Golfers' most essential tool is also their least understood tool: the brain.

Golfers are of course aware that they use their brain to swing a club, plot strategy, and estimate outcomes. But most golfers know very little about how distinct brain functions promote or inhibit a satisfying round of golf. They're unaware that they can consciously shift modes to their benefit. They operate under the false assumption that the physical and mental aspects of golf are separate elements of the game.

Without an adequate understanding of the interplay of the brain and the...