The Power of Mental Rehearsal and The Legend of Major James Nesmeth

Imagine being confined in a coffin-like bamboo cage, cut off from the world, with nothing to distract you but your thoughts. This was the reality for Major James Nesmeth, a devoted golfer and prisoner of war in Vietnam. Deprived of his freedom and any external stimulation, Nesmeth turned inward, finding escape in his mind.

Legend has it that every day of his seven-year captivity, he played a full round of golf in his imagination (a form of Mental Rehearsal). He vividly recreated one of his favourite courses, immersing himself in its sights, sounds, and even the smells. He envisioned the feel of the grass underfoot, the sweet sound of club striking ball, and even the camaraderie of playing with friends.

Each shot was deliberate, each detail brought to life by his imagination. He visualised different weather conditions, adjusted his clothing accordingly, and even challenged himself with tricky pin placements.

When Major Nesmeth was finally freed, legend has it that he’d dropped nearly 20 strokes off his game – despite not having touched a golf club for over seven years.

The Science Behind the Legend

While some may dismiss this story or find it hard to believe, modern neuroscience supports its validity. The subconscious mind – which is also the body – does not know the difference between a real experience (taken in through the 5 senses), or one that has been vividly imagined and created only in the mind, ie Mental Rehearsal.

And that means; every time you remember a bad shot in your mind, question your abilities, or succumb to doubt, you’re unknowingly reinforcing those negative patterns which influence your performance – in a negative way.

But the reverse is equally true. When you spend time visualising yourself performing at your peak – hitting perfect drives, sinking tricky putts, and playing with confidence – you are conditioning your mind and body for success.

Mental Rehearsal primes you for peak performance, aligning the power of your subconscious mind with the outcomes you desire.

Unlocking the Power of Your Mind with QLG

Mental rehearsal is just one of the transformative tools taught in the QLG Coaching Programme. Imagine having a structured, proven system to harness the power of your mind, helping you to:

• Build Belief and Trust in your Abilities
• Develop a Winning Mindset, no matter the circumstances
• Programme yourself for Consistent, Peak Performance

Discover the secrets behind legends like Major Nesmeth and take your game to a whole new level. With QLG Coaching, you’ll not only learn about mental rehearsal – you’ll master it.

QLG Secret #3 – Develop Total Belief in Your Abilities as a Golfer

Unlocking the Hidden Level of Performance

What Happens When You Believe? When you look at a shot and you ‘fancy it’- you know how I mean – it feels good when you look at it. It feels like you can do it. When you do that, something incredible happens.

When you perceive, believe and think that a shot is possible, your brain sends signals to the body to make that shot happen. If and when you perceive a shot as difficult, not possible, even impossible, you’re brain sends signals that make something else happen.

Belief isn’t just mental; it’s physical and biological.

An excerpt from Total Belief Golf by A.P. O’Neill

You are a multi-cellular being, made up of about 70 trillion cells. And in the time it takes to read to the end of this paragraph your body will produce around one million new cells. In the next 24 hours – just to stay alive – your body will have to make 50 billion new cells.. Some of these new cells will emerge and grow to full maturity – consisting of 40,000 individual working parts – in less than 3 seconds.

Each of your new cells is an individual life form. And that life is dedicated to scanning the environment where it lives – your body – for signals. The way you perceive, think or feel about any situation causes your brain to produce and release chemicals into your body. These chemical signals are read and interpreted by the cells, and information – that you’re sending – tells your cells what to do and what to make.

The best signal you can send is a clear one, based on trust and belief. Because when you believe and perceive something as possible, something that you can do, your brain sends signals to make that something happen. If and when you perceive something as difficult or not possible, even impossible, you create signals that enable you not to do it.

You get to choose; have Complete Trust in your Swing and Total Belief in your Abilities as a golfer. Or a mind distracted by over-analysis and filled with all the things you don’t want to happen. Resulting in a body built from tension, doubt and apprehension.

