GolfEase 2000™ :

1. Anti-Stress Control
2. Extended Release
3. Better Golf

Q. Why do some golfers - independent of ability - experience success in the face of adversity on the golf course, while others self-destruct?

A.  As golfers, we are vulnerable to feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety and excitement, all inherent to the game. If your nerves, anger, or attitude are impeding your ability to play to your potential, you must learn to control the negative thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors if you wish to improve your game.

Q. I am a beginner. Would I benefit from your Mastering the Mental Game programs, or are they only for advanced players and touring professionals?

A.  Golfers of all skill levels experience a wide variety of different emotions that need to be managed while out on the course. In addition, all golfers can benefit from learning effective strategies and techniques to help them increase their confidence, concentration and focus - for an entire round, rather than simply for a series of shots or holes. Regardless of your skill level, the basic fact that golf is very much a mental game suggests that, if you have a sense of mastery over your thoughts and emotions, you will play better golf and enjoy the game more.

Anxiety has closely been related to the choking phenomenon. Golf putting is a skill where slight inconsistencies or faults can result in a missed putt. The evidence of this choking effect is abundant but no more so than at the 2001 United States Golf Open. On the final green three players had the chance to win the title. All three made crucial errors, which would never be made under regular conditions.

Lewis and Linder (1997) identify two main causes for choking, distraction and self-focus. These variables have been identified as a primary means of increasing anxiety.

Distraction is considered a primary element in choking, as the subject is unable to identify and focus on task relevant cues.

The purpose of this study is to simulate heightened anxiety levels and investigate its influence on performance and how GolfEase 2000™ would effect that performance. It was hypothesised that:

• Altered levels of anxiety will alter performance levels
• Subjects will perform better under low anxiety
• Cognitive anxiety will increase as distraction and self-awareness measures are introduced.

Anxiety levels were measured using the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) (Smith, Smoll & Schutz, 1990). The SAS is a questionnaire that identifies three dimensions of anxiety, these are somatic anxiety, worry and concentration disruption.

Method: Sample

The participants were a convenient sample of nine male golfers. All held a handicap ranging from scratch (0) to ten (10), and played golf regularly (at least once a week).

The task required the participants to putt a golf ball into a hole on a practice putting green. The participants putted at a standard size hole of 10.8cm in diameter, from 180cm as measured from the edge of the hole. Two golf tees placed on the green marked the distance from which the putt was to be executed.

Prior to the study 50% of the participants were given a complete dose of GolfEase 2000™ and 50% were given a placebo.

The study consisted of two trials of twenty putts. In the first no additional anxiety was placed on the participants. In the second the participants were subjected to anxiety interventions. These consisted of the presence of a video camera and the use of Flash cards that participants were required to respond to prior to putting.

On completion of trial one the participant was informed of the successful putts that they made, the time taken to finish, and that trial two would be immediately commenced.

Prior to starting the second trial the participants were informed of the purpose of this trial (to detect if increased anxiety affected performance) and that it was required to be finished within the time frame of the first.

The Flash card intervention involved the presentation of names of colors written in an ink color that differed from the color names. The participants were asked to name the ink color as quickly as possible and then putt the golf ball immediately.

A comparison of the number of successful putts between trial one and trial two was made. A decline in performance during trial two would be accepted as indicating an increase in performance anxiety.

On the completion of the second trial the participants were given the SAS to complete.

Results:

Overall performance of the second trial (mean = 12.22, S.D. = 3.03) was superior to the first (mean = 11.89, S.D. = 1.76), although not significantly (table 1). A greater spread of scores occurred when anxiety measures were applied. Performance of the golfers who were administered GolfEase 2000™ was far superior to those who were given the placebo…in both segments of the trial. The overall trial score was Control Group (mean = 11.13, S.D. = 2.86) versus Placebo Group (mean = 12.97, S.D. = 3.72)

TABLE 1: Paired Samples Statistics of trial one and trial two

TABLE 2: Correlations Overall Control vs. Placebo

Discussion/Conclusion:

The results obtained reflected those hypothesised. A significant correlation was evident with regard to increasing anxiety and performance and how GolfEase 2000™ was able to control anxiety measures to increase scoring potential. Participant scores increased when anxiety measures were implemented and decreased when the control group went (those receiving the actual GolfEase 2000™ capsule).

The effect of motivation was not considered as a factor in performance. It is possible motivation had a bearing on results. Implementing a reward/ punishment system, that is equally motivating for all, will ensure well-founded results.

