This includes golf routines before, during and after a shot as well as before and after a game. Of all the golf routines to master and perfect the most important is the preshot routine. It is your key to consistency.
This is a really important article that could change your golf game. Every time I have coached golfers from beginners to scratch golfers and golf pros we always had to get back to routines. There is a lot in this article so you might need to read it a few times and take some notes.
Most golfers play inconsistent golf because they have inconsistent routines. They sort of know there is a thing called a preshot routine. Yet when they play, they approach all their shots inconsistently. The routines are not second nature, they forget, get flustered, their thinking is all over the place and they are riding a roller coaster of emotions.
Every golf pro should teach golf routines first and foremost
You need an anchor. Golf is a process, and it can be an emotional game.
You really need something that can relax you, ground you and get you focused on the task at hand. Not to mention following a pattern of setting up a shot that gives you the greatest possibility of executing a successful shot.
Whether you are on-course, on the practice area or on a driving range you must practice your routines as though you are playing for real. Then, in competition it becomes second nature. Your golf routines also help you with your golf etiquette and avoid slow play.
Golf is not a game of perfect, it is a game of excellence
The only perfect game of golf would be 18 hole-in-ones. Very little chance of that happening anytime soon.
Golf is a game of challenge, risk and mistakes. As a golfer your challenge is to minimize the risk, inconsistency and mistakes.
Besides getting the right golf equipment, having your golf clubs and golf ball selection custom fitted to you, you need to have a way of making each shot your best possible effort. To make each shot count. You need golf routines.
Golf is a very personal game. We all have our limitations and challenges. So why not eliminate any self sabotage and give yourself the best chance at personal golfing excellence.
Build golf routines
Routines for you to develop are:
- Pre game
- Post game
- Pre shot
- Shot
- Post shot
Your pre game routine
This is individual but here are a few thoughts.
- Get a good nights sleep.
- Have a good breakfast.
- Do stretching and breathing exercises.
- Meditate on the game you intend playing – go through each hole.
- Get to the course with plenty of time to practice.
- Do everything you need to do to be relaxed and ready.
Your preshot routine
This is the most important of all the golf routines.
Your preshot routine starts the moment you walk up to your ball. Not when you address the ball.
You are in the thinking zone as you walk up to your ball from wherever you hit it from. Usually the moment you stand behind the ball you are in decisions.
This is your thinking zone. This is where you make all your decisions on distance, conditions, picking your target and line. The type of shot you intend playing and the club you are going to use.
Once you have chosen the club, settle yourself down. Take three deep breaths as you focus in on your target looking at the target from directly behind the ball with your club in your hands.
Stay in the present
The only shot that counts right now is this one.
Zero in on your target, connect with it and relax. The more you relax, the better you play and the more fun you will have.
Playing better golf isn’t as much about making better swings as much as it is about better choices, decisions and golf routines.
Here is a mind twister. Slow is fast…by building strong routines you build in a way to avoid slow play, yet you are slow in your routine. How? You might say. Well, by having a strong, meticulous routine you will only hit the ball once and stay in play. Saving time and showing great golf etiquette
Thinking zone
Standing behind the ball, decide where you are going.
Once the decisions are made, be decisive and go for what you want.
Also, golf is a strategic game. Play to the comfort of your game on the day. Don’t force shots. This creates the possibility of errors and playing with your thinking, emotions and rhythm.
Use your intuition. Go with your first impressions of which club to use and where to play.
Above all play for accuracy over distance, play to score.
Focus on your target, play confidently. Play with your eyes, body and breath all moving to face your target through the shot.
It’s amazing when you have clear intention and play your intention.
Hitting zone – moving into your shot routine
Play a practice shot – rehearse playing the shot you want to where you want it. Some people like to get the feel for the shot.
Then line up the club face behind the ball, then your feet starting with your front foot. Feel evenly balanced. You may want to slowly move the club back to feel the groove of the shot before you execute.
Breathe, relax and focus on the target mentally and with your peripheral vision. Be aware of the target and have a clear intention and commitment of playing to it.
I’m going through this in slow motion if you like. Once you pull it all together it obviously happens quite quickly.
Here is a few other things I have picked up working with good golfers to consider:
- No swing thoughts.
- No doubts.
- No distractions.
- Notice the ball.
- Play through the ball.
- Play to your target.
Your body, movement, eyes and breathing are all in alignment playing to the target. Above all else you need to trust your swing.
Discipline is the key to golf routines
Ever noticed what Tiger Woods does if a camera goes off half through his downswing. He stops, backs away and starts again.
Imagine the discipline, the awareness and the commitment to play to your target and to give it your best.
Only play the shot when you feel right. If anything does not feel right – break and start again. From the beginning of your pre shot routine.
The clear zone
The only shot that counts is this one. What has happened is over. Let it go. What is coming up will be taken care of in good time.
Put your time between shots to good use. Relax, stretch, think good thoughts, laugh, breathe, let it go.
Deep breathing is a great way to manage emotions and to let it go when a shot did not work.
Your post game routine
Once a round is over. Sit and go through the round in your mind. Where shots didn’t work, imagine playing the shot you wanted, rewrite your round in your mind.
Golf routines allow you to lock in success patterns that give you the best chance of playing your best shots.
I hope you got a lot out of this article. Don’t stop here. Every great golfer consistently works on their golf swing. You should too.
Click here for more information about the Simple Golf Swing System.
