Mental Game · Tip
Focus On, Focus Off
Part of our mental game programs for nerves and pressure, focus for 18 holes. Build a program with it
Golf has long gaps between shots. Staying locked in for five hours is too much. So split your round into two modes. "On" is the shot itself. Yardage, club, target. "Off" is the walk to your next shot. Chat with your group. Think about anything but golf. Then switch back on when you reach your ball. Moving in and out of focus keeps you fresh. It also helps with nerves, because your mind gets a break.
Step by step
- Switch on for the shot: yardage, club, target.
- Switch off after you hit.
- Think about anything else as you walk.
- Switch on again at your ball.
- Repeat all round.
Why it works
Focus is a limited resource. If you hold it for the whole round, it runs down before the last holes. Switching off between shots lets your mind rest, so you have more attention for the yardage, club and target when it counts. A clear on and off point also gives you a routine to rely on, which helps when you feel nervous.
Common mistakes
- You stay switched on after a bad shot and replay it all the way down the fairway.Treat the end of the swing as the off point and start thinking about something else as soon as you start walking.
- You switch on too late and start thinking about the shot while you are already over the ball.Switch on as you reach your ball and work through yardage, club and target before you take any practice swings.
- You use the off time to think about swing tips or your score.Pick a non-golf topic, such as the people you are with, your plans for the evening or the surroundings.
How you'll know it's working
- You feel as sharp on the last three holes as you did on the first three.
- You reach your ball with a calm mind and can start your yardage, club and target check straight away.
- Your pre-shot routine takes about the same time on every shot, whether the previous one was good or bad.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practise the on and off switch on just the first three holes before you try it for the whole round.
Harder: Keep the same on and off pattern when you are in a close match or playing for a score you care about.
Common questions
How do you stay focused for a whole round of golf?
Do not try to stay focused the whole time. Focus on each shot, then relax and think about something else as you walk to the next one.
What should I think about between shots in golf?
Think about anything that is not golf, such as a conversation with your group or the scenery. This gives your mind a break so you can switch back on at your ball.
