Long Game Pre-Shot Routine Basics For New Golfers

Do you’ve a long game pre-shot routine? When this question is put to golf pros, I bet, an overwhelming majority would answer in the affirmative. Does the routine change? Rarely, though some golfers say they have different pre-shot routine for different shots, the best players agree that their routine doesn’t change.

A pre-shot routine is something golfers use to counter anxiety and tension – both killers of long game. New golfers, more than anyone else, need to learn to control these two emotions while playing a long game shot. Below are few of the basics of a long game pre-shot routine.

There are two aspects of a pre-shot routine – the mental and physical. Both are important, but the mental routine is most critical for a player to get into the right frame of mind – the flow zone. If you want to be a competitive golfer, and not the kind who does well at the driving range, but turns pale before a drive in a game, then you need to improve the mental aspect of your game.

Visualize the shot

New golfers are keen on understanding the technique of a drive. No one faults them, but too much focus on the technique will leave all the other senses out of the game, and the result of that might be a disastrous shot. Use your senses; start by seeing the target, and then visualize the shot. In your mind’s eye see how well the shot will pan out – the loft of the ball, the trajectory, the direction and shape it’ll take, and the landing and resting spot. By doing this, you dispel doubts from the mind; you’ll know what you want to do.

Center your thoughts

Before you play the shot, and even before you get into the address position, take a few practice swings. Even if you feel practice swings will ruin your flow, it’s a good way to center yourself, get into balance, clear your thoughts, and visualize the shot you want to play. To center yourself before executing the shot take a few deep breaths (inhale using the nostrils and exhale through the mouth) and then move towards the ball into the address position.

Execute the long drive

You’re mentally prepared; it’s time to execute the long drive. Address the ball and look at the target – in this case, the place where you want the ball to land, and from the landing spot track back to the ball. Next, remove all distractions – negative thoughts, doubts, fear, pressure, and anxiety – and with a calm mind start the backswing and go with the flow.

These 3 steps long-game pre-shot routine will help new golfers perform better and lower their score.