theory is that these techniques relieve excess tension throughout the body and nervous system, allowing a more relaxed, and therefore, less painful physical state.

Another possibility is that most physical problems are actually just a manifestation of emotional/spiritual stress.

Regardless of WHY it seems to work, my experience over the past eight years is that almost 75% of clients can achieve moderate to complete relief with RMT.

As with all the RMT protocols, let's keep this as simple as possible - just use the physical pain you are having as your Negative Focus.

That could be back pain, knee pain, acid reflux, etc.

Then for a Positive Focus use something along the lines of "Let it go" or "Easy".

Always remember the deep breathe.

Rinse, Wash, Repeat as necessary.

Emotional Causes of Physical Pain

Whenever I have a golfer who is not getting results with a physical pain using the pain as the Focus, I began to look for any possible emotional roots to the problem.

I simply ask the question "If there was an emotional cause to this physical pain, what might it be?"

If it's not obvious, then just guess. Often times your intuition will give you incredible wisdom in the form of a guess.

Then simply use RMT on the emotion identified. Once cleared, the physical pain will often subside.

Now for your playing partner that is a figurative "pain in your ass", well that's another story altogether.

GOLF JOKE - A TRUE ONE-LINER

2008-01-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

So this skeleton walks into the clubhouse bar at the turn and says "I'll take a beer and a mop".

(I just love true one-liners, don't you?)

My Renegade Cat Pays It Forward

2008-01-04T04:06:00.000-08:00

Back in 1993 I would sit in meditation for two hours every morning.

Actually, it was kinda the middle of the night - 3:30 to 5:30 AM.

I did it that way because that's how I learned it during my time at the Zen monastery in Japan.

And it seemed to work damn well. I was in the zone all the time, both on and off the course. I was scoring like never before, even though I had only played twice the year before.

Then I met Malcom...

I was approaching the 17th green when I heard a faint noise coming from the bunker, so I went over to check it out.

Holy crap, I said, as I realized it was a tiny black kitten.

So I take it to the vet, who says "Don't get too attached. I give it a 10% chance of making it."

"Thanks, Nimrod", I said, and spent the next two weeks feeding the little bugger with an eyedropper every three hours.

EVERY three hours - day and night.

Malcom turns the corner and does more than just "make it"...he begins to thrive.

And then he seemed to pick up where my Zen master had left off.

It all started during a Tuesday morning meditation session. Malcom walks into the room and sits down on my lap.

That's cool, I think to myself.

But then after about 15 minutes he starts getting restless. He paces the room and circles me constantly.

And then he starts the loud meowing.

I tried to stay focused and remember my Zen master's words "Pay attention".

It was pretty much all he ever said. After several months I began to think it was the only English he knew. But then I realized it was the only lesson I ever needed to learn.

Cats love ritual and patterns. This "disruption" of my meditation became Malcom's daily mission.

But it actually got worse over time...

Within a month, he would not allow me to have more than 10 minutes before he would start the ritual.

I did my best just to Pay Attention.

But obviously I wasn't "getting it", because Malcom had to pull out all the stops one morning...

About ten minutes into my meditation, he proceeds to walk in, kick over the incense burner and take a dump in my chime bowl!

Little did I ever envision that my first glimpse of enlightenment would be thrust upon me by a big cat crap.

But really, you can't get more Zen than that!

I finally realized two things:

1) Malcom was a Zen Master

2) I was holding onto something I no longer needed

It was only a few days later that I learned about Energy Psychology and integrated that with my Zen practice.

For the next 14 years, up until 3 days ago, Malcom would sit quietly in my lap for my 10 MINUTE RMT-style meditation.

Same results as my "overdone" two hour marathons.

Malcom died in my arms 3 days ago.

Some big friggin' tumor in his head.

He seemed fine with the whole situation.

I would have been a complete emotional train wreck, had it not been for my wife, RMT, and the voice of BOTH of my Zen masters in my head saying "Pay Attention".

So, my RANT message is simply this:

EVERYTHING in life, on and off the course, is a teacher. Pay attention...there is much to learn.

Many thanks for allowing me to share this experience with you.

The Yips Slayer Cometh

2007-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more morally debilitating, hauntingly humiliating, than a bad case of the YIPS?

The answer is NO.

There is a small group of people who say they don't exist.

Of course it was a small group of people than found OJ Simpson "not guilty".

I'm not certain it's the same group, but I have my suspicions.

And then there are some medical doctors (mainly surgeons) who believe it is a physical problem, some sort of over-use injury.

