Jump to content

Recommended Posts

(edited)

I've been playing golf for quite a few years now, and one of the biggest issues I face on the course is staying focused, especially during the back nine. I often find that, after a strong start, my concentration begins to waver, and it affects my performance significantly. I'm curious if anyone else here experiences this kind of mental fatigue or distraction during a round and how you deal with it?

One thing that I've noticed about myself is that I tend to get lost in thoughts unrelated to the game—thinking about work, what I have to do later, or even something completely random. I try to snap out of it, but it’s not always easy, especially when I'm walking between shots or waiting for others to take theirs. It's like my brain goes on autopilot, and before I know it, I've lost my rhythm.

I recently started experimenting with different ways to maintain my focus and energy throughout the game. For instance, I try to stay present by focusing on my breathing or analyzing the terrain for my next shot. Sometimes, I set small goals for each hole, like aiming for a par on a difficult one, to keep myself engaged. But even with these strategies, I still find my mind wandering at times.

What techniques do you all use to stay mentally sharp throughout an entire round? Do you have any rituals or tricks to bring your attention back to the game when it starts to drift?

Another issue I’m facing is managing my physical energy during the game, especially on longer courses. By the time I hit the back nine, I sometimes feel like I'm running out of steam, and that, in turn, makes it harder to focus mentally. I've tried staying hydrated and keeping some snacks in my bag for energy, but I feel like there might be a better way to sustain both physical and mental endurance.

One thing that inspired me was seeing how runners use tools like running trackers to stay on top of their physical performance. For those who may not know, a running tracker is a tool designed to monitor various metrics during a run, such as distance.. It often includes features like a live running mapping tool, which allows runners to see their real-time progress and adjust their routes if necessary. The precision in tracking these stats helps runners optimize their training by providing immediate feedback on their performance.

While running and golf are quite different, the concept of tracking physical stats like heart rate or steps taken gave me an idea. If I could monitor how my energy levels fluctuate throughout a round, it might help me figure out when I’m most likely to lose focus and take some preventative steps. Has anyone else used anything like this during a round of golf? I feel like it could be a game changer, not just for fitness, but for keeping my mind in the game as well.

I’ve also been thinking about how to better manage the time between shots. Sometimes, I have a few minutes to kill before it’s my turn, and that’s when my focus tends to slip the most. I’ve tried practicing my swing during this downtime or visualizing the next shot, but I’m not sure if this is helping or just distracting me further. I’ve heard some people like to chat with their partners or listen to music between shots to stay loose, but I worry that this might make it even harder for me to get back in the zone.

For those of you who have been playing for a while, how do you deal with the downtime during a round? Is there a specific routine or mindset you use to stay locked in from the first tee to the final putt? And how do you prevent distractions from creeping in during these moments?

In the end, I think my biggest challenge is staying consistent, both mentally and physically, throughout the entire round. I know that the key to improving my game lies not just in practicing my swing or perfecting my short game, but in building better habits for focus and energy management. Any advice or tips you could offer from your own experience would be really appreciated.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how to tackle these challenges!

Edited by boogielicious
Moved to Instruction and removed link.

  On 9/22/2024 at 8:52 AM, Abram Sagrario said:

I've been playing golf for quite a few years now, and one of the biggest issues I face on the course is staying focused, especially during the back nine. I often find that, after a strong start, my concentration begins to waver, and it affects my performance significantly. I'm curious if anyone else here experiences this kind of mental fatigue or distraction during a round and how you deal with it?

Expand  

It isn't about maintaining focus 100% of the time when you are on the course. It is getting focus back for the shot at hand. Even PGA tour players will chat with their caddies or opponents about non-golf stuff, but then lock in. It is hard to try to constantly be 100% locked in for 4+ hours. 

  On 9/22/2024 at 8:52 AM, Abram Sagrario said:

One thing that I've noticed about myself is that I tend to get lost in thoughts unrelated to the game—thinking about work, what I have to do later, or even something completely random. I try to snap out of it, but it’s not always easy, especially when I'm walking between shots or waiting for others to take theirs. It's like my brain goes on autopilot, and before I know it, I've lost my rhythm.

Expand  

Totally normal thing to happen. You really only need a few moments of focus. 

This is where a pre-shot routine helps. Maybe you need to add something that gets the focus back. 

  On 9/22/2024 at 8:52 AM, Abram Sagrario said:

What techniques do you all use to stay mentally sharp throughout an entire round? Do you have any rituals or tricks to bring your attention back to the game when it starts to drift?

Expand  

I just focus on every shot like a puzzle that needs solved. I like solving puzzle and problems. So, I try to be curious. Which then enhances focus. I think it lets me take each shot at hand. It lets me have the down time between shots. What I do is just get to the ball, and then start gathering information. Yardage, lie, wind, where is the pin at, etc.. Then I figure out what I want to do. 

It's not like I can't shut off the thoughts and focus when I need to. I only need to focus for a few minutes before each shot. 

 

 

  • Like 1

Matt Dougherty, P.E.
 fasdfa dfdsaf 

What's in My Bag
Driver; :pxg: 0311 Gen 5,  3-Wood: 
:titleist: 917h3 ,  Hybrid:  :titleist: 915 2-Hybrid,  Irons: Sub 70 TAIII Fordged
Wedges: :edel: (52, 56, 60),  Putter: :edel:,  Ball: :snell: MTB,  Shoe: :true_linkswear:,  Rangfinder: :leupold:
Bag: :ping:

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • 4 months later...
  On 9/22/2024 at 2:09 PM, saevel25 said:

It isn't about maintaining focus 100% of the time when you are on the course. It is getting focus back for the shot at hand.

Expand  

I think this is key here. Being fully focussed for four hours is unrealistic.

  On 9/22/2024 at 2:09 PM, saevel25 said:

This is where a pre-shot routine helps. Maybe you need to add something that gets the focus back. 

Expand  

This makes a lot of sense, particularly if you think you are losing focus when you are distracting yourself between shots.

You mention hydration and snacks so you maybe have this covered, but your focus/decision-making ability deteriorates rapidly without adequate hydration especially. In the case of both nutrition and water, a rule that is often applied in endurance sports is "If you feel hungry/thirsty, it's too late". I expect the best nutrition sources/pattern for golf are discussed elsewhere, but it sounds from your description like you would benefit from taking a look at what/how much you are eating prior to and during your round.


Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    PlayBetter
    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FitForGolf
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-20%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack/FitForGolf, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope. 15% off TourStriker (no code).
  • Posts

    • Day 147 - 2025-02-24 Got some work done in the hotel room. Not a lot, but five minutes at least.
    • Day 220: did a stack session. 
    • I had the Reeso putter, but the shaft broke at the insert to the putter head.  The manufacturer/designer passed away and there is nobody to fix them anymore.  I just purchased the L.A.B. works putter about 10 rounds ago and it is awesome!  I like it much better than the face-on putter and any other putter I have used.   Goodbye, Yips!
    • 2/23/25 Musgrove Mill Oak tees 72.3/155 Joined this club this year, and have played several times this year. Yesterday, the greens were the first day open since aeration. I struggled to hold greens, and putted as one would expect on aerated greens. For the first time in a while, my tee game was off and only hit 6 fairways when I have been averaging around 70%. Only 15 holes were open as they repair three holes damaged by Hurricane Helene.    Game continues to decline and handicap continues to increase!
    • Day 17: 2/24/25 Weight shift drills tonight followed by putting through 50 mm gates from 11”.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...