It’s a rare occurrence when an upstart blog, or business, or career garners the attention of someone who is well-known. It’s even more rare for a well-known person to participate in the growth of the organization. I’ve been fortunate to have met Dr. Morris Pickens, a preeminent sports psychologist, and to have had the opportunity to mention what SonlightLex.com is trying to accomplish. Dr. Pickens, being a devout Christian, took an immediate belief in the project and offered his support.

Being a golf writer in one of my other present lives, I couldn’t be happier than to have Dr. Pickens as today’s sponsor. He coaches the likes of current British Open champion, Stewart Cink, and 2007 Masters Champion, Zach Johnson, both of whom have professed their belief in Christ on national television, as well as the current U.S. Open Champion, Lucas Glover. I don’t know of another mental game coach, past or present, who has had such success. Thank you, Dr. Pickens, for taking part in this little project.

It’s only natural (and fair) that such professional success be shared with the masses. Dr. Mo, as he is widely known, has done just that with his book, Learn to Win: One Shot at a Time.

Golfers will benefit from, not a new way of thinking about their game, but a redirection of the good things that are already there in each of our minds. The tendency of most amateur golfers is to expect great things each time they step on the golf course. But, most amateurs (Yes, you. Even if you think you’re great.) don’t look at their games realistically. They set unrealistic expectations. So, at the first errant shot, their round takes a nosedive due to a quick onset of anger, a depressed mind set, or embarrassment.

A good round could be salvaged with the right outlook. One shot is just that, one shot. We’re all good for a few, or many, of those each round. Accepting that will make for more enjoyment, and better play. Yes, better play!

By holding to Dr. Mo’s Four R’s of golf, as described in Learn to Win, we can learn to play golf one shot at a time. Here are the Four R’s in order:

Refocus – When you make decisions for the upcoming shot. Before you walk toward the ball to hit the shot.

Routine (pre-shot routine) – This is how you walk in, get set up, and take practice swings if desired. This happens after you’ve made your decision on what to do for the shot.

React – The golf swing. Immediately after the routine. This is where you’re trusting and going.”

Relax – This is how you spend time between shots, and when doing this, “you are not focused on golf. During this time you can think about architecture, wildlife, clouds, hobbies, anything — just not golf.” This is where you spend most of your time on the course, anyway.

Dr. Pickens goes into greater detail about how to achieve each of the Four R’s and make them a part of your game. Reading Learn to Win will do wonders for your mental game, and the result will be lower scores. Also, and I’m sure you will agree, the Four R’s seem to be applicable to any situation, whether on the golf course or preparing for the workday. We can learn to win anywhere and everywhere.

Learn to Win: One Shot at a Time can be found at DrMoLearntoWin.com, at Amazon.com, and other booksellers.