Tip of the Month
PRE SHOT ROUTINE
THE SECRET TO CONSISTANCY
When asked by the Pro on the first lesson “What is the problem?”, how often is the reply - “There’s a lack of consistency in my game”. Yes, most golfers would like to strike the ball better, further and straighter, who wouldn’t? The fact is most golfers haven’t the time to work on their games as much as they would like to. That’s not to say that improvements to technique can’t be made and benefited from. The answer is in focusing a greater percentage of your time on maximising the skills you already posses.
Pre Shot Routine is the key to consistency in your swing and all round game. How can a player expect to perform the same action and achieve the same result if the Pre Shot Routine and set-up is not consistent? Developing a technically sound, well balanced, athletic swing requires many qualities and a lot of hard work. The art of routine, however, is very achievable for all levels of golfer with a little thought and practice.
SUGGESTED PRE SHOT ROUTINE
Standing behind the ball visualise the shot you intend to play.
Then pick out the line you intended to start the ball on using a spot on the ground a yard or so in front of your ball.
Start a set routine of lining the clubface to your target spot keeping your feet together and build your grip
Then take your stance finding the correct ball position and alignment of your body parallel to your target line.
Most players will take another look at the target by turning their head without altering their posture or alignment. Again some players will waggle the club a couple of times before executing the shot, you should experiment with these things and develop your own style.
Then without any real swing thoughts, execute the shot.
This is just one of many routines used by some of the top players in the game but you must develop your own routine that produces the correct set-up at address position.
Practice this routine until you can do it with out thinking about it and watch the results. I guarantee you will develop a pattern of shot that will allow you to play a more consistent game on the golf course, as long as it is consistent for all your full.