What's happened to you is that you identify with your handicap. ("I'm a 12," "I'm a 15," etc.) You play with people with similar handicaps because it's comfortable. The way you're playing right now is familiar. You wouldn't even recognize yourself any other way. Like everyone else, you're resistant to change.

And let's not forget: golf is a hard game. It takes dedication and a lot of time devoted to working on the mechanical part of your game just to stay where you are, let alone improve. But I have to tell you: 90% of amateur golfers ignore the equally important part of golf -- the mental game.

If your score is going to come down -- and stay down -- your mental attitude has to change. You have to start thinking differently, no matter what your handicap.

For example, if you rarely break 100, notice how you feel when you think of yourself playing in the low to mid-90's. Of course, you like "the idea," which excites you -- but also notice the discomfort.

You know you'll need to make a couple of pars on each 9. Maybe an occasional birdie. But then immediately you think, "Who am I kidding? I'm not that good."

Keep in mind, though, that to get out of "The Comfort Rut," you have to get uncomfortable, and you have to tolerate this discomfort.

Look at what Annika Sorenstam did just to avoid being in "The Comfort Rut." She went and "played with the boys." And even though she didn't make the cut at last year's Colonial, the incredible challenge of this experience elevated her level of play so much that she won her next two tournaments and became the LPGA Player of the Year.

More than anything, what sets a champion apart from us lowly mortals is a positive mental attitude, a vision of what's possible and a willingness to take risks. Annika's vision is shooting a 54. A birdie on every hole. She's already shot a 59 in competition. To achieve her goal, Annika knows she has to take risks.

Close your eyes and talk to your Subconscious Mind

"The miracle-working powers of your Subconscious Mind existed before you and I were born, before any church or world existed. The great eternal truths and principles of life antedate all religion. All you have to do is unite mentally and emotionally with the good you wish to embody, and the creative powers of your Subconscious will respond accordingly."

Once your Subconscious Mind accepts your new imagery, your body will follow your mind. It's that simple.

Here's a plan to get there. For the next few weeks, before you go to bed at night and arise in the morning -- when you're not quite awake -- close your eyes and start talking softly to yourself. (No one but your Subconscious Mind needs to hear.)

Tell yourself what a smooth, easy swing you have -- that you're a great golfer. A winner. Get your senses involved. Imagine hearing some friends commenting on how your game has improved. For example, you might hear, "What's happened to your game? I can't believe how well you're playing!" Feel the comfort and pleasure of this. This is the New You. See your score card with lots of pars and birdies. Feel the excitement and pleasure of this new reality.

Remember that your Subconscious Mind functions only with perception. Give it a new reality, repeat it often enough, and your behavior will change whether it's in your everyday life or on the golf course. Whether you score in the 80s, 90s or 100s, you can lower your handicap.

Change your thoughts. Change your reality. Get out of "The Comfort Rut" and "Own The Zone." Jennifer Scott, C. Ht. is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who practices in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jennifer is the creator of several Own The Zone^TM hypnosis programs and a regular GOLFONLINE contributor. E-mail Jennifer with questions or comments at jennifer@ownthezonegolf.com.