You know the old saying "When you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail"?

Side Note: When I was in college, I mistakenly thought the expression was "When you're hammered, everything looks like a tail", referring to my friends embarrassingly unsuccessful attempts to find female companionship as the bars started to close.

But I digress...

My point was that the yips are indeed mysterious and many people have differing opinions on what they are and how to get rid of them.

Nothing wrong with that. Like I always tell my golfers - Whatever works for ya!

My "hammer" is the mental/emotional system, and I've had a great deal of success "nailing" the yips with golfers around the world.

As a matter of fact, I would estimate that about 40% of my personal phone coaching revolves around yip issues.

RMT has dominated the yips 80% of the time.

I've had hundreds of golfers request an RMT for Yips book. I've resisted because, to be honest, I don't use any special techniques for the yips that differ from what I do for any other form of mental/emotional expression of imbalance.

I have not found any special "yips clearing point" or protocol.

Although the yips are more obvious and painful than other issues, the basic MO to clear them is the same.

Here are some guidelines (from the more basic to the more esoteric)

1) Pre-round clearing for general tension and anxiety

2) Pre-emptive clearing - imagining the potential yip situations and working through them

3) RMT on the course - especially while approaching and on the greens

4) RMT for embarrassment, humiliation or whatever emotional side effects come up as a result of the yips

5) Asking yourself the question - What might be an emotional cause off the course that would express itself in this way on the course? - and clear those issues

6) Explore the potential Self Sabotage and Comfort Zone issues - and clear those

This is an overview of how I work with golfers stricken with the yips.

Everyone carries many more bags onto the course than their golf bag, and it may take some detective work to figure out what the real issues are for you.

But trust me - it's not about the yips themselves.

If your currently a yipster, you may want to get all the details on the steps above by grabbing a copy of RMT for Golf at the website below:

www.RMTforGolf.com/bookspecial.asp

RMT Pre-Round Protocols Part I

2007-12-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

In this two-part article I will go over some very effective (and very quick) pre-round protocols that are currently being used all over the world (maybe even by your competition).

Use these within one hour of tee time. Actually, the closer to tee time the better.

However, for our purposes at the moment, play along and do it now for practice.

The first order of business will be clearing out all tension and anxiety, or any other limiting negative feeling/emotion/physical symptom.

Begin by simply imagining yourself out on the course you are going to play. Now imagine yourself in a particularly NEGATIVE situation. This could be a shot over water, a tight fairway off the tee, or having a "fried egg" plug on the beach.

Whatever your worst case scenario is - use it for this visualization.

Take some time, maybe 45 seconds or so, and really imagine yourself in that situation. And take note of the negative feelings/emotions or even physical sensations that you are experiencing (for example: fear, nerves, racing heartbeat). Also make a note of the intensity of the feeling.

Take a moment and do that now.

Now you will perform three (3) RMT rounds while focusing on the NEGATIVE feeling with the following clearing points:

EB, SE, UE, CB, DW, TH

Followed by a DEEP BREATH.

And then perform two (2) RMT rounds with a POSITIVE Focus (for example: relaxed, calm, easy) with the same clearing points.

Followed by a DEEP BREATH.

(if this is all Greek to you - and you're NOT Greek - then be sure to visit my main web page www.RMTforGolf.com and download the f-r-e-e report and video demo)

Now once again return to your visualization of the same crappy scenario and take note of your feeling/emotion and the intensity of it.

Take a moment and do that now.

The chances as VERY GOOD that the intensity of the feeling has decreased substantially. In many cases it may be gone completely with only this single round of RMT.

If your negative feeling has decreased, but is not completely gone, then simply perform another round or two of the same protocol outlined above.

In Part II of this article I will show you how to regain confidence in a particular part of your game that has been holding you back (for example: putting, driving, long irons).

If you would like to have me walk you step by step through this and other RMT protocols before every round of golf, visit www.RMTforGolf.com/CDSales.asp

Why Sergio Garcia is El Loco and NOT a Renegade

2007-12-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

OK, I'll admit it, up until rather recently Sergio was one of my favorite golfers.

My top three were:

1) Jesper Parnevik
2) Aaron Baddeley
3) Sergio Garcia

They were sort of like the Three Renegade Musketeers.

I mean, they wear cool clothes, aren't fat with MOOBS (man boobs), drive fast cars and give the game of golf a nice attitudinal face lift.