You are in control, if you choose to be. But remember you’re always in the process of creation, and the game never stops.

Your own beliefs are selecting and activating your genes, and (believe it or not) if you don’t have the right genes to do the job, your beliefs will rewrite your genes in effort to make it happen. Our perceptions, our thoughts and our beliefs control our biology, and when you have Total Belief you’ll be able to do things that previously would have been impossible.

Belief literally changes who you are. And though you might look the same from the outside, although you probably won’t. But your abilities and capabilities are transformed at the cellular and atomic level.

It is incredible to me to think that you and I are literally shaping ourselves with our beliefs in real time. You and your body will produce nearly 50,000,000,000 new cells today. The question is: what are YOU making?

The QLG Approach: Belief as a Core Principle

Everything we do at QLG is designed to help you develop belief in your abilities as a golfer. But Level 3 – Total Belief – goes even deeper. There’s a hidden ‘secret’ level of performance that most golfers will never tap into, a level that maybe only QLG can help you unlock.

The Biology of Belief: A Simple Choice

At any moment, you have two paths:

• A mind distracted by over-analysis, tension, and doubt, building a body of apprehension.
• A mind rooted in trust and belief, creating a body ready to perform freely and naturally.

Belief literally selects and activates your genes, shaping your physical abilities in real time. It’s not about “if” you can do it – it’s about whether you believe you can do it – or not.

“Belief literally changes who you are and what you’re capable of, it is transformation at a cellular and atomic level”

The Next Step: Total Belief Golf

With QLG, belief is more than just a concept; it’s a Mindset we help you to develop. Imagine the golfer you could become with Total Belief in your abilities. You’re now just one step away from becoming that golfer.

SWING THOUGHTS: what are you thinking?

Imagine this: You’re standing over the ball, ready to make your shot. The sun is warm on your face, the grass feels soft underfoot, and everything should be perfect – except your mind won’t stop thinking. One swing thought after another: Keep the left arm straight. Rotate the hips. Don’t come over the top.

Sound familiar?

For many golfers, this is the reality of every round. But what if it didn’t have to be this way?

“Each time he addressed the ball his mind was occupied with swing thoughts. Different thoughts that changed each time he played, depending on what he thought the problem was this time.”

That’s the opening line from Total Belief Golf, and it captures the heart of a problem faced by so many golfers.

• Instead of trusting your swing, you’re constantly tweaking it
• Where certainty should prevail, doubt and indecision take over
• When you need clarity of mind, you have a head full of swing thoughts

The Key to the Next Level

Here’s the truth: You already have the swing.

Think about the hours you’ve spent practicing, analysing, and refining your technique. Your body has been trained. The skills are there. But instead of allowing your swing to shine, you let your mind interfere.

Now it’s time for a shift. It’s time to change your thinking.

Picture this: You stand over the ball, your mind clear and focused. There’s no second-guessing, no over-analysis – just a clear and vivid visualisation of the shot you’re about to execute. Moments later, in finish position; you’re now watching the very shot you imagined reproduced into reality – exactly as you imagined it.

It’s not magic; it’s the power of a focused, disciplined mind.

Introducing the QLG Pre-Shot Routine

At QLG, we’ve developed The Outcome-Focused Pre-Shot Routine – a revolutionary shift in how you approach every shot. This isn’t about adding more thoughts – it’s about removing them entirely and playing with pure trust and clarity.

• Freedom: No more doubt, no more second-guessing
• Clarity: A single, crystal-clear focus on the outcome you desire
• Consistency: A repeatable routine that works across every club in your bag

With this process, you’re not thinking your way through a shot – you’re executing it. The distractions are gone, and all that remains is the certainty of seeing your vision become reality.

Experience the Breakthrough for Yourself

Imagine stepping onto the course with a mind free from interference, a swing free from tension, and a game built on complete trust. That’s what the QLG Pre-Shot Routine delivers.

