Jared Tendler: It’s been a long haul from the East Coast to Scottsdale, but the newest sports psychologist in the East Valley who specializes in the game of golf could not be more enthused with the move. “I thought about California, briefly,’’ said the 27-year-old Tendler. “But a friend suggested Scottsdale, which I discovered is the biggest golf market in the country.’’

At the moment, Tendler spends his time working with pros and amateurs alike, as well as spending some of his time collaborating with another well-known golf guru, Tyler Kirkendoll. According to Tendler, what makes his Golf Therapy program unique is it “removes negative patterns at their core while enhancing your overall ability to play.’’

“I’ve cured a player’s shanks in an hour, helped a young player take 20 shots off her tournament score, and developed a program of golf therapy for children who have been abused, neglected or have behavioral disorders,’’ Tendler explained. “The goal is to make the mental approach to golf available to the average player, just like a swing lesson.’’

Tendler’s process is accomplished by reorganizing neurophysiological reactions and the development of mental and emotional management skills. It includes: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditative visualization, classical conditioning, systematic desensitization/reintegration, and scanning or EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).

According to Tendler, it was his own experiences on the golf course “that drove me to develop this program.’’ Those began way back when he was growing up in New Town, Conn., and his grandfather introduced him to the game as a 10-year-old. But he didn’t realize he was missing out on the mental side of the game until after he had graduated from Skidmore College, where he was a Division 3 All-American.

Shortly after leaving Skidmore, Tendler entered Northeastern University in Boston, where he ultimately earned a masters of science degree in counseling and psychology. “In May of ’05 I got my license as a mental health counselor in Boston, and I knew I wanted to apply it to golf,’’ Tendler said. “That was the point at which I created the Golf Therapy program, and have been working hard on it ever since.’’

Tendler also has a personal motive for wanting to understand more about the mental side of golf. “I still want to play professionally someday, if that’s possible,’’ said the 2-handicap. “It’s always kind of been in my head, but I thought first I needed to establish a practice and gain credibility before I go out and try to play in some big tournaments.’’

In that regard, Tendler’s focus is on his current students, as well as the collaboration he’s doing with Kirkendoll at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix. “I’ve added the psychological component to the great work Tyler does with the swing and physical conditioning,’’ said Tendler, who charges $125 an hour, or six lessons for $600.

He can be reached at (480) 393-3531, or www.jaredtendlergolf.com.

PRO RANKS

Mixed ratings: Mickelson’s second victory at Augusta National drew a rating/share of 9.0/19, up 23 percent from his first victory in 2004 but down 13 percent from Woods’ playoff win last year over Chris DiMarco, according to CBS Sports. As compared to the final rounds of last year’s other majors, Mickelson’s second win was 84 percent higher than the British Open, 55 percent higher than the U.S. Open, and 53 percent higher than his win at the PGA Championship.

More Mickelson: For those who are wondering why two-time Masters champ Phil Mickelson’s hair keeps growing and growing, it’s because “Amy likes it this way.’’ NOTEWORTHY

Senior moment: The 16 th annual Shea Homes Arizona Senior Open takes place April 25-27 at the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia in Peoria. The 144-man field includes the defending champ, Tom Herzan of Findlay, Ohio, and Mesa’s Larry Mackin, the 2005 Arizona senior player of the year.

Juniors on tap: The International Junior Golf Tour will host a 36-hole tournament Saturday and Sunday at the Westin Kierland Golf Resort in Scottsdale. Among those competing from the Valley are Alberto Sanchez, Zachary Wright, Blake Brown, Ben Lange, Bill McElroy and Niko Bain.