When you tee it up...

[Dr_Fu_Manchu]

When you start playing golf, you are always told to keep your eyes on the ball.

However, now that you've been playing a while do you get more specific? For example, when you tee it up do you look at:

• the back of the ball
• the top
• the front
• in front of the ball
• back lower left quadrant
• other

and why?

[xTsUnAmI]

I look at the inside back of the ball. But really during my swing, at least from my top swing down, I really don't see the ball. My head is turning through my downswing. I think I'm to the point now, that I could swing with my eyes closed and still make good contact.

[iacas]

I don't look at the ball. I just look down in the general area of the ball. "Fuzzy focus" I call it.

[Dr_Fu_Manchu]

  iacas said:

I don't look

Based on your two replies, and noticing your handicaps, I wonder if I am focusing on the wrong thing....

Yesterday the pro told me to look in front of the ball so my swing will bottom out after contact. However, I usually look at the top and catch a divot or slight grass sweep 80% of the time...

[PiKapp23]

  iacas said:

I don't look

I do the same thing, but was never creative enough to come up with a name for it.

Lots of alcohol really helps with 'Fuzzy Focus'. I always found if I tried to focus on a certain spot on the ball I end up hitting 'at' the ball instead of 'through' it and that usually doesn't result in a good stroke.

[rckwd]

  Dr_Fu_Manchu said:

When you start playing golf, you are always told to keep your eyes on the ball.

The back. Why? Because that is where I want to hit it.

[rckwd]

  iacas said:

I don't look

Although I look at the back of the ball at address, I am also in sort of a "fuzzy focus" (good term) state when swinging.

[rckwd]

  Dr_Fu_Manchu said:

Based on your two replies, and noticing your handicaps, I wonder if I am focusing on the wrong thing....

Wait just a minute...I thought you were talking about driving. Your pro was right, it is correct that with your irons you are supposed to look at the front of the ball. But I dont, I dont know why, but I have always began my swing looking at the back.

[imtomtomim]

  iacas said:

I don't look

I use the same kind of technique. I try to focus at clubhead level so when the club passes through, I can get some kind of visual feedback about my contact.

[Spackler-esque]

  iacas said:

I don't look

I find that this is true when I'm locked-in in any sport. Over-thinking is a killer. The haze that exists when you just relax and trust your body to do the job is a great feeling.

[ctowntex]

  iacas said:

I don't look

You hit the nail on the head. "Fuzzy focus"

[dave1980]

Firstly I tend not to use the driver when teeing off, I'm more comfortable using my 3 wood so you can take my views with a pinch of salt

I tee the ball up with the writing on the ball facing the direction I wish the ball to go, this gives me focus on swinging the club through the ball in a straight line instead of cutting across or pushing through the ball, although I should also point out that the line of writing is also a good guide for me focussing in trying to add a bit of draw or fade to my drive as I can attack the ball from the top or bottom of the writing depending on which choice of drive I am wanting (or hoping) to do.

[LongballGer]

The worst thing you can do in golf is to focus on the ball during your swing.

Your mind should ALWAYS be thinking about the target.

[skwon11]

I was taught to look at the ball only so much as it will keep your head down so you finish the swing b/f looking at the path. So... whatever keeps your head down.

[whip_it_out]

I start looking at the upper left quadrant before I hit, but when I actually swing, I'm not sure. I never remember what I'm thinking, or what I see. It's thought during setup, then when I hit my finish is when thought returns.

[rckwd]

  whip_it_out said:

I start looking at the upper left quadrant before I hit, but when I actually swing, I'm not sure. I never remember what I'm thinking, or what I see. It's thought during setup, then when I hit my finish is when thought returns.

You know I asked a buddy and fellow golfer (+5) if he ever sees the ball when he hits it. He said yes. I said you are lying. He said I am not. I said you are. He said......you get the picture!! We went back and forth because I have NEVER seen my ball make contact with my ball. I see the club go thru the swing path but never see contact.

I am glad to see someone other than me losses this consciousness during the swing.

[flanagan]

Johnny Miller (who else) claims he could see the ball at impact. Maybe he could.

This thread is scary. Now when sometime in about six weeks I can finally play outside, and play golf, I will be thinking about this thread and what part of the ball I'm looking at. I just hope I'm not chewing gum at the same time.

[Mats++]

Since my right eye is the dominant I have a tendancy to turn my head to the left to get my right eye at the ball - this obstruct my backswing. So the answer to the question is that I look in the area behind the ball to keep my head from obstructing the backswing.