The 10-Second Rule

My good friend Dana Bates, of Big Break Hawaii and now Futures Tour fame, once shared “The 10-Second Rule” with a group of LPGA teaching pros. It’s so good that I want to share it with the world – so listen up and promise to practice it!

Here goes: After every golf shot you have 10 seconds to have any emotional reaction you want. Then LET IT GO and MOVE ON!

Whether your shot made you glad, sad or mad, feel it for a maximum of 10 seconds. Moan and groan, throw up your hands, jump for joy, shout and sing … then clear your mind and emotions and turn all your attention to the next shot.

Always remember: The most important shot in golf is … this one!

You can’t do anything about any shot that you’ve already hit. You can only be as clear and prepared as possible to play your current shot. Ten seconds and let it go, that's the rule, so that you’re always playing in the present, this shot. Chances are you’ll start being a lot happier come the 19th hole!

P.S. Dana and I were just winners together! She won our LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals Western Sectional Championship, and I took the senior title. Jamie Leno Zimron, 'The Golf Sensei' wins Senior Division Title.