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.



Best Golf Tips

Golf Is All About Strategy

Considering all aspects of a golf course you’ve never played before takes a bit of time. But you will reap the rewards of that effort during play. Your final score will surprise your opponents who thought they had one up on you because of their familiarity with the course. So take the time and do your homework. Making a habit of doing so will improve your game immensely. Golf is, after all, as much about strategy as it is about skill.


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