As with many other words, throughout history, the word “dome” has come to have multiple meanings.  Some definitions include, a rounded vault, the natural canopy of the sky, or a head(skull).  These definitions have tremendous significance as they relate to golf and those that are serious about playing the game to their highest levels of performance.  There are three specific levels that comprise the all encompassing golf “dome.”  These levels are the physical dome, the intellectual dome, and the spiritual dome. It is only when a player can distinguish between the three domes and understand how each level relates to their game that they will begin to move closer to mastering golf as well as themselves. 

Note:  The following definitions deal with all aspects of golf, however, the examples used will be in reference to putting, which is, in my opinion, the cornerstone of great golf.  Again, these ideas are for all golfers, at any skill level, to move closer to golf mastery.

 The Physical Dome  

Although we think of golf as being very linear, the fact remains that every hole on every putting green is circular in nature and, therefore, has 360 degrees surrounding it.  Let’s start by drawing an imaginary 10 foot circle around the golf hole.  By placing balls randomly around the perimeter of the 10 foot circle and putting them towards the hole you will discover the physical dome, the essence of all conceivable and possible putts around one hole.(Of course, some undulation on the green is required for this statement to be absolute.)  These are, uphill-straight, left to right, and right to left…downhill-straight, left to right, and right to left…side hill-left to right and right to left…and, of course, a level straight putt, which is probably the most rare of putts due to the necessity for proper drainage on most putting greens.  Just as there are only nine ball flights in the air, there are only nine ways the ball can roll on the earth.  Again, the physical dome may be defined as the 360 degree area surrounding each and every hole on every golf course where all putts exist.  Acceptance of the physical dome will, without fail, bring any player to a higher awareness of the limited possibilities around every golf hole and how to properly identify the one to choose for their intended shot.  This awareness will now move a player into the next level of growth…the intellectual dome. 

The Intellectual Dome

I have been asked why I refer to this area as the intellectual dome as opposed to the mental dome and the answer is simple:  This area requires intellect.  Everyone has mental ability, however, not all use their intellect.  This is the distinction between the two.  The intellectual dome is not “thinking” you’re going to make the putt, but rather knowing “how and why” you will make it.  The intellectual dome is the assessment of all factors that go into any given shot and the absence of any distractions.  Again, we will use the example of a 10 foot putt.  The physical dome will answer for the player the question of movement of the ball once it has been struck, it is now, through the intellectual dome that the player explores the possibilities of line and pace of the putt.  The pace of a putt is the more critical of the two factors because it is only after determining pace that a player can see and choose the proper line.  This process, done in reverse, (line before pace) will end in inconsistency and far more multiple putt greens.  The truly great players, that are in command of their intellectual dome, know that it is only through proper pace that any type of consistency will develop and trust in  their stroke will be nurtured.  It is in that trust that we move to the final level…the spiritual dome.      

The Spiritual Dome 

Many people confuse this with some religious significance.  Or, perhaps, for some, it is religious.  I would describe it more as, what is commonly referred to as, the “mental game.”  However, it goes so much deeper than that, as anyone who has reached this level would agree.   The spiritual dome is the unconscious mind “feeling before seeing,” “knowing before understanding,” and “executing instinctively.”  It is positive thinking, good karma, and enlightenment all wrapped up in one.  When a 10 foot putt is made long before the putter touches the ball.  When all the information from the physical dome and intellectual dome have been filtered and programed in the conscious mind and the only thing left are the purest thoughts of success and accomplishment of the task at hand, then, and only then will the great canopy of the spiritual dome be unveiled to see the limitless possibilities of a players potential.  The spiritual dome is an umbrella under which time stands still and all things mental and physical blend together in perfect harmony.  It is what top performers describe as the elusive ”zone,” although, the truly gifted individuals seem to explore its vastness more regularly than most.  The spiritual dome is where good golfers become great, and great golfers become champions!

The Dome is the triumvirate powers of earth, body, and universe joined together to reach the highest levels of performance.  Now it is time for you to enter the dome!

 Thanks for golfing with Jeff