Zen Golf - Interview with Dr Stephen Simpson
We caught up with Steve Simpson in between coaching sessions to find out more about his new course ‘Zen Golf’.
What prompted you to decide to teach Zen Golf?
Curiously I’m a keen golfer, but far less obsessed with golf than many people would expect. I am far more consumed by the awesome power of our mind, and how we can use it to unleash our hidden potential in all areas of our lives. Golf was the ideal entry point, because it is the one of the few sports where the mind is at least as important as technical ability, especially at the highest level.
Why the connection with ‘Zen’ in the title ‘Zen Golf’?
One of the most important things in improving your golf is to have a powerful sense of inner stillness. It is this which enables you to psychologically get into "the flow" so that you can perform at your optimum level. I thought the title was evocative and fun, and also emphsises the psychological aspect of not just golf, but all sport. It's about being able to shake off difficulties and just play to your very best. That's what the course is about.
Who is your favourite golfer?
I have several, all for different reasons. Despite his recent problems Tiger Woods has taken the game to a new level, and attracted millions of new fans to a sport that has been seen as elitist, and frankly boring. I like Rory McIlroy because of his youthful innocence and massive raw talent. My favourite is Caroline. She was my first client, and her 3 holes-in-one in quick succession grabbed people’s attention. She didn’t follow all my advice, but then wives rarely do.
Your love of golf comes out in the way you talk about it, how long have you played golf?
I first started at the age of 14, but it was a lot more expensive then to get started than it is now. I also spent most of my life working in developing countries, so there were few opportunities to play. Now I spend most of my time in England, have more opportunities, but a lot less time than I imagined.
Who will benefit from the course the most, the gals or the guys?
I know my Zen Golf course will resonate with people from all segments of society, and of all ages. I enjoy the notes from many men and women who write to me about their golfing stories after they have trained with me. That's always very satisfying - to hear and read stories of people who have improved their handicaps and are so much more in control than they were before the course.
Any plans for other courses?
Yes, I am also doing a workshop on confidence. This is something that is near to my heart, because so many people are held back by not believing that they can achieve. Seeing them freed up to do more is a wonderful thing, and seeing people trying, succeeding and learning, when before they would have been paralyse to act, that is a wonderful thing too! There are so many ways we can all enrich our lives by more effectively harnessing our brain power. Often the most important step is ditching the self-limiting beliefs we learnt at school, and in later life.
