By Jeremy Beale
10 steps to Obtaining Tunnel Vision
When I think of tunnel vision I am often reminded of one of the defining scenes in the filmThe Greatest Game Ever Played.
In the film based on the 1913 U.S. Open winner Francis Ouimet, his idol, Harry Vardon faced a similar foe to every golfer who has stepped foot on the tee box.
And that foe is doubt. The toughest aspect of golf is the capability to clear one’s thoughts.
Where golf is not the most physically demanding sport known to man, it is one of the more mentally challenging ones.
The ability to hold high mental acuity in golf is a powerful tool. Where it may be easy to strengthen the physique of a golfer, the mind can be a much tougher muscle.
So, what can be done?
In golf, there is the term known as tunnel vision - the ability to disregard all outside distractions and focus only on the destination at hand.
Many golfers believe they have this skill, but how do they actually know?
Well, that is what we are here to find out.
Having tunnel vision does not necessarily look like Vardon in the video above, but it should feel like that.
It should feel like a calm in mind and an assurance in the destination of the ball.
If you can line the ball up with confidence and take every bit of doubt from the equation, then you have tunnel vision.
Here are some tips to achieve tunnel vision:
1) The easiest way to establish tunnel vision is with the help of a partner.
2) Find a place on the course or driving range to practice.
3) Pick a spot to aim and take practice swings to visualize the ball trail.
4) Align yourself with the target and tell your partner where you are aiming. (Picking different target helps shot shaping.)
5) After taking several practice swings and you are aligned correctly, approach the ball.
6) When you are ready to swing at the ball, swing without looking up and have your partner watch the flight.
7) Then have your partner give you the flight and adjustments.
8) It may be helpful to practice this drill with each club in your bag.
9) This drill can be practiced from the tee box, fairway, rough, hazards and putting greens.
10) In golf, the primary objective is having the ball consistently reach it’s destination.
The ability to hit a ball and trust that it will reach its target is a great confidence booster.
When it comes to hitting the ball through narrow fairways, onto compact greens and putting on fast or slow greens tunnel vision is an asset.
To have tunnel vision in every aspect of your game is to obtain a stress-free round of golf.