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 first part of the process is deciding on which sort of shot you are going to hit. Take account of the lie of the ball, the intended target area, the climactic conditions, etc. Wind is often the biggest factor that will make a difference to the ball flight. The professional golfer is meticulous when looking at wind strength and direction and so should we be

Visualization is a skill that can and must be mastered. It doesn’t really matter whether or not you actually see the ball going to the target or if you see yourself making the perfect swing. Some people (including me) just believe that the ball will go to the chosen target and are able to commit to that. What matters is that you are absolutely clear about the exact target that you are going to hit and absolutely commit to it

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 your ball positively from behind- you are just about to hit the best golf shot that you have ever hit. Approaching the golf ball from behind, place the club face square to the target line whilst settling into a comfortable address position at the correct distance from the ball. Make sure the ball position is correct and look at the target one last time, swiveling your head toward the target to retain good physical posture

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 author: Mr. Hughes is director of finance at Southerndown Golf Club. the UK is holding the next Ryder Cup in 2010, Southerndown is a links golf course in the UK Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.