If you’re tired of swing thoughts holding you back, the solution is here. It’s time to trust your training, let go of the noise, and take your game to the next level.

Why Traditional Golf Coaching is Holding You Back

For decades, golfers have been sold the same promise: Fix your swing, and everything will fall into place.

Countless lessons, endless drills, and thousands spent on new equipment—yet the frustration remains.

If traditional golf coaching truly worked, wouldn’t more golfers be breaking through to their best performances?

The Harsh Truth: Mechanics Won’t Save You

Golfers chase technical perfection, but what if the real reason you’re stuck isn’t in your swing at all? Traditional coaching focuses obsessively on mechanics—grip, stance, takeaway, follow-through—yet the most crucial factor of all is ignored: the mind.

Here’s the reality:

• You hit it perfectly on the range but fall apart on the course.
• Pressure situations make you second-guess, tighten up, and miss shots you should make.
• Despite endless practice, your scores barely improve—or even get worse.

Traditional Coaching is a Never-Ending Cycle

Most golf lessons follow the same pattern: A pro identifies a flaw in your swing, gives you a drill, and sends you off to grind it out. The next lesson? Another tweak. And another. It’s a treadmill of technical fixes with no real breakthrough.

🔹 You don’t need a better swing. You need a better approach.

Where Traditional Coaching Fits – And Where It Falls Short

Let’s be clear—traditional coaching has its place. It’s essential for learning the fundamentals, building a solid swing, and understanding the mechanics of the game. Every golfer needs a foundation, and technical coaching plays an important role in that early stage.

But there comes a point—sooner than you think—where technique alone is no longer enough.

Once you’ve developed a functional swing, the real challenge of golf begins: mastering your mind.

• Why do golfers with “perfect” swings still crumble under pressure?
• Why do amateurs keep taking lessons but never see their scores drop?
• Why do some players with unconventional swings still dominate on the course?

Because golf isn’t just a mechanical game—it’s a mental battle. And if you’re still trapped in the cycle of technical fixes, you’ll never unlock your full potential. This is where QLG steps in.

The QLG Revolution: Breaking Free from the Old Model

At Quantum Leap Golf (QLG), we don’t patch symptoms—we eliminate the root causes of inconsistency, frustration, and plateauing performance.

✅ The Power of Mental Mastery – The greatest golfers don’t just have great swings; they have elite minds. QLG trains you to develop total belief, trust, and focus so your best golf becomes automatic.

✅ No More Swing Thoughts – Traditional coaching teaches golfers to think more—QLG teaches you to think less. Free your mind, trust your ability, and play with clarity.

✅ Rapid, Lasting Improvement – While others grind through slow, marginal progress, QLG golfers experience sudden, game-changing breakthroughs.

QLG is Not Just Coaching. It’s Transformation.

If you’re tired of swing tweaks and still waiting for real results, it’s time to break free from traditional coaching and make a Quantum Leap in Performance.

Welcome to the New Game: Why QLG Is Changing Golf Forever

It’s not just better golf. It’s a better way to get there.

For years, golfers have done what they were told: grind on the range, take more lessons, chase the perfect swing.

But after all that effort, many still find themselves stuck. Their scores plateau. Confidence wavers. Progress slows.

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not the problem.

The truth is, a new kind of golf is emerging. And it’s built on a deeper understanding of how we humans really function—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This is Quantum Leap Golf. And once you feel the difference, there’s no going back.

The Shift: From Old Golf to New Golf

We’re not here to attack traditional methods.

But it’s time to acknowledge something essential:

The old way just doesn’t deliver consistent breakthroughs—because it rarely addresses the real issues.

Here’s what many golfers have experienced under the old model:

• A constant search for mechanical fixes
• Swing thoughts that multiply and clutter the mind
• Frustration that leads to self-doubt and mental fatigue

It’s not for lack of effort—it’s because most systems were never designed to integrate the mind, the strategy, the physical, and the player’s true nature.

