You have taken lessons and worked on grip, stance, back movement and weight shifting. Your instructor gave you drills on tempo, sequencing, and delay. You’ve spent hours practicing these moves. But your score is not improving. Something important is missing and it’s costing you a shot.
That which is ignored
Most golf lessons focus on the swing which makes sense as the swing moves the club and the club hits the ball. But you don’t get enough attention pre-shoot routine and your ability to deliver in high pressure situations.
You can have a big swing in the range when nothing is at stake. But the course is different. There’s trouble on the left, water on the right, friends watching, maybe money on the line. Your mind changes. Movement that felt easy now takes effort. You start directing, directing and trying to be perfect. This is when things break down.
What is missing is not another type of swing. There is a reliable process that helps you use your swing when it matters most.
Why this matters more than mechanics
I’ve seen players with perfect swings shoot 95, while others swing 75. The difference is not in their mechanics. It is their ability to repeat their movement when it counts.
A pre-shoot routine helps you stay consistent. It keeps your mind busy so you don’t worry about the outcome. This helps you focus on the process, not just the result. It also ties your practice on the range to your game on the course.
If you don’t have a routine, every shot feels different. Sometimes you stay on the ball longer, take more or less practice swings, or think about different things. Your mind has nothing stable to lean on, so it improvises. And improvising under pressure usually doesn’t work.
What actually works
A good one pre-shoot routine there are three steps.
First, stand behind the ball and choose your target and shot form. Picture the picture in your mind and choose a specific landing spot, not just a general area. This is when you make your decision.
Then, walk up to the ball and stand up. marshal first your club face and then your body. Take a practice swing or two to get the feel of the movement you want. This is your preparatory step.
Finally, take one last look at your target and swing. Don’t add extra thoughts or last minute changes. You have made your choices. Now just swing. This is your commitment step.
The entire routine should take 20 to 30 seconds. If it takes longer, you may start to doubt yourself. If it’s shorter, you may be rushed and not fully committed.
What do good players do differently?
Good players use the same routine for every shot. If you watch a pro, you’ll notice the same steps every time: the same number of hits on the target, the same temptation, the same time. The routine becomes automatic and allows them to focus on the swing itself.
Good players practice their routines, not just their swings. They go through the entire process, from choosing a shot to hitting it. In verse, they use their full routine even when it’s just practice. That way, it feels natural when it really matters.
Good players rely on their routines to avoid distractions. When they feel doubt or pressure, they stay in their usual steps. The routine acts as a mental anchor, helping them stay focused.
How to build your own
Start with something simple. Choose a routine that feels comfortable and not too long. If it helps, write. Then use it for every shot, starting with distance.
Repetition is the key. Your routine should become so automatic that you don’t have to think about it. This takes hundreds of attempts, not just a few. Stick with it for a month. Use it on every shot, even short shots, and practice your swing.
Notice what helps you commit and what makes you doubt. If any part of your routine causes hesitation, change it. Your routine should give you confidence, not keep you guessing.
The simple truth
Your movement is important, but the ability to use it under pressure is more important. A good routine won’t fix a bad swing, but it will help you get the most out of the swing you have. For most golfers, this is more valuable than another swing type. Even the best swing won’t help if you can’t use it when it matters.
Post One Thing Golf Lessons Don’t Emphasize Enough appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