They never officially joined the RMT team, but I did make them Honorary Members (by the way, Jesper and Arron, your plaques and t-shirts are still here in the office for you to pick up).

Jesper is still rockin' on at the ripe old age of 42.

Badds will have his breakthrough season next year, mark my words.

But Sergio...what the hell has happened to the Spaniard?!

His world ranking is # 11, I think. Plenty good enough for you or me, maybe, but this dude has the game to be in the final group in EVERY event he plays, including all the majors.

We should be seeing Garcia/Woods battles on a regular basis.

Instead we get to watch the painful and melodramatic Garcia vs. Garcia vs. The World.

There have been plenty of examples, but the worst of the worst were the CA Championship and his choke and whining at the British Open.

In the CA Championship, he was disgusted with his performance and spit into the cup.

That certainly isn't traditional behaviour, but that doesn't make it Renegade, either.

It really just makes you look like an a-hole.

And then you all witnessed the British Open, where Sergio played a brilliant three rounds of golf and then lost his composure when he had to wait a few minutes before being able to hit his approach to the 72nd hole.

But the worst part was the press conference.

Garcia said (and I'm heavily paraphrasing)

"It wasn't my fault. The world is against me. I'm a legend in my own mind, isn't that enough?"

Boo-Friggin'-Hoo!

Definitely behavior unbecoming of an Honorary Renegade. Therefore Sergio's membership is currently suspended until he gets his mental game together and grows up.

I know he isn't very likable at the moment, but he does have the potential to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. Let's not lose all hope for him just yet.

With that in mind, I've sent him all of the RMT for Golf coaching materials.

I'm wondering if his people will be contacting my people.

Golf Power On the Tip of Your Tongue

2007-12-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Anyone interested in increasing their golf power and adding an extra 10 - 20 yards to your drives instantly?

Just follow this quick tip and you'll have to go through and re-do all of your yardages for every club in your bag.

The secret is not some core rotational exercise (although those can be awesome).

No, this is so simple that you won't believe it until you try it.

It's all about the placement of YOUR TONGUE!

I first learned about the position of the tongue increasing overall strength while over in India. One of my gurus would explain that it helped to "complete the circuit" and give him strength and stamina while holding static Yoga poses.

Of course it sounded kinda weird, but then again, this dude could hold a handstand for over an hour! He probably only stopped there out of boredom. But the guy was definitely onto something.

Then I was reminded of this when I saw a seminar by another mental game coach named Jerry V. Teplitz. Now Jerry is a Ph.D., but let's not hold that against him, because he does have some cool tools despite his advanced level of formal education.

I don't know if Jerry knows the handstand guru in India or not, but the concept and application to golf will be the same.

Here's all you have to do:

Gently place your tongue up on the roof of your mouth, with the tip resting against the back of your front top teeth. Gently hold it in that position while you swing.

This will "close the circuit"...whatever the hell that means.

Actually, I do know at least one theory, but let's just keep this results-oriented.

Let me be clear about this - it should be gentle and subtle. Do NOT focus on it so that it becomes yet another swing thought.

To try this out for yourself, simply go to the range and warm up. Then pick a club and hit 10 ball "without tongue" and note the distance. Then hit 10 ball "with tongue" and compare. Be sure to compare only those shots with similar quality of contact.

The chances are very good that you will notice increased distance when you "add a little tongue".

I'll tell you what...if it doesn't work for you, I'll hold a handstand for an hour, or break my neck trying!

For even more crazy (but effective) golf power tips - www.RMTforGolf.com

Gotta Love Eagles...They Taste Like Chicken

2007-11-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

So my wife Michelle and I are on the Harley last weekend, at a stop sign out in the middle of nowhere, when my cell phone rings.

Against my better judgement, I decide to answer it (what is it about a ringing phone that makes you think you "have" to answer it, no matter what you are doing?).

It turns out to be a woman named Sarah from Austin, Texas, who was so excited that she just had to call and tell me about her last round of golf.

My first thought is "How the hell did she get my cell number?"

My second thought is "Am I having appendicitis?"

And then I realize that Michelle is punching me in my ribs (hard) to get on the road again.

Who's the boss? I'll give you one guess.

But I digress...

When we got home from the ride I called Sarah back. Turns out we had an engaging conversation. Everyone I know from Austin is a bit whacked, and I like that.

Anyway, she tells me that after using RMT for the first time she shot her best round in three years, including chipping in from the fringe for an eagle, which was her first ever.

Then she hits me with the granddaddy of all questions -

"Was my eagle just a placebo?"

