A simple pre-shot routine for golf

The situation

The swing changes between the range and the course, or after a bad shot. Often the swing is fine and the start is not: the aim drifts, you stand over the ball too long, or you swing before you have picked a target.

The fix

1. 01
   Stand behind the ball and pick a target Pick a small target, then a spot a foot or two in front of the ball on that line, the same as on setup and aim.
2. 02
   Set the face, then the feet Walk in, point the clubface at the spot, then set the feet parallel to that line.
3. 03
   One waggle, one look A small waggle and one look at the target. Not five. The longer you stand there, the tighter the hands get. The scale is on grip pressure.
4. 04
   Go when the eyes come back When your eyes return to the ball, start the swing. Do not stop and start over unless something actually changed.
5. 05
   Keep it the same after a bad shot The routine matters most after a bad shot. Do not add steps, and do not skip them.

A pre-shot routine you can copy

1. Decide behind the ball. Stand behind the ball, pick a target and a club, and commit. No changes once you walk in.
2. Pick an intermediate spot. Find a leaf or mark a foot or two in front of the ball on your target line.
3. One rehearsal swing. Feel the swing you want for this shot, not a full-speed swing.
4. Walk in and aim the face. Set the clubface square to the intermediate spot first, then your feet.
5. One look, then go. Look at the target once, back at the ball, and swing within a couple of seconds.

The whole routine should be short, and once it is your turn, within the 40 seconds the Rules recommend (source: R&A Rules of Golf, Rule 5.6b(1)). Shorter is better than longer: standing over the ball too long lets tension and doubts creep in, and slows the group.

Routine for putts and chips

The same idea works on the green: read the putt from behind, make two practice strokes while looking at the hole to feel the distance, set the putter face, then one look and go.

FAQ

What if I lose focus partway through?

Step away and start again from behind the ball. It costs ten seconds and often saves a stroke.

Does a routine help beginners?

Yes, maybe more than anyone. It gives a nervous first-timer something to do instead of thinking about who is watching. It is also a core part of course management.