Get in some pre-shot practice
The main purpose of a pre-shot routine is to calm your nerves
down before you play a shot on the course. If you have just made a
bogie or three putted from four feet, it puts you in a place that
your body is comfortable and slows down your heart.
Get in some pre-shot practice
The main purpose of a pre-shot routine is to calm your nerves down before you play a shot on the course. If you have just made a bogie or three putted from four feet, it puts you in a place that your body is comfortable and slows down your heart.
At least that is what it is supposed to do. I see so many golfers on the course imitate the pre-shot routines they see when they watch tour players on TV. And most of them do a pretty good job. But after that, that’s where the similarities end.
And why is that? Let’s say the natural shot you hit is a fade. But the next time you play you have to make every shot you hit a hook. Do you know how to hit one? I know everyone knows, “inside out,” but it is much more than that. How many times have you gone to the range and practiced making every shot hook? So it stands to reason that every time you address the ball on the course your body would be nervous and on edge to say the least.
This is what you do when you go through with a pre-shot routine on the course you haven’t practiced. You are making the shot different than the scrape and hit you do when you do practice that puts your body on edge, now all bets are off. Practicing a pre-shot routine is just, if not more important, as just pounding balls. It should be like sitting down to watch your favorite show on TV. Make it a part of your practice; it will pay off when you play. Play well.
May is the PGA’s free lesson month. If anyone would like a free, 10-minute lesson call or e-mail me for an appointment.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
