The Power of Focus: The Student Driver Syndrome

The ability to focus on a specific target is crucial for golfers at every skill level. The majority of high-handicap golfers focus on where they don't want to go. This is analogous to a student driver who is (understandably) consumed by fear, and deals with this emotion by slowing down. The golfer who tries to consciously control their swing by concentrating on perfect technique is similar to our student driver. Both are victims of fear. The key to overcoming fear is the ability to focus on a specific target. The smaller the target, the more you concentrate and automatically block out visions of potential hazards. Learning how to focus is a habit that can be developed by golfers at every skill level. You may not have the physical ability that comes with hours of practice, but every golfer can develop the ability to focus. Awareness is the key.