FOMO versus JOMO
One of the greatest mental traps in modern golf is not just the fear of failure — it is the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Golfers constantly compare themselves to others: who is practicing more, who bought the newest driver, who is posting swing videos online, or who appears to be living the “perfect golf life” on social media.
According to Dr. Barry Lotz, renowned mental-game coach and Director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, that mindset is one of the fastest ways to sabotage focus, confidence, and emotional control.
“Golfers overload themselves mentally,” says Dr. Lotz. “They chase too much information, too many opinions, and too many comparisons. The mind becomes cluttered before they even hit the first tee shot.”
That is why Dr. Lotz believes golfers today need less FOMO and far more JOMO — the Joy Of Missing Out.
JOMO means finding peace in disconnecting from distractions and reconnecting with yourself, your preparation, and your purpose. Studies consistently show that people who embrace solitude and reduce constant social comparison experience lower stress levels, improved concentration, and greater life satisfaction.
The same principle applies directly to golf.
Too many golfers spend hours scrolling through social media watching swing tips from influencers, doom-scrolling alarming news, or comparing their games to highlight reels online. The result? Mental clutter, confusion, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations.
Golf already creates enough pressure internally. Why add more?
Dr. Barry Lotz teaches that mentally strong golfers protect their minds just as carefully as they protect their swings.
Instead of feeding the brain negativity and comparison:
• Listen to calming music before a round.
• Practice breathing exercises such as Dr. Lotz’s “Breathe Through Your Eyes” technique.
• Spend quiet time visualizing successful shots.
• Walk the course without your phone.
• Focus on your own process instead of someone else’s highlight reel.
JOMO in golf means understanding that missing out on noise is actually a competitive advantage.
You do not need every swing theory.
You do not need every new training aid.
You do not need constant validation from social media.
You need clarity.
You need emotional control.
You need presence.
“The golfers who consistently perform under pressure are not necessarily the most talented,” says Dr. Lotz. “They are the players who can quiet the mind, trust their preparation, and stay committed to one shot at a time.”
In many ways, golf mirrors life:
The more distracted you become by what others are doing, the less connected you become to what YOU need to do.
At the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, Dr. Barry Lotz emphasizes that elite golf is not simply about mechanics. It is about managing attention, emotions, expectations, and energy.
Sometimes the best thing a golfer can do for both performance and peace of mind is to happily miss out.
That is JOMO.
And according to Dr. Barry Lotz, that may be one of the most powerful mental-game strategies in golf today.