On the Sweet Spot: Stalking the Effortless Present

by Richard Keefe and Richard S.E. Keefe

Book Overview

Like most moments of spiritual revelation, this one took place on a landfill in New Jersey. A young man is standing at an unprepossessing driving range, hitting balls toward a distant fence, when something unusual takes place. As he begins his swing, he has the sensation that his club is drawing itself back on its own; when it is ready, it starts downward, makes perfect contact, and the ball soars off in the right-to-left arc he'd imagined, hitting...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743223357
• ISBN13: 9780743223355
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

This IS the Sweet Spot

No sense being complicated about this. I enjoy the pleasure of having a very extensive golf library. This book is at the top of my list because it does away with a lot of the bs, and actually teaches you something about how to handle yourself and to grow as a golfer AND an adult. There's more medical info about how the brain works than a lot of people need to know or would even understand. That's not all bad, though; because you might learn something beyond the usual crap about your grip and how complicated it is to swing a stick. Personally, I'm playing better and enjoying my time on the range and course waaaay more. That is the point, isn't it?

A Fresh Approach to Sports Psychology

Having read several sports psychology books - Rotella etc. - I found "On The Sweet Spot" to be refreshing and provocative. Keefe marries sports performance with the science of the brain in an instructive and memorable manner. This is not a traditional "how to" book that reviews the standard steps such as "pre-shot routine" - I am sure that Keefe felt that those topics have been covered effectively by the existing body of work. Instead it probes deeper into the mysterious interaction between the self, the brain and spirituality.This is not a casual read, it demands thinking and reflection - but ultimately delivers a compelling message.

Highly recommended

I couldn't put the book down. Dr. Keefe does an incredible job of connecting insights from clinical neuroscience, modern fMRI, sports psychology, and years of his own experience into a book which is entertaining to read at the same time. Coming from someone who knows so much about how the brain works and who also has practical experience with teaching others how to find the effortless present, this book is a must read.

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY GOLFER

Dr. Richard Keefe is obviously a brilliant man who has written about a complex scientific topic and delivered its contents in an easy to read, and easy to absorb manner. The interjections of his personal experiences lends the reader the confidence necessary to just relax and enjoy the book. He will gain insight and wisdom from his findings. This book is the union of science and desire, and its quest to discover the ultimate joy, the sweet spot. This book is THE perfect gift for any golfer. Keep a few on hand, you will be surprised at how many people you know that deserve this book!!

The perfect book for all serious golfers

Richard Keefe's book is a masterful examination of the elusive search for the combination of muscular and mental processes in playing the game of golf. Most importantly he brings it within the grasp of all of us who are willing to listen. Anyone who has played this game (or others) and been in that place where each shot seems to be physically effortless and without "thought" has wondered why maintaining it is so elusive and maddening. ..... Richard Keefe provides you with a thoughtful, inciteful outline and process for staying in touch with that place. Beyond that, it provides you with a route back when you lose it. This book is well written, with a wry sense of humor and Mr. Keefe's incites come from different (and sometimes surprising) places and disciplines. I urge you to read it, and then reread it.