My response - "Who gives a crap?"

"But I just want to know," she says, "was it all in my head?"

My response - "Who gives a crap?"

But dear Sarah was relentless in her inquiry, so I finally ask her "did you believe RMT would work before you tried it"?

"To be honest," Sarah said, "not really." "It all seems a little far fetched...no offense."

"No offense taken" I assured her. "But the point is that you DID NOT believe it would work, therefore it is the exact OPPOSITE of a placebo".

"Ahh..." she said. "That's the kind of proof that I was looking for."

Now at that point Sarah was satisfied, but I wanted to pull my hair out (if I had any, I most certainly would have done so).

Why?

Well, because when it comes to "proof"...you guessed it - I couldn't give a crap.
The ONLY thing that I care about is RESULTS.

Think of it this way - when you post a 3 on a par 5, or shoot your lowest round ever, you don't get any extra credit for struggling with your mental game during the round. In other words, your score is your score, regardless of whether it felt easy or you had to grind the whole time, whether it was placebo-induced or had the "authenticity seal" from the Harvard Dept. of Science.

It just doesn't matter, people! Geesh....

Thanks for the call Sarah. And thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Now, can someone pass the eagle and some ketchup?

What is a Renegade?

2007-11-21T09:16:00.001-08:00

"Now renegades are people with their own philosophies, they change the course of history, everyday people like you and me."

lyrics from Rage Against the Machine
- once called the "most dangerous band in the world"

So what exactly does it mean to be a "renegade". Why have I been dubbed such a thing from those in the golf world? And finally, why have I decided to embrace and celebrate it?

Renegade ( 'renu 'geyd)

1) someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw
2) to break with established customs
3) having deserted a principle

Of course the renegade label was originally intended to be a negative - a warning if you will, to those golfers who might otherwise unknowingly fall victim to my unorthodox ( and highly successful) mental game techniques.

In this case, however, I see the connotation as quite POSITIVE.

After all, the majority of golfers have only had modest success with the "vanilla" sports psychology programs on the market today.

To be honest, many have had no discernible results at all.

So to be recognized as someone who has the "golf-balls" to "rebel, break with established (and ineffective) customs and desert (uptight) principles"...well, thanks.

And that's all I have to say about that.

The RMT Post-Shot Routine

2007-11-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

Although it doesn't get as much attention or enthusiasm as the Pre-Shot Routine, the Post-Shot Routine can be just as instrumental in your quest for golfing domination.

Why?

Because how you respond emotionally to the outcome of a shot will have either a positive or negative effect on your mental and physical energy system, and likely impact the success of your next shot.

What you want to do is "clear" out any possible negative energy, and "harness" the full power of your positive "mojo".

The RMT Post-Shot Routine is simple and can be done in a matter of seconds.

It is described below for both a positive and negative outcome of a shot.

1. If the shot ended up as you intended (Positive) -

Simply tap the collar bone point (CB) times and say to yourself "Exactly", "Spot On" (if you're from across the pond) or "Hell Yeah" (if you are from my neck of the woods) or any other positive phrase indicating to yourself that you did indeed manifest your desired result.

2. If the shot did NOT play out as planned (Negative) -

Tap the collar bone point (CB) approximately 10 times and say to yourself "Anger", "Frustration", "Bullocks" or whatever emotion or creative language your less-than-perfect shot brings up for you.

Then take a deep breath. Say to yourself "This is more what I had in mind", while you take an easy practice stroke and visualize the ball going exactly where it "should" have gone on the live shot.

This is very important because it will plant in your subconscious mind this more positive result.

There you have it, the RMT Post Shot Routine. Give it a try and take a machete to your handicap.

www.RMTforGolf.com

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

2007-11-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

RMT for Golf Vol. 1 Now Available in Hard Copy

Back by popular demand (and finally being able to find a distributor who had more sense than a teenage caddy sniffing glue), I am pleased to be able to offer you the (In)famous RMT for Golf Vol. 1 in a spiral bound hard copy book format.

A real book, even in this digital age...imagine that!

I'll be honest, I can't stand e-books. But that is what the overwhelming majority of on-line consumers want, or so they say. "They" being the experts, and not the consumers themselves, of course.

But I thought I'd go against the grain (imagine that) and actually listen to you guys. And you made it loud and clear that you were interested in hard copy products.

Ask and you shall receive!

The new price structure is: E-Book Only Option $47 US and E-book and Hard Copy Combo Pak $67 US.

Visit www.RMTforGolf.com/bookspecial.asp to see the new options.

