I discovered last year that many of my best rounds had occurred immediately after being inspired by reading a new book about mental aspects of the game - many of which I've already referenced in this journal. However, I found that a round or two later, I'd revert back to my old habits of trying too hard and expecting good results, leading to frustration and anxiety.

Although these books inspired me, they hadn't changed me. I began rereading several of these books to keep the ideas and suggestions fresh in my mind. That helped me make progress, but I'd eventually regress again.

Upon further analysis, I found that these new approaches were helping me to get mentally prepared for a round beforehand, but that I rarely evaluated a round afterwards in enough depth or detail to determine what I did well and where I still needed improvement. Perhaps doing some post-game analysis would prevent me from having to keep relearning from the same mistakes and make my improvements more lasting or permanent.

I therefore decided to start this journal to record my evaluations, insights and experiences while learning to play more artful golf. From past experience, I've found I learn best by writing, which helps me sort out my thoughts and forces me to evaluate a subject more deeply, eventually resulting in a lasting understanding and change.

And if, along my journey to playing more artful golf, I happen to share a perspective or approach that helps or inspires another beginning golfer, that's even better.

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