Par 4 Q&A
Joan King, Peak Performance Strategist, is the founder of Positive Mental Imagery, a sports consulting firm specializing in the mental aspects of sports. She is dedicated to helping athletes realize their potential through
mind, body and spirit balance. Joan shared her insights with golfoutloud.com in our Par 4 Q&A.
Q1 Do you have to be a competitive golfer to benefit from your services? A1 No. The challenge of the game is much like playing a board game. The object is to get to the end in the least number of moves/shots. Therefore, the game truly involves only the player and the golf course. It is not about competing against an opponent as you do in a game of tennis. This is why golfers know what their lowest score is and are always striving to better it. Sports are a metaphor for empowerment. The mental game of golf teaches us about ourselves, which is then reflected in our performance.
Q2 What are the typical benefits the average golfer experiences from improving her mental game?
A2 Improving the mental golf game benefits the recreational and the tournament golfer in the same ways. Golfers report they are more relaxed while playing. Their attitude on the course is more positive. They are more focused. They have more fun while playing, and their scores and handicaps go down. In addition, they improve their four C’s: confidence, control, consistency and concentration. These are the mental parts of the game that golfers want help with the most.
Q3 Can the techniques you teach be applied to life off of the golf course?
A3 Yes, my clients usually remark that they are surprised that the mental techniques apply to their every day lives. Here is an example:
A high-handicap golfer was in one of my workshops, and her husband was dying of cancer. She played golf once a week as a reprieve from taking care of him 24/7, but always felt guilty when she did. We talked about the effect that body language has on a person’s overall disposition. When she went out to play she sat upright in the cart instead of slouching, stood up straight instead of slumping her shoulders, held her head high instead of looking down, and walked with purpose instead of shuffling. Within a week she was looking forward to playing golf. Her outlook and her golf game improved just by using this simple technique.
Q4 What is the best way for a golfer to contact you if she is interested in more information about your services?
A4 My clients are worldwide and I can be reached by phone at 828-696-2547, by email at pmi4@bellsouth.net or through the Positive Mental Imagery website at www.pmi4.com. On the website you can sign up for a free monthly mental golf newsletter and access self-hypnosis mental golf CDs and consultation services.
Par 4 Q&A:
Hosting Nationwide Tour Players and Their Families
golfoutloud.com had the opportunity to visit with Barb Tobis to discuss her experience as a volunteer at the Nationwide Tour event, which was hosted by the TPC Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Q1 I know you enjoy playing golf. How did you get started volunteering?A1 My first role as a volunteer was as a marshal for the golf tournament.
Q2 What made you decide to host tour players and their families in your home?
A2 I recognized that these players and some of their families are on the road week after week. When they stay here, the children can play in the yard and the players can use the laundry room and relax in the great room watching television. The players and their families can have space and comfort not found in a hotel room.
Q3 How would you describe your experiences as a hostess?
A3 It’s an enriching experience for me each time I meet the golfers and their families. It’s really enjoyable to watch the players in the tournament. I can follow them and cheer for their success throughout the year.
Q4 What’s your favorite part of hosting tournament players?
A4 Spend five minutes with them and you have new friends. The players and their families become our friends and come back to stay in following years.
Par 4 Q&A: How Pedorthics Can Benefit Women Golfers
Ellie Penner is a certified pedorthist and lady golfer. Sole Dimensions, her office in Wake Forest, North Carolina, provides evaluations, custom orthotic products, shoes and insoles. She met with golfoutloud.com to participate in our Par 4 Q&A.
Q1 You have recently been bitten by the golf bug. What attracts you to the game of golf? 
A1 I would have to say it’s hitting the ball off the tee that keeps me coming back.
Q2 You are a professional, certified pedorthist. What is the role of a certified pedorthist?
A2 We create and adapt footwear, which includes shoes and orthotics, to prevent or alleviate pain and discomfort in the feet, knees, hips or lower back.
Q3 Can golfers benefit from visiting a pedorthist?
A3 Absolutely. Biomechanics are very important to golf and a comprehensive evaluation can help golfers achieve proper support for their feet, preventing or reducing pain associated with poor support.
Q4 If a lady golfer is interested in visiting a pedorthist, what should she do?
A4 She should talk to her doctor about her concerns; if the doctor thinks pedorthist services will be beneficial, then the doctor can write a prescription for orthotics or refer her for an evaluation. A doctor’s referral is not necessary for non-custom arch supports, shoes or assessments. Certified pedorthists can be found by visiting the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics.