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Philip Ripley Ward has been a lifelong golf enthusiast, honing his skills on the green for over four decades. Now, he’s ready to share the insights and lessons he’s learned along the way as an independent golf specialist. In his new book “Golf is Not What You Think: The Finishing Touch.” This self-help manual for mastering the mental side of the game.
Ward’s passion for golf began 20 years prior, from “circling the mountain” during those years. For Ward, there was just something so captivating about the mental focus and physical precision required to play a good round of golf.
After years of practice and dedication, Ward has reached the peak of his golfing abilities. His book depicted his life as an independent golf specialist and a teacher since 1979. But he’ll be the first to admit that the road to golfing excellence was not without its challenges. For him, golf is such a mental sport. It’s not just about having the right swing or the perfect equipment. Golf is about training your mind to stay focused, positive, and confident no matter what.
Bringing the A-Game for Philip Ripley Ward

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In “Golf is Not What You Think It Is,” Ward distills the wisdom he’s gained over the years into a solo golfer’s guide to success. The book is also designed to help golfers of all skill levels optimize their mental approach to the game. From visualizing success to managing anxiety and disappointment, Ward covers techniques that he believes are essential for unlocking one’s full potential on the course.
So many golfers get in their own head, allowing negative thoughts and emotions derail their performance. Philip Ripley Ward’s goal with this book is to provide a roadmap for developing the mental fortitude needed to consistently play your best golf, no matter the circumstances.
Ward’s insights are rooted in his own experiences as a competitive golfer and his knowledge of the psychology behind golf. He hopes that sharing his journey will inspire others to approach the game with renewed focus, determination, and joy.
Since golf has given the author so much over the years, it made Ward reflect. The sport has been a source of challenge, growth, and pure, unadulterated fun. With the right mindset, he believes anyone can capture that same sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on the green.
Finding Balance and Passion on the Course

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While many golf self-help books touch on the game’s mental aspects, Ward’s “Golf is Not What You Think” takes a uniquely holistic and balanced approach. Rather than solely focusing on techniques to eliminate negative thoughts or increase confidence, Ward emphasizes the importance of finding harmony between golf’s mental, physical, and emotional elements.
So much advice is about controlling or suppressing your emotions on the course. But in Ward’s experience, that’s not a sustainable or healthy way to play golf. He believes the key is learning to acknowledge and work with your thoughts and feelings, not fight against them.
Ward’s book guides readers through steps and strategies to help golfers develop greater self-awareness and focus. It offers practical tools for creating a centered, resilient mindset to withstand golf’s inevitable ups and downs.
More importantly, Ward stresses maintaining a spirit of joy and passion for the sport. After all, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to perform and lose sight of why players fell in love with golf in the first place. But this is supposed to be fun at the end of the day. His book is as much about rediscovering that sense of play and wonder as it is about sharpening one’s A-game.
Grab A Copy of Philip Ridley Ward’s Book Today!
Playing golf is a lifelong commitment, and the internal aspect is just as crucial as the physical. Through this book, Ward hopes it will be a trusted companion for golfers looking for motivation. It is not just to improve their score but to find greater fulfillment in the entire experience.
“Golf Is Not What You Think: The Finishing Touch” is available on digital shelves. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro or a weekend warrior, Ward’s insights will transform your relationship with the sport. So grab your clubs, tee up, and get ready to bring your A-game.

