You’ve probably seen it at your local driving range: golfers with headphones in, either taking a phone call or listening to their favorite playlist. Maybe they’re trying to relax, block out distractions, or make practice more enjoyable. While there’s nothing in the Rules of Golf that prohibits listening to music, as a coach, I recommend leaving the headphones in your bag during practice sessions.
Golf is a game that demands concentration. One of the most important skills every player needs to develop is the ability to stay focused despite distractions. On the golf course, you can’t control the conditions. There may be noise from nearby groups, changing weather, unexpected delays, or simply long periods of waiting between shots. Learning to accept those moments instead of trying to eliminate them is an essential part of becoming a better player.
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One of the most underrated mental skills I teach my players is what I call “the skill of going in and out.” In other words, players must learn how to switch their focus on and off throughout the round. As they begin their pre-shot routine, all of their attention should be directed toward the shot they are about to hit. Once the shot is complete, however, they should be able to switch into a “rest mode.”
During that downtime, which may last several minutes while walking to the next shot, they can chat with playing partners or their caddie, enjoy the scenery, or simply let their mind relax. Then, when it’s time to play again, they intentionally shift back into a focused, competitive mindset.
Practicing this cycle of focus and recovery builds the mental endurance required to stay sharp over 18 holes. If your practice sessions are always accompanied by music or other distractions that you control, you’re missing the opportunity to train the same mental skills you’ll need on the course.
The next time you’re at the range, challenge yourself to practice without headphones. Instead of tuning out the world around you, learn to manage it. By embracing distractions, practicing the ability to “switch off” between shots, and then re-engaging your focus when it matters, you’ll develop the mental resilience and concentration that separate good golfers from great ones.