That’s where QLG steps in.

What Makes QLG So Different?

It’s not just a coaching programme—it’s a system built on three vital truths:

1️⃣ Your mind is your #1 asset

If you’re not training it, you’re leaving 80% of your potential untapped.
QLG teaches you how to think clearly, trust deeply, and perform freely.

2️⃣ Your swing is already good enough

Most golfers don’t need a new swing—they need to get out of the way of the one they’ve already trained.
QLG replaces overthinking with confidence and flow.

3️⃣ You’re capable of more than you think

What looks like inconsistency is often a lack of belief.
QLG helps you build Total Belief in your abilities—and it shows up instantly on the scorecard.

Real Results. Real Fast.

“Since joining QLG, I’ve played 6 rounds—and every one was under 73. That’s without changing anything about my swing. Just the way I approach the game mentally.”
– Jackson Reid – Florida, USA 

QLG golfers consistently report sudden, dramatic improvements. Not after years of grinding—but after a few short weeks of thinking differently.

Why? Because the system works with how people actually function—not with outdated models of instruction.

A Better Way to Coach. A Better Way to Play.

• We believe in coaching that genuinely cares about the golfer.
• We believe in a system that gives room for growth, reflection, and transformation.
• And we believe golfers deserve to feel excited again – like they’ve finally found what they’ve been searching for.

QLG Master Class: Course Planning, Strategy, and Management

Introduction: The Art of Strategic Golf

It’s amazing how many amateurs – and even professionals – step onto the course without a clear game plan. Yet, as the legendary Jack Nicklaus once said, “Success depends almost entirely on how effectively you learn to manage the game’s two ultimate adversaries: the course and yourself.”

Course planning and management are not just for the pros; they are powerful tools that any golfer can use to dramatically improve consistency and scoring. This QLG Master Class draws from the wisdom of Legends – Nicklaus, Woods, Trevino, Faldo, and Player – blended with the cutting-edge techniques of Quantum Leap Golf to give you the ultimate strategy guide. By adopting even a fraction of their approach, you can unlock new levels of performance.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to mastering the art of course planning and management.

Step 1: Plan from Pin to Tee

One of the most valuable lessons from Jack Nicklaus’s “Pin-to-Tee Planning” approach is the importance of visualising the course backward. Instead of simply focusing on the tee shot, ask yourself: Where do I want the ball to finish on the green?

Key Actions:

1. Visualise the Green: Identify the optimal landing area on the green for each hole. Consider slopes, pin placement, and risk-reward factors.
2. Plan Backward: Work backward from that spot to determine the ideal position for your approach shot. From there, decide where your tee shot should land to set you up perfectly.
3. Adjust for Conditions: Take into account wind, weather, and course conditions, refining your plan as necessary.

Nicklaus’s method teaches us that by starting with the end in mind, you can approach each hole with clarity and purpose.

“You don’t just play the course; your goal is to master it.”

Step 2: Tactical Aggressive Play

Tiger Woods is renowned for his calculated approach to the game. While known for his ability to attack, he’s also one of the most disciplined players in golf history, often choosing conservative options to minimise risk.

The Traffic Light System:

1. Green (Attack): When conditions and position are ideal, go for the aggressive play.
2. Amber (Judgment): Evaluate the risks and rewards. This is where good judgment comes into play – sometimes the conservative choice is the smartest one.
3. Red (Caution): Play tactical and aim for position. Reduce risk by focusing on control and precision.

Tiger’s philosophy reminds us that golf isn’t about always going for the heroic shot. Instead, it’s about sticking to a plan, minimising mistakes, and attacking only when the odds are firmly in your favour.

“Smart golf isn’t flashy – it’s effective.”

Step 3: Focused Practice for Real Results

Gary Player emphasised that preparation is the key to success: “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” Once your plan is in place, it’s time to simulate the shots you’ll face on the course.

