It is hard not to see green.

This was my thought two weeks ago when standing in a Raising Cane’s in Houston, Texas. I was there to speak to Sam Burns ahead of the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and I was wondering how he could focus on Memorial Park when Augusta National was less than a carton of milk away from a time perspective.

Thankfully I had the chance to ask Sam a few questions so I specifically asked this one. His answer was what you’d expect, but given that he is tied for the lead after the first round (tied with defending champion Rory McIlroy of all people) it is particularly interesting.

“I think each and every week I try to show up and be prepared as possible. Prepared to play my best and ultimately… you know when I’m here this week I’m present. Focusing on this tournament. Obviously in a couple of weeks there’s a pretty big tournament coming up in Augusta, Georgia, but when I’m here this week I’m focused on trying to compete and play my best. Once this week is over then we’ll kind of turn our attention to the Masters. But I think going out this week and trying to make sure like I said I’m prepared and I’m ready to play. When they call my name on Thursday it’s time to go out and play.”

Burns finished T21 in Houston, but like this week he started off hot on Thursday. That week saw Sam also post a score of 5-under in the opening round (par is 70 at Memorial Park for full context) and that is exactly what he did on Thursday morning in Augusta.

It is clear that this tunnel vision disposition is working for Sam. Focusing on the here and now, whenever and wherever that is, is smart and helps keep distractions at bay.

All the best to him as he aims to do so across the rest of the Masters.