Dr Shannon Reece

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For many golfers, enjoying time with others on the course is a major reason why they play the game. But the social aspects of the game can become distracting if you get caught in the roles of host, entertainer, or swing coach during a round.

Fortunately, there are guidelines that can help you easily balance the social and serious sides of golf. With the right focus at the right time your performance goals don’t have to get sacrificed.

Here are my favorite tips on how to balance the many sides of the game.

1. Ask for What You Need
Being paired with a “Chatty Cathy or Charlie” for the day can become a distraction you feel like you can’t escape without being rude. If you find constant conversation inhibits your focus, then you need to ask for what you need. Establish from the onset of the round that conversation will end when the cart comes to a stop by asking to hit the pause button in order to fully prepare for your next shot.

When you take control of the conversation and consistently ask for what you need, you will find the peace to get your head in the game for each shot, and still have the time to enjoy engaging with your playing partners during the round.

2. Focus on YOUR Game
Have you ever gotten mentally or emotionally wrapped up in someone else’s game, especially when they were struggling? At times you may feel compelled to help search for their missing ball, or to offer some pointers. Curb the urge to get overly involved in someone else’s round because it will only distract you from investing fully in your own. The key to success is to focus on YOUR game alone.

Rather than thinking you are being selfish by setting some boundaries, recognize the need to be self-preserving when it comes to your game. If you want to play at your best you must limit your focus to making the most of every shot. Let your playing partners take responsibility for their own games and you’ll stay invested in the parts of the game you can control.