I think about absolutely nothing. I find the thoughts can creep in if I stand over the shot a bit longer than normal. I try to do all of the thinking as I walk up to the ball and once I decide what shot I want to hit, I try to pull the trigger as quickly as I cam without feeling rushed.

Over the ball- NOTHING!!

Behind the ball are two practice swings with the day's swing thought!

Scotch!

Seriously though - one of the best pieces of advice from a trusted PGA Instructor was "Jason, there is a difference between a gold swing and a golf shot" meaning - one is on the range during a practice session or in a sim - swing thoughts belong there.

The other of course is playing golf - For me I try to visualize the shot I am about to take as I approach the ball and during my one (or maybe two practice swings) and I concentrate on getting to and holding the finish. Doing that helps me clear my mind of other "Swing Thoughts".

Anyway - that is what helps me clear my head...... and, you know - Scotch!

My best advice would be to have a pre-shot routine and stick with it. As unorthodox as Jordan Spieth's per-shot routine now is, it is repeatable and moves him from "technical" to "feel" when taking the shot. Do something in your waggle that becomes a trigger to your timing on the swing. Try tapping the clubhead on the ground a couple of times before taking your backswing, or maybe a hip move like Matt Wolff. Something to start the timing that will free you up from distractions. Does not matter what you pick, make it your own but do your best to do it every time. Hope it helps. Good luck and have fun out there.

The old standard of taking a deep breath before a shot always helps me clear my head. I usually keep my swing thoughts with my practice swing. Do your best to establish a routine and don't deviate from it.

If you have time before your round do those mental routines on the range.

I find myself doing this every once in a while also. Used to be much worse. I found myself watching my shadow and losing concentration. Have gotten better by just reminding myself to watch the ball through impact. I'm sure there are much better tips than this so I'm going to be watching the responses.

I think what’s best is think about mechanics when at the range or practicing. When I’m on the course just relax and swing.

I have worked really hard to avoid that... for the same reasons. As soon as I start thinking about all of the things I am supposed to be doing, the worse the shot comes off. I can't recall where I saw it/heard it, but I was told that the pros focus on their target more than the average golfer who focuses on the ball in front of him/her. Ever since I have worked to get a target in mind, focus on that, and stay focused through the swing on that target. And the same wisdom works for many things... aim small, miss small!

Overthinking is never a good thing when you are in the middle of the swing. I focus on executing what I envision. I simply commit 100% to the shot. The outcome does not always meet my expectations, but that's golf. That's why we keep coming for more.

Relax and do not overthink. Not even in the range before your round. Play with what you've got on that particular day. Focus on the strike and do not place so much focus on the swing.

My pre shot routine involves a practice swing with all of my swing thoughts in mind so I can "go blank" when I get over the ball.

I only have the mental capacity to have a singular swing thought when I am over the ball and mine is typically to pick out a target left of of my intended target (10-20 yards left of my actual target) and imagine myself hitting a ball hitting a ball that I think will hook to that target. Most of my missed shots are due to the club face being open at impact and this help me focus on closing the club face.

My setup always starts with a single reminder of a specific position of the club, hands, hips, etc. at various parts of the swing. I only focus on one, and then a couple waggles to remind me of the path to the back of the ball.
Once I set up for the swing, my only thought is, if I was 40 years younger and a pro golfer I would so much be looking forward to a post game interview with Amanda Balionis (naturally, only because I had a great round).

Having a good pre-shot routine is helpful.

For me I try to narrow my focus as small as I can. I find my intermediate target, but make sure it’s really small and focused. I also find my ending target, again very small. Could be a small spot on the green, dark patch of grass on a fairway, something small. “Aim small, miss small.”

Once the shot is over I allow my mind to wonder and think. As I get close to the ball on the next shot my mind starts to go small again.

Broad to narrow focus.

You just end up thinking about your really small intermediate target and overall target. Let your body do the rest.

A consistent pre-shot routine, a deep breath, take dead aim at your target and swing away. Paralysis by analysis will result in poor shots and tightening of muscles. The exact opposite of the freedom of movement required to swing the club.

Think Finish First - focus on finishing your swing in a balanced posed position that you could hold that pose for a full 2 seconds. Just think about that balanced finish and nothing else, try it - it works. helps with tempo, timing and transition and lightens any tension all those swing thoughtsare giving you.

Think only about the target on the golf course, on the range work on the mechanics.

As Nick Faldo has repeatedly said, 'tempo' is key. The pre-shot routine definitely helps and holding your pose can simply lead to better swing 'thoughts' and thus better results.

I try to carry over my same thought process that I have when I’m on the range. I keep my pre-shot routine which also helps with focus. As soon as I start my routine I’m thinking of and visualizing my target. I also don’t allow myself to have any negative thoughts. If you start to think about where you don’t want the ball to go then almost always you will hit it where you don’t want it to go. But when you remain target focused it keeps you thinking about nailing your shot. I would also consider practicing with distractions to build your mental focus so that the little things won’t bother you anymore. I hope this helps!

Timing and tempo, along with staying relaxed over the ball are key.Clear your mind and focus on the shot at hand. Swing mechanics will fall into place on their own.

Focus on the shot you want to make