16. The greater the degree to which the ball arrests your attention and entices you into pushing for results, the more you end up in a physical state that guarantees you cannot do it

Several days ago, one of our members happened to ask me "Which part of the ball did I look at when playing a shot? It is not the first time I have been asked the question and as in the past, I replied, "I can't really say I actually look at the ball at all". He appeared somewhat surprised to hear this so I went on to explain that whilst I do not "look" at the ball, I am certainly aware of the presence of it on the ground in front of me. In my experience too many players LOOK at the ball to such a degree, they cause themselves eyestrain. It reaches a point were the ball arrests the player’s attention with dire consequences for the impending golf swing.

In a separate lesson I discuss the topic of practise drills and the purpose, or design, of them to produce an "experience of feeling" relating to a change in ones technique. The following drill I want you to try has a difference. This one creates an experience, not of a change in technique but of an alternative way of applying yourself to the execution of your shots. You will need a mid iron and 3 balls.

Set up to the first ball and when you are ready, close both eyes and swing. It will feel very strange but you should make a contact with the ball even if it is not out of the middle. Now set up to your second ball. This time raise the club up in front of you about 18 inches above the ground and ball and with both eyes open, play the shot. Very often, players will make a decent strike, which comes as a bit of a shock. Finally, set up to the last ball and when in position, raise the club above the ground as before but then close yours eyes as well. Trust your inner feelings and swing.

If you do not make contact with all 3 balls, try again and you can be sure that in no time at all, you will develop the confidence to find the ball with the club-head every time. When this happens, you will then understand what I meant when I said earlier “I am aware of the presence of the ball out there in front of me.” Gain confidence in the idea and it will help you to retreat to a healthier psychological position where you are not screwed up with anxiety as you try to “out stare” the ball.