Master Focus: Learn to Perform Under Pressure

As golf instruction editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m constantly on the lookout for stories that not only entertain but also offer profound insights into the mental game of golf. This week, the buzz around Austin Smotherman at The Players Championship has certainly captured my attention, and I believe it holds a vital lesson for every golfer, from weekend warriors to aspiring professionals. Smotherman’s performance, while navigating a deeply personal moment, offers a masterclass in mental focus and commitment.

Here we have a PGA Tour pro, facing the imminent arrival of his third child—his wife’s due date is March 23rd—and he’s not just playing in one of the biggest tournaments of the year, he’s leading it! His opening-round 67 at TPC Sawgrass speaks volumes, especially considering just a year ago, he was playing on the Korn Ferry Tour. Now, with a $4.5 million winner’s prize on the line, and fresh off an impressive T8 at the American Express and T2 at the Cognizant Classic, Smotherman is proving that a focused mind can achieve incredible things.

The Power of “Staying In The Moment”

One of the most remarkable aspects of Smotherman’s situation is his unwavering commitment to his game, even if it means missing the birth of his child. This isn’t a stance I’m endorsing for everyone, of course! But from a golf psychology perspective, it highlights a critical lesson: the power of “staying in the moment.”

“My wife’s giving me the okay to play this week, just keep rolling no matter if I was shooting five-under or five-over, I guess.”

This quote from Smotherman isn’t just about his family’s understanding; it’s about a professional mindset. It’s about being present with each shot, each hole, each round. Too often, I see my students—even high-level amateurs—letting external pressures or past mistakes creep into their current shot. They’ll spend an entire round agonizing over a missed putt on the second hole, or worrying about an upcoming business meeting. Smotherman’s situation is an extreme example of external pressure, yet his commitment to “just keep rolling” is exactly the kind of singular focus we all need on the course.

Think about it: when you’re standing over a crucial putt or facing a challenging approach shot, your mind needs to be 100% on that specific moment. Any distraction, whether it’s thinking about your score, what you’ll have for dinner, or, in Smotherman’s case, a life-changing family event, can lead to a breakdown in concentration and, subsequently, a poor shot.

Actionable Drills for Mental Focus

So, how can you cultivate this kind of mental toughness and “stay in the moment” like Austin Smotherman?

Drill 1: The “One Shot at a Time” Breath Drill

This is a fundamental technique I teach all my students. Before every shot, especially under pressure, perform this simple breathing exercise:

1. Step 1: Set Your Routine. Establish a consistent pre-shot routine that includes lining up, practice swings, and a mental review of your target.
2. Step 2: Deep Breath Focus. As you step up to the ball for your actual shot, take one deliberate, deep breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, counting to four. Hold for two. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six.
3. Step 3: Visual Confirmation. As you exhale, visually confirm your target and let all other thoughts dissolve. Your mind should be entirely focused on the present shot – the club, the ball, the target.

Why it works: The controlled breathing calms your nervous system, while the focused counting and exhalation help clear your mind of clutter, anchoring you firmly in the present moment. This helps you commit fully to the shot at hand, just as Smotherman seems committed to “just playing golf” when he’s on the course.

Drill 2: The “Past Shots Stay in the Past” Visualization

One of the biggest detractors to staying in the moment is dwelling on previous bad shots. Smotherman knows that a shot, good or bad, is over once it’s hit. You can’t change it. What you *can* control is your reaction to it and your focus on the next one.

1. Step 1: Acknowledge, then Release. After a poor shot, allow yourself a brief moment (5-10 seconds) to acknowledge the frustration. Don’t suppress it, but don’t dwell on it.
2. Step 2: “Throw it Away” Visualization. As you walk to your ball, visualize literally throwing away the memory of that bad shot. Imagine crumpling it up in your hand and tossing it over your shoulder into a mental wastebasket.
3. Step 3: Reset and Re-engage. Before your next shot, apply the “One Shot at a Time” breath drill. Mentally “reset” your focus for the upcoming shot.

Why it works: This drill gives you a concrete, active way to move on from negative experiences. It trains your mind to compartmentally separate shots, preventing one bad outcome from spiraling into several, helping you maintain a consistent focus throughout your round. This commitment to “just keep playing golf” is something we can all learn from Smotherman.

“I don’t know what she’s going to do. She doesn’t know if she’s going to try and contact me, contact my caddie, and then figure out if he relays the info or if I just play. We just we don’t know. I’m just playing golf.”

This reveals the almost Zen-like state a golfer needs to achieve. Uncertainty will always exist, both on and off the course. The mental fortitude comes from accepting that uncertainty and deciding to focus on what you *can* control: your next shot.

Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Austin Smotherman’s story isn’t just about this week. It’s about a journey. Just a year ago, he was on the Korn Ferry Tour,

“He finished T8 at the American Express, then T2 at the Cognizant Classic.”

This shows a consistent upward trend, not just a fluke. This kind of progression requires incredible resilience and a belief that consistent effort will eventually pay off. He didn’t just wake up leading The Players; he worked his way back to the PGA Tour by winning two Korn Ferry events and finishing third in the season-long points race. That’s dedication.

In my teaching experience, I’ve seen countless golfers get discouraged when they don’t see immediate results. But golf, like life, is a marathon, not a sprint. Smotherman’s journey is a powerful reminder that every practice session, every round, every challenge is a step on a longer path. Anyone can improve, but it requires patience, persistence, and a relentless focus on the process rather than just the outcome.

The next time you step onto the course, whether it’s for a casual round or a competitive match, remember Austin Smotherman. Remember the mental clarity he’s demonstrating under immense pressure. Practice being present, commit to each shot, and trust the process. You might find that the lessons from this remarkable week at TPC Sawgrass can elevate your game in ways you never thought possible.