Opinion & Analysis

Attention – The missing link to golf performance

Published

5 years ago

Jan 1, 2021

08We spend so much time in golf looking at and thinking about WHAT we put our attention on like the latest swing theories. Yet so little focus is given to WHERE you as a unique individual need to place your attention to release more of your true capabilities.

Where you put your attention in your golf swing can drastically influence your performance. Attention is defined as the act or power of fixing the mind on something. In golf, we have several options where we put our attention. These options can mostly be categorized as external, internal or neutral.

External awareness can be defined as putting your attention to something outside your body. For example, focusing on the target during the swing. Research suggests this is the best awareness for peak performance. Internal awareness is focusing on your body while swinging. Example, focusing on your right arm during the swing. Neutral awareness is simply non-related to the task. This can consist of counting while you swing or playing your favorite song in your head.

Figure out which attention is best suited for you. Also, understand awarenesses can change, even throughout a round. Research suggests external is the best focus of attention for peak performance. Players often recall this attention when being “In the zone” or when the game feels effortless.

All players strive for that effortless state of mind. However, what if your ball is going sideways that day and nothing is easy? This is where you may need to switch to an internal focus or have the ability to adapt to another awareness. A player must also understand their swing tendencies to change their desired ball flight given that day.

For the best chance of success on the golf course, I have found players should work on the most controllable area of the golf swing, the Set-up. When in an efficient set-up, a player can then change their feel that day to achieve their intended ball flight.

Remember, you can have consistent outcomes with inconsistent movements. Our golf swing is not the same day-to-day. Putting your body in the best position to succeed and understanding the concept of attention will improve performance on the golf course.

Corresponding author: Karl Morris (Performance Coach Karl Morris has worked with and achieved success with six Major winners and over a 100 PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA and Ladies European Tour golfers. The Mind Factor)

Twitter: @KKelley_golf

Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

Published

5 days ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.

I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.

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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!

Club Junkie

Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast

Published

7 days ago

Jun 4, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.

Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.

If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.

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Club Junkie

Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.