How can I keep from getting distracted on the golf course?

Distractions such as voices or noises on the golf course are common place. There are also the distractions of your inner mind of interfering negative thoughts.

Use your pre-shot routine for focusing

If inner thoughts or outer noises distract you, you have not totally prepared your mind so your body will know what to do. Using a consistent pre-shot routine is a good way to focus your attention so you won’t notice distractions. Programming your mind for the shot you want is the only part of your golf swing over which you have total control.

Put a D-line in your pre-shot routine 

Indecision about your golf swing or the club to use will interfere with a clear process of creating the shot. An excellent step to add to your pre-shot routine is the “D-Line.” Standing behind the ball, looking down the fairway at your target, draw an imaginary line between you and the golf ball. This is your Decision Line (D-Line). All thoughts and decisions must be made before you cross this line.

Trust your decision

Plan your shot by taking into account the distance, wind and target. Be decisive about the club you have selected. Practice your swing mentally and/or physically. Picture in your mind the flight of the ball, or rolling the ball into the hole. When you have done this, you are ready to move to the ball and trust that your subconscious mind has received the information and will act on it. Any other thoughts you have over the ball will be a distraction.

If you are distracted at any time after crossing your D-Line, begin your pre-shot routine again to refocus your mind.

Chart successes with a post-shot scorecard

Keep a written mental scorecard with a pass/fail system or a 1-10 system (with 10 being totally decisive) to record your level of preparedness for every shot. You might be surprised how many shots you hit without being mentally ready.

Play “in the zone” with Joan

Entrain Your Heart & Mind for Peak Performances

If you would like to improve your mental golf game, call Joan for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. She can be reached by phone at 828-696-2547,  or through the Positive Mental Imagery website. Other tips to improve your mental golf game are available on the website where you can also access empowering self-hypnosis golf CDs.