How to Practice Effectively:

1. Recreate Scenarios: Use your range sessions to simulate every shot in your plan. Practice tee shots, approach shots, and recoveries.
2. Full Routine: Incorporate your pre-shot and post-shot routines during practice to mimic real course conditions.
3. Refine the Plan: Use your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement and adjust your game plan as needed.

With focused practice, you’re not just hitting balls – you’re preparing for success.

Step 4: Post-Round Reflections

Lee Trevino believed in learning from every round, good or bad. After each game, dedicate time to reflect and refine your approach.

The 3 Questions:

1. What did I do well today? Recognise your strengths and aim to replicate them.
2. What could I have done better? Identify areas for improvement without self-criticism.
3. What can I learn for next time? Use today’s experience to fine-tune tomorrow’s plan.

This routine ensures continuous improvement and builds your confidence for every round.

Step 5: Mastering the Mental Game

Nick Faldo and Earl Woods both stressed the importance of mental preparation. Earl Woods’s training focused on instilling unshakable belief, while Faldo’s discipline emphasised focus and composure under pressure.

Strengthen Your Mind:

1. Visualise Success: Before each round, imagine yourself executing your plan perfectly.
2. Stay Composed: When things don’t go as planned, adapt without frustration.
3. Trust Your Swing: Confidence in your preparation leads to confidence on the course.

“A strong mind creates a strong game.”

Your QLG Advantage

At QLG, we integrate the wisdom of the Legends with cutting-edge coaching techniques to give you the tools to excel.

Whether it’s crafting a strategic game plan, practicing with purpose, or mastering your mental game, QLG offers a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your goals.

SWING THOUGHTS: what are you thinking?

Imagine this: You’re standing over the ball, ready to make your shot. The sun is warm on your face, the grass feels soft underfoot, and everything should be perfect – except your mind won’t stop thinking. One swing thought after another: Keep the left arm straight. Rotate the hips. Don’t come over the top.

Sound familiar?

For many golfers, this is the reality of every round. But what if it didn’t have to be this way?

“Each time he addressed the ball his mind was occupied with swing thoughts. Different thoughts that changed each time he played, depending on what he thought the problem was this time.”

That’s the opening line from Total Belief Golf, and it captures the heart of a problem faced by so many golfers.

• Instead of trusting your swing, you’re constantly tweaking it
• Where certainty should prevail, doubt and indecision take over
• When you need clarity of mind, you have a head full of swing thoughts

The Key to the Next Level

Here’s the truth: You already have the swing.

Think about the hours you’ve spent practicing, analysing, and refining your technique. Your body has been trained. The skills are there. But instead of allowing your swing to shine, you let your mind interfere.

Now it’s time for a shift. It’s time to change your thinking.

Picture this: You stand over the ball, your mind clear and focused. There’s no second-guessing, no over-analysis – just a clear and vivid visualisation of the shot you’re about to execute. Moments later, in finish position; you’re now watching the very shot you imagined reproduced into reality – exactly as you imagined it.

It’s not magic; it’s the power of a focused, disciplined mind.

Introducing the QLG Pre-Shot Routine

At QLG, we’ve developed The Outcome-Focused Pre-Shot Routine – a revolutionary shift in how you approach every shot. This isn’t about adding more thoughts – it’s about removing them entirely and playing with pure trust and clarity.

• Freedom: No more doubt, no more second-guessing
• Clarity: A single, crystal-clear focus on the outcome you desire
• Consistency: A repeatable routine that works across every club in your bag

With this process, you’re not thinking your way through a shot – you’re executing it. The distractions are gone, and all that remains is the certainty of seeing your vision become reality.

Experience the Breakthrough for Yourself

Imagine stepping onto the course with a mind free from interference, a swing free from tension, and a game built on complete trust. That’s what the QLG Pre-Shot Routine delivers.

If you’re tired of swing thoughts holding you back, the solution is here. It’s time to trust your training, let go of the noise, and take your game to the next level.