A CLUE

Q: What does every golfer on every pro tour have in common?

A: They ALL use a pre shot routine before every shot.

WE CALL THIS A CLUE

If every single top player the world over uses a pre shot routine before every shot then so should you and I. Why do golfers of all abilities need a pre shot routine? Good Question.

• They get us in the proper mindset to execute the best shot possible.
• They give us something familiar to focus on when there’s pressure.
• They help establish proper alignment for the shot.

All those are true about a good pre shot routine but they aren’t the most important reason to have one.

Would you like to know the #1 reason for a pre shot routine?

The #1 reason golfers need a pre shot routine is to visualize the ideal shot they want to hit. Great shots exist in the mind before they are created in reality.

Let me ask you a key question: How do things get created? We are surrounded by items that didn’t exist at one point in time and now they do. How does this happen?

It all starts with a thought or idea. This is the actual moment of creation. Let’s use Disney World as an example. Walt Disney had a great idea one day about a Magic Kingdom where families could visit and have the best vacation ever. He began working and refining the thought. Eventually the thought turned into reality when the first Disney theme park was opened.

So how does this apply to golf? Great shots need to be created in the mind first before they actually take place. This is the #1 reason for the pre shot routine. Visualize the exact shot you would like to hit. Then walk up to the ball and recreate the vision you just had. Will you always hit the shot perfectly? Absolutely not but keep doing it anyway. The routine isn’t a guarantee of a great shot, it simply gives you the best chance of hitting the great shot.

Every player will have a unique routine but remember these 4 keys.

1. Start out 5 to 8 feet behind the ball. This gives you the proper view.
2. Take a deep breath and relax.
3. Pick something about 12 inches in front of the ball to help with alignment.
4. Visualize the exact shot you want to hit with sound, trajectory, flight and where it stops. On tee shots, visualize the ball landing and rolling out in the fairway. On approach shots, chip shots and putts, visualize the ball rolling into the hole.

We call it R and D. Not research and development but Rob and Duplicate. Watch what the great players do and add it to your game.

See you next time. Thanks for visiting!

Mike

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