Renegade Beavers Tap Into World Series Success

2007-10-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm going to assume that most of you golf fanatics are also passionate about a few other sports as well.

I've got this philosophy - how you do anything is how you do everything.

Anyway, for those of you who also love baseball, you no doubt watched the Oregon State University Beavers REPEAT as College World Series Champs.

And if you watched closely, you just might have seen three of the OSU players "tapping" during the final game.

Hey, if it's good enough for the World Series Champs...

And guess who has the ONLY book in the WORLD on tapping specifically for baseball players?

Now if you guessed incorrectly I'm going to have to remove you from this member list! ; )

So if you hit the diamond yourself, or have a son or daughter who plays baseball/softball, then join the World Series champs and master the mental game:

Visit www.RMTforBaseball.com

The Renegade Rant - Do You Golf Like a Cow?

2007-09-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

"The average man is a conformist, accepting miseries and disasters with the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain." - Colin Wilson, British author of The Outsider

I was drawn in by the above quote almost immediately upon reading it... but I couldn't tell you why at the time.

So I decided to do a little investigation.

I somehow convinced my wife to join me on a miserably wet and rainy Wednesday afternoon to seek out some cows (she's a good sport, no doubt about it). We live in Ohio, so we didn't have to go far. Here, cows are like Starbucks, there's one on every corner.

I just had to see what this Brit was talking about with cows and rain.

As we peered into the pasture, it was like I saw it all with new eyes. There stood a herd of cows... out in the rain... and the friggin' barn was 50 yards away!

I pondered for a moment, but then quickly dismissed the idea, that these beasts were actually enjoying the rain. No, they were miserable, indeed.

So why wouldn't they just go into the barn? Perhaps that existentialist author from across the pond was right.

A combination of herd and victim mentality.

These collective cows had all accepted the fact (albeit false) that they were victims of circumstance and their only option was to endure their plight.

WAIT A MINUTE!

Where have I seen that look before?

And then it hit me.

I see it all the time... out on the golf course!

Like cattle we meander out on the links (pasture) and just accept that some days we play well (sunny) but most days we suck (rain).

But you are NOT a COW...you are NOT a VICTIM.

The "miseries and disasters" you experience out on the course are all self-created "backwash" from past experiences and your subsequent Belief Systems (your B.S.).

You have the tool (RMT) and the CHOICE.

DON'T BE A COW!

www.RMTforGolf.com/bookspecial.asp

FIXING SWING FAULTS: 10,000 TO 1

2007-07-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

How many hours have you spent (wasted) trying to correct a swing fault?

I know that when I first starting learning this game it was really just an endless succession from one swing fault to the next. I'd apparently fix one, but the compensation patterns that I adopted to do so would lead to another...and another...oh brother!

I began to study this frustrating issue from a nuero-muscular (brain-muscle) standpoint. And then it all began to make sense. It was somewhat de-moralizing, but at least it made sense.

What I discovered is that our bodies and our brains put together what is called a motor engram. This is basically a movement pattern that becomes programed into our computer (brain).

You develop motor engrams all the time for repeated tasks. For example, most everyone can stick their car key into their ignition without one bit of thought. Your body/mind has a motor engram that knows the height and angle for the key to fit perfectly, without you thinking about it.

Get a new car, however, and you're going to miss quite a few times. At the very least you are going to have to think about it, until you anchor in the new motor engram.

That's exactly what happens in the golf swing. Your body/mind has a motor engram of "golf swing". And then you go and try change the position of the ignition! Of course there is going to be trouble.

And here is the really crappy news - science tells us that it can take up to 10,000 repetitions of a movement to UNlearn a motor pattern and RElearn a new one.

So there you have it...when an instructor or golf magazine tells you that it takes TIME and PRACTICE to change your bad habits, they have science on their side.

Fortunately for all of us, we have RMT.

When I discovered that RMT could quickly and easily accelerate swing changes, it changed everything for me, my students and dozens of progressive swing instructors.

What I realized is that the major problem with implementing new swing mechanics is that they usually felt awkward, uncomfortable, weird, etc.

And all of these "feelings" can be cleared with RMT.

Instead of 10,000 swings, you can feel comfortable and confident in 1 minute.

By getting past your imperfect motor engram, your learning curve will be dramatically reduced.

Change is good. Change at lighting speed is even better.

To learn about ALL the ways that RMT can enhance your performance on the course visit:

www.RMTforGolf.com/bookspecial.asp