Another Zone: God and Golf

The writing of this book is not because I enjoy writing but because I could not conscientiously not write this book. Something kept prodding me. I have tried to escape writing it in many ways like finding other things to do and hoping the urgency would go away. The evidence of this book tells you I did not escape the imperative.

Another aspect of this book is grounded in conversations with friends and colleagues. For ten years now couples who were involved with the Institute of Cultural Affairs on one level or another have met at a Mountain Retreat in Conifer, Colorado to reflect on the las. year's journey of our lives. It has usually taken a day or more to get this done. We set out a tentative schedule for the rest of the week. Once the schedule is set and free time arranged "Bud" Ames and I would set out for the golf course two or three times during the week.

"Bud" is deeply involved in the Heifer International Project. He is a veternarian so he goes to different projects as a skilled enthusiast. I told him when and if this book gets written the proceeds will go to the Heifer International Project. So we played golf on behalf of the Heifer International Project.

Let us move on. Another friend and colleague of mine since seminary days is John Berger of Chico, California. During one visit with him and his wife, Viola, we went to a golf driving range with his son, James. As James and I were hitting golf balls and John, sitting on bench at the side, watching and observing, made the comment, "Don, you are in another zone when you swing the golf club. Thus, the title of the book, Another Zone: God and Golf.

After reflecting on other cultures and observing sports as it relates to our culture, I assert that golf is the American Tai Chi. For example, Tai Chi is about relating the mind, heart and body as a whole unit. A quote from "Tai Chi Chuan" by Douglas Lee states, "Tai Chi represents a fusion of spiritual culture with physical culture, spiritually it incorporates the Taost principle of non-doing with the principle of serenity. Physically it utilizes the principle of health based on the strengthening and relaxing of the whole human body."

He states there are three essential elements to Tai Chi; meditation, health and self defense. The practice of these involves the training of both mind and body.

Golf is the practice of bringing the body mind and spirit into one complete movement. As you read this book I hope that you come to the same conclusion. Golf is indeed the American Tai Chi and there is a relationship between God and golf.