The Key to Lasting Concentration

One of the toughest things in golf is to maintain concentration for the last nine holes.

This is because we all have varying degrees of mental stamina, and the plain fact is that our tank is often empty by the time the back nine comes around. If this happens to you, basically it means that your mind is becoming tired of focusing after around nine holes, and it wants a rest.
The way around this is to use 'switch on, switch off' concentration. This means to focus 100% each time you have reached your ball ('switching on'), however whilst in transit between each shot, you 'switch off' - and allow your mind to relax and rejuvenate between strokes.

Switch on, and then switch off throughout your entire round, and you will find that your concentration will last longer throughout each round than before. Basically what I am saying is to give your mind a break between strokes, rather than focusing upon the last shot or the next shot, which is highly common (especially the last!).

Your mind needs to have breaks in order to maintain its sharpness and efficiency, and so by consciously not focusing upon your past or future shots, it allows it to rejuvenate. Of course, this is sometimes easier said than done.

If you find that you can't get your mind to dis-engage from the game, then focus upon something else - it doesn't matter what it is, the weather, the scenery, nature etc, as long as it is something relatively relaxing.

Needless to say, this means that business or relationship problems would generally not be a great idea to think about on the course! Giving your mind a rest from focusing upon the game is very rejuvenating, as long as you are not focusing upon something else which requires the same level of mental energy.

So try 'switch on, switch off' concentration - it will help keep your mind (and body) energised and sharp, and once you master this, it will show in your scores at the end of the round.

"The Mind controls the body, and the Mind is Unlimited"

The best of success, Craig Townsend

Golf Tips Archive  |   Mental Training Program

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