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Focus and Concentration by Drew Wallace

Stay in the "Here and Now"
Focus is keeping the mind in the "here and now" and dealing with those things we are in control of. When we speculate about the future we begin to play a dangerous game. There are many things about the future that are uncertain and out of our control. On the other hand, the outcome of past events is known, but we cannot change what has happened.

Narrow and Widen Your Focus
In golf, it is ideal to learn how to narrow focus for shot-making and widen focus for in between shot time. This is important so that you can learn to concentrate in golf; not for the entire 5 hour round, but for 40 seconds, 60 to 100+ times depending on your skill level and still sustain mental energy for the entire round. Our individual personality will dictate width of focus between shots and it is important to stay true to our own style. Some of us are better with a more internal focus between shots (self-talk, daydreaming, small talk with another player) and some of us are better with a broader focus (outgoing, joking, lots of talking). 

In order to improve focus and concentration there a number of things a golfer can do. Perhaps the most obvious is the pre-shot routine (you can read more about the pre-shot routine from Drew in next months tip). 

Another tip we can take from the top-pros is that of the on/off trigger. It is well documented what some of the top players use to signal when it is time to either narrow focus (in the immediate run-up to the shot) and widen focus (in between shots). Examples of these include putting the Velcro of the glove down and saying “switch on” to narrow focus and after the shot undoing the Velcro saying “Switch off and relax”. Many different cues can be used to indicate “on” or “off”. Tiger is reputed to use an imaginary 10 yard line. When he gets within 10 yards on approach to the ball he “switches on” and when he passes over 10 yards away from where he just played the shot he “switches off” and thinks about other non golf related things. 

Concentrate on What you can Control
The final tip from on this topic is one mentioned previously. It is learning to only focus on things that you have complete control over. This allows you to provide your body with only relevant information on the shot you are about to play and not information that is either irrelevant or counter productive. 

What to Focus on Between Shots?
Here is a guide to what you should and should not be focusing on when going between shots in golf:

Allowed Thoughts
· self compliments
· visual replay of good shots
· small talk
· study wildlife, landscapes, clouds and birds
· daydreams of favourite places
· humming a favourite tune
· walking with composure and confidence
· deep breathing


Not Allowed Thoughts
· mechanics
· looking ahead or looking behind
· score, cut, position, birdies, bogies
· what others think of you
· what others expect of you
· negative self talk
· what ifs
· how other players are doing
· replaying bad shots and experiences

Read the Drew Wallace Interview.