For many golfers, enjoying time with others on the course is a major reason why they play the game. But the social aspects of the game can become distracting if you get caught in the roles of host, entertainer, or swing coach during a round. Fortunately, there are guidelines that can help you easily balance the social and serious sides of golf. With the right focus at the right time your performance goals don’t have to get sacrificed.
If you’re like some of my clients, you may get caught up in the desire to make sure everyone in your group is having a good time. Yes, being a good host is important, but other peoples’ happiness is outside your scope of influence on the course and in life. To get the most out of all the parts of your game, you must learn to focus on the things that help you play great and let go of the distractions that are holding you back.
Sometimes easier said than done, so below I’ve shared two of my best tips that you can use to easily balance the social and serious sides of your game and still score. To download a free copy of my training booklet, TOP 5 TIPS TO BALANCE THE SOCIAL AND SERIOUS SIDES OF GOLF, just CLICK HERE.
Tip #1 – Ask for What You Need
Being paired with a “Chatty Cathy or Charlie” for the day can become a distraction you feel like you can’t escape without being rude. If you find constant conversation inhibits your focus, then you need to ask for what you need. Establish from the onset of the round that conversation will end when the cart comes to a stop by asking to hit the pause button in order to fully prepare for your next shot.
For example you could say, “Jane, that’s so interesting and I want to hear more about that when we get back in the cart. Right now I am going to quiet my mind to focus on my next shot.”
When you take control of the conversation and consistently ask for what you need, you will find the peace to get your head in the game for each shot, and still have the time to enjoy engaging with your playing partners during the round.
Tip #2 – Focus on YOUR Game
Have you ever gotten mentally or emotionally wrapped up in someone else’s game, especially when they were struggling? At times you may feel compelled to help search for their missing ball, or to offer some pointers. Curb the urge to get overly involved in someone else’s round because it will only distract you from investing fully in your own. The key to success is to focus on YOUR game alone.
Rather than thinking you are being selfish by setting some boundaries, recognize the need to be self-preserving when it comes to your game. If you want to play at your best you must limit your focus to making the most of every shot. Let your playing partners take responsibility for their own games and you’ll stay invested in the parts of the game you can control.
I’d love to hear from you…
Leave me a comment below and tell me what you find the most distracting when playing with others.
Taking control of your thoughts and keeping them on track is not that difficult to do. You can master the mental side of your game by instituting some simple systems to keep your mind occupied with the right tasks and still find time to socialize. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of my free booklet, Top 5 Tips to Balance the Social and Serious Sides of Golf – CLICK HERE.
If you’re struggling with your golf focus I can help.
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