Anyone Can Groove A Great Golf Pre Shot Routine
I am too old to ever become a great golfer. I took the game up far too late in life. One area though that I have been able to master though is the Pre shot routine. As amateurs, we may lack the physical skill and strength of the professional golfer. Making a commitment to a great Pre shot routine though is something that we cal all do, no matter what our actual shot making capabilities
The decision needs to be made as to what shot is going to be taken on. This is a mental process that needs to be mastered. Taking account of the lie of the ball, the landing area and final resting place of the ball, and particularly the wind will all make a difference. Judging the wind strength and direction by looking at tree tops if there are any. Wind has more effect the higher the ball goes
Visualization (seeing the desired result of a shot) is a skill that must be mastered to become a better golfer. Some people actually see the shot being hit in their mind, others just believe that the ball will go to the target. Some people see themselves in a sort of video that they play in their mind, actually hitting the perfect shot. It really doesn’t matter which method you use, the effect is the same, commitment to the target
The golf shot phase itself begins once the decision process has been completed. A mental trigger can be useful to tell yourself that this phase is starting. Taking a practice swing, pulling on or fastening your glove, tugging your shirt collar, etc can all be effective triggers telling your body to get ready to hit the golf ball. Quietening your mind at this point through telling your mind that this is the end of the decision making process will help you to hit a better golf shot
Approach the golf ball from behind to get the best view of the intended shot. Commit yourself to going through the physical part of the routine, taking your stance. Set the club face square to the intended target line,taking care over your grip and ball position appropriate for the shot you will be taking on. Settle into a comfortable stance, all the time looking up by swiveling the head toward the intended target, thus re-inforcing your commitment to the shot
Having completed all the elements of a great Pre shot routine, you’re ready to go. If it helps, use a forward pres of the hands to trigger the swing itself. Swing thoughts- I don’t really like them but back slow, let it go is as goos as I’ve found. Avoid any thought of technical elements- the swing should be a flow, not a series of jerky movements,each triggered by a quick though that has no place in a fluid swing
Amateurs may not all be able to hit a 300 yard drive or pitch the ball onto a sixpence. All amateurs however are able to get a Pre shot routine sorted out and then stick to it. Any sort of plan is better than no pan at all. Nobody gets this area right all the time, however, with practice, commitment and a deal of dedication, any amateur can become as good as, if not better than the professionals
About the writer: Mr. Hughes is a director at Southerndown Golf Club. the UK is holding the Ryder Cup next year, Southerndown is a links golf course in the UK You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.
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