In future experiments of this nature it is advised that participants are given an acquisition period, to eliminate the likelihood of practice from the initial trial affecting results. A period of forgetting, where the participant performs an unrelated task between trials, should be performed to eliminate practice effects further.

Vitamins B-12, B-6, and Folic Acid, all B-Vitamins, are nature's "feel-good" nutrients.

The B-Vitamins found in GolfEase 2000™ in daily amounts proven to support their clinical structure/function claims, provide the nutritional support your body needs for:

• Increased energy and stamina
• Increased mental clarity
• Decreased dangerous homocysteine levels,
  which lessens the risk of developing heart
  disease and Alzheimer's Disease
• Restored emotional balance
• Restful sleep

The combination of B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid have been clinically proven to repair the stress induced (CNS) central nervous system. T hese nutrients also have shown clear benefits for improving mental emotional well being.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated if people received 1,000 mcg of folic acid and 500 mcg of B-12 per day over 300,000 lives in the U.S. would be saved each year from heart disease.

Return to Index

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also referred to ascorbic acid, is considered to be an all-essential vitamin. Vitamin C is widely respected as one of the most important antioxidants. It promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, provides nutritional support to your immune system, protects the body from environmental pollutants, helps you maintain healthy eyes, liver, and adrenal gland function, while serving as a key building block in collagen, the primary substance of our skin. Vitamin C also enhances the body's ability to cope with occasional stress and frustration. Extra amounts of it are needed in times of stress and in periods of cold weather. It is essential, and our bodies do not manufacture it. Because Vitamin C is water soluble, it is easily "dumped" into the urine and eliminated when excess amounts are taken at one time.
GolfEase 2000™ utilizes the highest, purest quality of Vitamin C available!

Return to Index

Kava Kava

Kava has four main therapeutic properties. First it is one of the most powerful of all the herbal antispasmodics especially useful for relieving nervous tension throughout the mind and body. Second, it is an anti-anxiety herb that will quickly almost instantly dissipate effects of the many fears and apprehensions that are so much a part of the hectic lifestyle of nineties. Third, it is an effective diuretic with potent anti-spasmodic and anti-pathogenic properties making it useful for a variety of genito-urinary dysfunctions ranging from cystitis, prostatitis, and general fluid retention. Fourth, Kava is a carminative that improves appetite and digestion. The combination of these properties makes Kava useful for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic conditions, which is one of its traditional medicinal uses among South Sea Islanders.

Medicinal uses for Kava are as follows:

• anxiety and depression
• insomnia
• to relieve fatigue and to increase energy
• as a cure for rheumatism
• for asthma
• for obesity
• as a poultice for headaches

Return to Index

Valerian Root

Its ability to help relax the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm, decrease levels of anxiety and stress, and enhance sleep are known to millions the world over.

Unlike some prescription sleep aids, valerian is not known to cause morning grogginess and is non-addictive. Each capsule of GolfEase 2000™ contains 200 mg of the finest valerian root extract, concentrated and standardized to 0.8 percent valerenic acid. Time-release technology offers a steady release of valerian for 3-5 hours, ensuring better, more relaxing round of golf.

Therapeutic Actions:
Valerian can be classified in many different therapeutic categories. It is one of the best nervine herbs for its efficacy in treating disorders of the nervous system and in calming the entire body. Other categories include anodyne (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiemetic, carminative (tones, soothes, and stimulates the digestive and elimination systems), sedative, hypnotic, antihypertensive, and antibacterial.

Indications:

The herb valerian is most effective in treating a wide range of stress conditions such as irritability, depression, fear, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, hysteria, delusions, and nervous tension.

As a pain reliever, the herb is useful for treating tension headaches, migraine headaches, arthritis, and sore muscles.

NO Side Effects:

Valerian has none of the side effects or dependency risk that prescriptions have. In addition there is no synergistic effect when the herb is taken with alcohol. It can also be taken safely along with other prescriptlon drugs. Valerian is used extensively in Europe where it is accepted by orthodox medicine. It is found in many over-the- counter preparations used to treat a variety of nervous disorders. As more practitioners discover the benefits of valerian, its use will increase in the United States as well.

Return to Index

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell of your body. About half of your body's magnesium stores are found inside cells of body tissues and organs, and half are combined with calcium and phosphorus in bone. Only 1 percent of the magnesium in your body is found in blood. Your body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant.

