Being present can be defined as being fully engaged and aware of the present moment, rather than being distracted by thoughts about the past or the future.

It involves paying attention to your surroundings and your own thoughts and feelings, and not being preoccupied by other distractions.

Being present can help you feel more grounded, focused, and aware, and is a super important skill to acquire if you’re going to hit good golf shots. Golf at it’s core is a game of execution and being present on the task at hand is essential for success.

The two most common reasons golfers are not present during their golf shot routines

1. A golfer is focussed on a poor shot that happened in the past, carrying those negative emotions with them to their current golf shot.

2. A golfer is focussed on the great score or result that might happen at the end of their round, in other words projecting into the future.

How to practice being present

So if being present means paying attention to and being fully engaged in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

How do you practice being present?

1. Start with small moments: Practice bringing your full attention to simple, everyday activities like washing the dishes or walking to work.

2. Try mindfulness meditation: This involves focusing on your breath and letting go of any distractions that come up. You can start with short sessions, like five minutes, and gradually increase the length as you get more comfortable.

3. Engage your senses: Pay attention to what you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch in the present moment. This can help you stay grounded and focused.

4. Use reminders: Set reminders on your phone or place physical objects around your environment to remind you to come back to the present moment.

5. Take breaks: Make time for breaks throughout the day to rest and refocus. You might try going for a walk, taking a few deep breaths, or simply closing your eyes for a few moments.

Remember that it takes practice to be present. It's natural for your mind to wander, but the more you try to stay present, the easier it will become.

Once you’ve practiced being present, you can then apply these skills to your golf shot routines.