How to Stay Focused During Golf Play

Whether you golf as an amateur or a professional, staying focused during a game of golf can be challenging. There are obvious distractions, such as your environment or other golfers, but you also need to contend with your own thoughts and actions. Blocking out distractions from external as well as internal sources takes hard work and consistent effort, but your ability to focus and control your attention will determine how well you play the game of golf.

Instructions

  1. Forget About the Previous Hole

    • 1
      Clear your mind before each hole on the course.

      Take a moment to calm yourself and clear your mind before your reach each hole. Forget about anything that has happened previous to this moment. Anxiety can cause muscles to be tense, and normal motions will be disrupted by this tension.

    • 2

      Block out any external noises or distractions as you approach the tee. This can be difficult, but focus only on the current hole. To help you gain focus, it is helpful to think about your strategy, the club you will use and the type of shot you plan to hit.

    • 3

      Before approaching each tee shot, begin a slow deep breathing exercise. The deep breathing does not need to be loud or disruptive, but slow and gentle breaths. Short, rapid breaths increase heart rate and increase tension.

    Focus Before Each Shot

    • 4

      Look ahead and envision your shot when you are at the tee. Think of only the shot you are taking at the moment. Plan a shot that is within your capability and focus only on that specific plan.

    • 5

      Keep negative thoughts out of your head. While continuing to breathe slow, steady breaths, think positively about the mechanics of your swing. Stay in the moment.

    • 6

      Remove the tension from your grip on the club. Relax your body and focus only on the swing of the club. Long shots are nice, but don't grip the club too tightly in an attempt to overpower your shots.

    • 7

      Stay confident in your swing. If you have practiced the shot before, your body knows the mechanics of the swing needed. Let your muscle memory take over during the shot.

    Staying Consistent

    • 8

      Take each shot one at a time. Focus only on each golf shot as it is presented to you. Thinking about the past or about future holes only undermines your confidence and creates tension.

    • 9

      Remain calm throughout your game. Keep out as many external factors as possible. Each game is made up of individual golf shots. Each successful golf shot brings you closer to a successful overall game.

    • 10

      Monitor your thoughts and your talk. Whether or not your thoughts and words are about golf, if you say positive things, your emotions and frame of mind will remain positive. If you think negative thoughts or say negative things, you will become tense and anxious.