Beat The Course, Not Yourself!: One Golfer's Path to a Winning Mental Game

Beat the Course, Not Yourself!
One Golfer’s Path to a Winning Mental Game

Golf isn’t just about physical skill; it’s about mastering your mind, too. In Beat the Course, Not Yourself!, former PGA tour player Gary Christian and bestselling sport psychologist Dr. Curt Ickes team up to equip you with the mental game strategies needed to elevate your play.

Jack Sullivan, a determined 15-year-old golfer, dreams of earning a college scholarship and playing professionally. But when the pressure’s on, Jack’s game falls apart. Then he meets Charlie, a seasoned pro whose battle-tested wisdom teaches Jack that true victory starts from within—by mastering focus, silencing doubt, and building a strategic pre-shot routine.

Blending real-world golf strategies with mental mastery, this compelling story delivers practical lessons that every golfer—especially young players—can apply right away. From defeating negative self-talk to building a rock-solid pre-shot routine, Beat the Course, Not Yourself! is packed with actionable advice to transform your game. Join Jack on his journey and discover how you, too, can stay calm, confident, and in control—even in the most intense moments.
Whether preparing for your next tournament or sharpening your daily practice, this book equips you with the tools to play your best.

Perfect for golfers at any level, you’ll find out how to:
• Stay focused when the game doesn’t go as planned
• Build a consistent pre-shot routine for more reliable results
• Boost your confidence and trust your swing when it counts
• Bounce back quickly after a bad shot or tough round
• Stay calm and handle pressure during competition
• Set clear goals and track your progress
• Build mental resilience to face any challenge

Beat the Course, Not Yourself! isn’t just another golf book—it’s your guide to mastering confidence, focus, and mental resilience, no matter what challenges the course may throw your way.

About the Authors
With over 30 years of experience, Gary Christian brings a wealth of knowledge—from his All-SEC days at Auburn University to 30 mini-tour victories and two Korn Ferry Tour titles. At age 40, Gary became one of the oldest rookies in PGA Tour history, a true testament to his commitment to the mental game. He is now a PGA of America member and golf analyst for Golf Channel, ESPN, and PGA Tour Live. As a coach, Gary specializes in teaching players both physical and mental game skills, as well as course management strategies.

Bestselling author and Professor Emeritus Dr. Curt Ickes has over 35 years of expertise in clinical and sport psychology. He has worked with athletes from youth leagues to the pros, helping them sharpen their mental game for peak performance. Dr. Ickes is known for his engaging storytelling and practical mental game strategies. His books—including Win the Next Pitch!, Pitch by Pitch!, and You Got This!—have collectively sold over 50,000 copies and helped thousands of athletes build mental toughness and succeed on and off the field.