Pre-Shot Routine

Along with having strong fundamentals, another huge part golf is the pre-shot routine. The importance of the pre-shot routine is to get you mentally prepared for the shot you are about to hit. The importance of a pre-shot routine is to help you get mentally prepared for your current shot. It helps take the pressure out of the moment because you know that if you go through the same routine before every shot that in a sense it is the same shot even though there is a great deal of pressure. It doesn't matter if you are on the course or enjoying a practice session, every shot you hit should include a pre-shot routine. Here are some steps to developing your own routine.

1. Choose your target standing behind the ball. Look down the target line and choose a spot a few feet in front of the ball. Keep your eye on that spot and approach the ball by setting your clubface pointing to the target. 
2. Once club is set, align your body parallel to the target line with the butt (where the shaft meets the club head) of the club pointing to the first belt loop left of your belly button. 
3. When it comes to the grip, hold your club vertically and take your grip while looking down your target line, zeroing in on exactly where you want to hit the ball. 
4. Take a practice swing. Feel the swing and then step back up an address the ball. 
5. Take one last look at your target. Focus on your current swing thoughts and commit to the shot
6. Hit the ball! 

Study the professionals, watch for their pre-shot routine and re-evaluate yours. Find a style that fits your game and has been perfected on the driving range. Remember, it is important to know your pre-shot routine so that you will be prepared to make the best possible swing for the shot at hand.

I believe that this was a relevant topic because I have been in many situations where I needed to hit a specific shot under pressure and with a pre-shot routine it is the same as anything other shot that I had on that day. I see the routine as a way to get away from anything going on that is irrelevant to my current shot. In my pre-shot routine, all my focus is on where I want to hit the ball and how I am going to get there. It is not on my swing. If you're thinking about your swing, you are not going to be swinging as free resulting in not playing to your full potential.

pictures taken from golftoday.co.uk