Magnesium and blood pressure
Evidence suggests that magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure. The effect of various nutritional factors on incidence of high blood pressure was examined in over 30,000 U.S. male health professionals. After four years of follow-up, it was found that a greater magnesium intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of hypertension (27). The evidence is strong enough that the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends maintaining an adequate magnesium intake as a positive lifestyle modification for preventing and managing high blood pressure.

Magnesium and heart disease
Magnesium deficiency can cause metabolic changes that may contribute to heart attacks and strokes (31-33). There is also evidence that low body stores of magnesium increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (4), which may increase the risk of complications associated with a heart attack. Population surveys have associated higher blood levels of magnesium with lower risk of coronary heart disease (34-36). In addition, dietary surveys have suggested that a higher magnesium intake is associated with a lower risk of stroke (37). Further studies are needed to understand the complex relationships between dietary magnesium intake, indicators of magnesium status, and heart disease.

Magnesium and osteoporosis
Magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis (4). This may be due to the fact that magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormone that regulates calcium.

Magnesium and diabetes
Magnesium is important to carbohydrate metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose levels (15). Elevated blood glucose levels increase the loss of magnesium in the urine, which in turn lowers blood levels of magnesium [(14). This explains why low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia) are seen in poorly controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular diseases have been often been linked to magnesium depletion. One of the most alarming trends in the past half-century is the sharp increase in sudden deaths from ischemic heart diseases, particularly in middle-aged men who suddenly develop myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. It has been postulated that magnesium deficiency may be a common etiologic factor.

Magnesium acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage of the mitochondria. It has been called nature's "calcium channel blocker" because of its ability to prevent coronary artery spasm, arrhythmias, and to reduce blood pressure.

Return to Index

Inositol

Inositol is a nucleoside involved in the formation of purines and a compound with possible roles in energy metabolism.

• Increased energy levels
• Improved endurance performance
• Enhanced ATP production
• Increased oxygen delivery
• Reduced lactic acid accumulation

Many of the effects attributed to Inositol stem from its potential role in increasing levels of a compound known as 2,3 DPG in red blood cells. An enhanced 2,3 DPG level would allow an easier release of oxygen from the blood cells to the tissues and, in theory, an enhancement of energy generation, ability to remove lactic acid and an overall improvement in energy production and exercise performance.

Several studies have investigated the effects of Inositol supplementation on aerobic performance in athletes, yet none have shown convincing benefits associated with the supplement. In at least two studies, a potential for Inositol to interfere with energy metabolism was suggested, particularly in high intensity "sprint" type situations.

Return to Index

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is an extract of Vinca minor, also known as the periwinkle plant. A derivative of the alkaloid vincamine, vinpocetine is used around the world (in about 35 countries) in the treatment of stroke and vascular dementia - where it is used clinically to enhance blood flow to specific regions of the brain as well as to reduce damage from free radicals. In Europe, a Hungarian company (Gedeon Richter) markets vinpocetine as a drug (Cavinton) for the treatment of various cerebral insufficiency conditions and as the "only drug" that improves cerebral metabolism (glucose and oxygen uptake), increases ATP concentration, and selectively increases blood flow to the brain (without lowering blood flow to other parts of the body).

• Memory enhancer
• Treatment for Alzheimer's disease
• Treatment for stroke
• Improves circulation (especially to the brain)
• Antioxidant

Vinpocetine is known to have effects in dilating blood vessels, enhancing circulation to the brain, improving oxygen utilization, and reducing blood clotting by making red blood cells more pliable and inhibiting platelet aggregation. It is also thought to possess various actions as an antioxidant.

A number of studies on vinpocetine have shown significant improvements in cognitive function in patients suffering from mild to moderate dementia (10mg dose of vinpocetine three times per day for 4 months). In general, scientific studies support the claims that vinpocetine enhances overall brain function and cognitive ability (memory) in those recovering from stroke, Alzheimer's disease and age-related declines in memory (typically measured using standard memory tests). In one study, the effects of vinpocetine (Cavinton) on cerebral glucose metabolism was studied in chronic stroke patients (using positron emission tomography - PET scans) - showing that vinpocetine significantly improved the transport of glucose (both uptake and release) in the brain and especially in the brain tissue around the area damaged by the stroke. These changes appeared to be related to increased blood in the entire region in and around the area of damage. Over the 10-20 year history of clinical vinpocetine (Cavinton) use in Europe, thousands of patients with different cerebrovascular diseases have shown improvement (75-85% of patients) on measures of cognitive function.

Return to Index