Product Description

The authors of the smash hit Every Shot Must Have a Purpose put the golf back in golf practice, with a revolutionary approach that replaces rote sessions with dynamic, proven drills.

As coaches to golf’s top players, Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson have created brilliant new mind- body strategies for every aspect of the game. With The Game Before the Game, they showcase their unique approach to practice, with winning techniques that ensure those hours on the driving range and practice green aren’t wasted on reinforcing bad habits.

The authors identify three essential types of practice:
• Warm-up: getting not only the muscles but also the mind in gear
• Maintenance: intended to prevent your swing from drifting between rounds
• Preparation: adding numerous new shots to your repertoire

From there, the authors outline pro-tested drills that help you find your swing rhythm, visualize success off the course, simplify putting, break through skill plateaus, and much more. Each chapter concludes with a memorable “swing key” for translating practice into success during the real thing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20130 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

About the Author
Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson cofounded VISION54/Coaching for the Future. In addition to serving as Annika Sorenstam’s coach and coaching the Swedish national golf team, Nilsson has spoken at numerous conferences worldwide. Lynn Marriott has been named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers and Golf Magazine’s 100 Top Teachers, coaching major figures such as Grace Park and Ken Kellaney. Award-winning sportswriter Ron Sirak is executive editor of Golf World. The trio are coauthors of Every Shot Must Have a Purpose (Gotham Books, 2005).

Customer Reviews

Are You Willing to Practice?
You must be willing to practice with some determination for this book to have value. If you are willing, you will find a lot that is useful here. Good golf involves a heightened mental state that increases focus and concentration. It's easy for concentration to lapse, especially on the practice range, where shots can get thoughtless, hurried and mechanical.

The principal thesis of this book is that focus and concentration can be learned, just like the more technical and mechanical aspects of the golf swing. There are many simple and practical suggestions on how to train for concentration and positive outcome. While some of the suggested drills may seem outlandish, most are straightforward and simple to do. Most golfers can get a lot of value from embracing these suggestions, learning how to slow down during practice sessions.

The book is well written and organized. It's brief enough to be accessible, though the last few chapters do seem a little like padding. Perhaps they felt they needed a longer book.

All in all a unique approach and a very good value for serious golfers of most skill levels who are willing to put in effort. Only the absolute beginner might want to wait a while before tackling this approach.

Long brochure
The book reads like a 200+ page brochure of their Vision54 programme. Some of the 30-minute practices makes you wonder what is the purpose of hitting shots with your eyes closed, feet together, one leg off the ground, etc. Perhaps, the purpose is better articulated in a lesson with the authors. The authors also try to be holistic including mental aspects of the game. In the end, it feels like the authors are trying to cover too much in one book and doing none of the topics justice. Then again, it is difficult to articulate what is the right feel for an individual as we are all different.

The Game Before The Game
This book, "The Game Before The Game" is an intricate part of improving one's golf game. It explains and trains one to incorporate the same focus and enjoyment of playing the course, with the process of focused practice. It has helped me to change my attitude of practice from a workout, to an extension of fun play. The book is well written with easy to follow instructions, which helps any player apply to one's practice routine. I look forward to seeking opportunities to practice areas which will most improve my course play. This book is an asset to all players; from the once a month player to the professional, it will help each one to become more focused and to enjoy each opportunity on the course or range. By using the instructions in this book, I now look forward to reducing my handicap each time I Tee Off!