Amateurs Can Prepare Their Golf Shots As Well As The Pros

By Glenn Hughes | February 1, 2010

Having played golf for a number of years and getting down to a single digit handicap, one area of golf that eluded me for many years is the Pre shot routine. This is one area that we can control as amateurs as well perhaps as the professionals. Practicing the routine every single time you hit a shot, whether in practice or on the course can be done by everyone but it does take practice

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

Starting the actual shot part of the process should commence as soon after you have made a positive decision on the shot choice as possible. It may help to use a mental trigger to this part of the shot. For example, pulling on or fastening your glove or actually taking the club out of the bag will be a good start point to the process. The important thing to remember is that the decision is now made, no time for second guessing

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

You’re ready to go when all the elements of the Pre shot routine have been completed. Going through this process allows your mind to focus on the task in hand and not to dwell on past failures. One final look at the target and you can pull the trigger. For some, a forward press will get the swing going, for others, they are strong enough mentally to go when they are ready. The total time taken for the whole routine should not vary by more than a couple of seconds

With practice, you will get the Pre shot routine just right, one area where you can definitely do the same as the professionals. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how good, the Pre shot routine can be mastered by anyone. All it takes is some dedication and commitment, qualities that will serve you well in lots of areas, not just golf. Keeping to a plan, however flawed is better than no plan at all

About the author: Mr. Hughes is director of finance at Southerndown Golf Club. the UK is holding the Ryder Cup in 2010, Southerndown is a links golf course in the UK

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