The Misconception: “Keep Your Eye on the Golf Ball”

A common belief in golf is that you must “keep your eye on the ball” to hit it well. While this advice seems logical, it can actually hinder your swing’s fluidity and precision. If you’re overly focused on the ball, you might find yourself trying too hard to get underneath it, which can lead to inconsistent shots.

The reality is that many golfers struggle with this concept. They focus so intently on not losing sight of the ball that they forget the more important aspects of their swing. This intense focus often leads to tension and rigidity, making it difficult to achieve a smooth, natural swing.

The Trap of Overthinking

The more you try to focus on the ball and prevent it from going in the wrong direction (like into a bunker, water hazard, or trees), the harder the game becomes. This overthinking is a common pitfall for many golfers. They attempt to remember dozens of swing thoughts while staring at the ball, which only leads to confusion and poor performance.

Interestingly, when you ask a skilled player what they were thinking during a successful shot, their answer often revolves around focusing on the target rather than the ball. In contrast, a struggling golfer often admits to trying to hit the ball or being overwhelmed by too many thoughts.

A Case Study: The Player from Minnesota

I recently received an email from a player in Minnesota who has been improving steadily over the past four years. He shared an interesting experience where he played his best nine holes ever, shooting a 34 from the back tees. What made this round remarkable was that he was accompanied by his young son, who, instead of being a distraction, actually helped him focus.

In his email, he mentioned that having his son with him meant he couldn’t overthink his putts. He simply read the greens, made a plan, and executed his shots without worrying about the ball. This focus on planning and execution, rather than the ball itself, led to his best performance ever.

He also noted that his one mistake came from a greenside bunker where he momentarily lost focus and started thinking solely about the ball. This lapse in concentration serves as a reminder that even the best players can slip into bad habits.

The Fear of Missing the Ball

For many golfers, the fear of missing the ball or hitting a bad shot is a major obstacle. This fear often leads to questions like, “Where should I be aiming on the golf ball?” or “Should I focus on a specific dimple?” These concerns indicate a misplaced focus on the ball rather than on the swing or the target. 

Free Yourself from the Ball

The key to improving your golf game is to liberate yourself from an excessive focus on the ball. Once you break free from the notion that you must keep a close watch on the ball, you’ll experience a newfound sense of freedom and ease in your swing. This liberation allows you to focus on more important aspects of your game, such as making a solid plan and executing it with confidence. Our video about How to Swing Freely demonstrates the potential of this liberation.

The Path to Improvement

If you’re struggling with keeping your eye on the ball, the first step is to improve your overall golf swing. This is where professional instruction, like the kind offered by Golf Made Simple, can make a significant difference. By focusing on developing a solid swing foundation, you can reduce the need to obsess over the ball and instead focus on your plan and execution.

In summary, many golfers are overly concerned with the ball, which can lead to tension, overthinking, and inconsistent shots. The best players, on the other hand, make a plan, focus on their target, and swing with confidence. By shifting your focus away from the ball and towards your overall swing and target, you can experience greater success and enjoyment in your game.

Debunk similar golf myths with our other blog post “Do You Need to Hit Down on the Ball?”

Marc Solomon, PGA – Your Instructor For Life