Your pre-shot routine is one of the most important – but underrated – mental game tools to have in your arsenal.
Watch any of the pros on tour and you’ll see them follow the same steps, consistently and systematically, before every shot.
And whilst a lot of amateurs start their rounds with good intentions, their pre-shot routines get overlooked before the back nine. That might be because they think it isn’t “working”. Or it might be because they worry it takes too much time.
What is a pre-shot routine?
A pre-shot routine is the sequence of thoughts and movements you make before you hit the ball.
Every golfer’s pre-shot routine will look different. But they mostly follow the same sort of pattern:
- Take a practice swing
- Stand behind the ball and pick your target
- Address the ball
- Look at the target and hit your shot
A good pre-shot routine won’t guarantee you hit it well every time. But it will give you the best opportunity to play your best golf.
And as for it taking too much time, it shouldn’t take more than about 40 seconds.
Why you need one
Here are three ways a good pre-shot routine will help you play better golf.
- It will make sure you get the fundamentals right: Aim, stance and ball position.
- Whatever shot you face, you’ll feel comfortable: Reduce tension by redirecting your focus.
- You’ll feel more confident: Take a practice swing and visualise the shot before you hit it.
Give it a go and let us know how you get on!
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