Golf Tips: Pre-Shot Routine

Being relaxed and comfortable during a golf shot is one great way to make sure you actually hit a good one.  Pulling the trigger on the golf swing when one is not comfortable and relaxed will most likely result in a bad shot, which leads to frustration and more bad shots.  One great way to increase the comfort level during the swing is to use what is called a "pre-shot routine."  A pre-shot routine is just that, a consistent series of movements or routine which is repeated before the swing.  Lets take a look pro routines first, then we will work on our own. Pro Routines Jim Furyk is one of the most consistent players on the planet.  Jim has a very unique routine before he hits his shots.  Jim stands behind the ball, walks up to the address position, then hitches his pants up with his right hand.  He repeats this process before every swing.  Fred Couples does something similar, pulling up one sleeve of his shirt before every swing. Tiger Woods uses a very solid routine.  He will stand behind the ball and pick his target.  Then he walks up to the address position, looks at his target, looks down at the ball and builds his stance, looks at the target a 2nd time, looks back down and then pulls the trigger. Jason Dufner has a very unique routine.  He stands behind the ball and holds the club with one hand, brushing the club back and forth like a pendulum as he focuses on the target.  After standing over the ball, Dufner makes some very large and loose waggles with a very broken set of wrists before executing the swing. One of the most recognizable pre-shot routines is that of Mike Weir.  Weir sets up over the ball, then takes his club back half way and stops, even looking at the club head position half way back.  He then puts the club back behind the ball and quickly pulls the trigger. Next time you watch PGA Tour players on TV, focus on one player's routine.  You'll easily be able to spot it. Building A Routine - Some Suggestions My personal routine starts behind the ball looking at the target.  I take one loose practice swing to get the feel of the club, then I lift my club up and point it at the target.  I then lower the club and walk up to the address position.  I look at the target, make one waggle, look back down and pull the trigger.  The whole process takes less than five seconds, which I think is important.  These routines should not be long.  3-5 seconds is plenty. Most routines share the same focusing of the target, either behind and/or when standing over the ball.  Some players pick a spot on the ground in front of them, or a target in the distance like a tree to focus on. Most routines include a waggle or practice swing to get the feel of the club and the swing needed.  If the shot is a special shot, a rehearsal of the swing needed is good. I like to take a big breath in and exhale before the swing as well.  This helps me relax. In short a great framework for building a routine would include: 1. Sand behind ball and focus on target 2. Walk up and address the ball 3. Look at target 4. Waggle or practice swing 5. Pull the trigger Try It, Even On The Range Experiment with your personal pre-shot routine and build one you can repeat over and over.  You will become more comfortable on the course and be able to hit better shots.  I suggest practicing the routine on the driving range as well. Good luck.