Where do you focus your eyes?

[muddcat]

In the March issue of Golf Magazine, Jim Murphy has a tip on how to hit good Iron shots, He says to focus your eyes on a spot 2 feet in front of the ball (To me this seems way too far forward) Where do you focus your eyes at?

[fusioncal]

Two feet IMO is way too forward. I did try it at beginning playing golf and the result were horrible.

What I do usually is focusing on the ball, BUT acknowledging that I need to hit approximately 2.5-3 inches in front of it. It's just like you're not looking at something but you know it's there.

[MPS67]

This is a good question. I've tried a few different spots and like what Zach Johnson suggests. He looks at the ball but purposely blurs his vision. He claims that this helps him avoid the thought of hitting the ball, and instead, striking through it.

[Borf]

your thinking about the wrong thing, dont try to focus your eyes on anything, just let it happen

you can not get too cought up in every detail, its like driving a car - where are you looking while driving? its impossible to tell

[Matt10]

This is a good question. I've tried a few different spots and like what Zach Johnson suggests. He looks at the ball but purposely blurs his vision. He claims that this helps him avoid the thought of hitting the ball, and instead, striking through it.

That is interesting - never thought about that. Might have to try it out and see what happens on the range :)

Thanks!

[kekoa]

This is a good question. I've tried a few different spots and like what Zach Johnson suggests. He looks at the ball but purposely blurs his vision. He claims that this helps him avoid the thought of hitting the ball, and instead, striking through it.

what do you mean purposely blurs vision?

[larlev]

what do you mean purposely blurs vision?

He must spit on his finger and rub it in his eyes....... Blurr his vision....come on did he really say that?

[Matt10]

Well, guys - just try focusing on something - then blur it with your eyes... - some would say, if they looked at you, you'd look cross eyed.

Maybe this is why Johnson wears shades the majority of the time :P

[golf_junkie27]

I focus directly underneath the middle of the ball.

A good drill to try is sticking a tee about a 1/4 inch in front of the ball. Stay down and through until your club hits the tee. Make sure to see your club hits the tee.

[gbk56]

I personally keep my eyes on the ball. If I focus on something else I usually end up not hitting the ball cleanly.

[iWALK18]

i look at the BACK of the ball. I've had great success thinking only of slowing my takeaway and bringing my weight onto a solid right leg, and then hitting the back of the ball. no other thoughts just let the mechanics take care of themselves.

[r7 425]

I want to tell you something that i use exclusively for all shots..I keep my eye on the logo of the ball...This increases my chances of hitting it solid because i am focused on that one letter or word on the ball..It made a lot of sense to me whenever driving the ball because you can put the logo wherever you want...its more of a hand eye coordination kind of tip but it works wonders..Best of Luck

[mikelz]

I used to look at the "inside quarter" or the back of the ball. After reading Harvey Penick, I look at the ball - all of it. He was right. There's a lot less to clutter my mind that way.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I tend to look at the back half of the ball in a general way. I dont focus to hard on anything. I know some guys at the club that will lock on to a dimple on the ball. I feel it produces stiff, jabby swings.

[kehanra99]

I used to look at the "inside quarter" or the back of the ball. After reading Harvey Penick, I look at the ball - all of it. He was right. There's a lot less to clutter my mind that way.

I second that. I think Harvey got it right. I think of my shot, take my practice swings, setup my aiming point, and look at the ball as a whole. Then I go through my swing and follow through it.

[Leek]

I have the ball in a general "soft focus". I'm not even conscious of looking at it at all. It's sort of a blob. I'm focusing on the target and the flight of the ball going to it.

[elchene]

He must spit on his finger and rub it in his eyes.......

Actually, he did say that. July 2007 issue of Golf Digest with Luke Donald on the cover. It's in the breaking 100/90/80 section.

I don't really concentrate too hard on the ball but my coach suggested that I look at the back of the ball. I think it was pretty funny that he said: "when you hammer a nail, you don't look at the middle, you look at the end where you want to hit it."

[erikpmort]

so this tip (the first one 2 ft in front of the ball) is good for all clubs??? it seems most appropriate in my mind with the driver, but i like the idea in general. I may start a little closer to the ball like 6" :)