How Important Is Pre-Shot Routine?

September 3, 1997

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School.

The next time you watch golf on TV, notice what the players do before they play each shot. Each of them will go through their "pre-shot routine," which will be the same each time.

So many golfers come to school each week saying that they would like to be more consistent. I tell them that this is one way to ensure that. Each pro has his or her own pre-shot routine, and I will describe mine to give them something to build on.

I think the two elements that should be included in the routine are visualization and alignment.

Pre-Shot Routine - How Important Is It?

Picture #1

As you can see in picture #1, I take my practice swing first next to the ball,

Picture #2.

then in picture #2, I stand behind the ball and visualize the flight of the shot I am about to hit. Once that is done, I pick a spot about 2 feet in front of my ball but on the line with my target, walk around and align the clubface to the spot as in picture #3.

Picture #3.

I then go into my address position and hit my shot.

A pre-shot routine will not only help your consistency but with visualization will improve your overall game. The key point to remember is - do the same thing each time - don't vary your routine at any time.

Interested in visiting the Mel Sole Golf Schools for help with your game? Click on the link below to find locations and rates.

Source: Mel Sole Golf Schools.

Thanks for reading - How Important Is Pre-Shot Routine?

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School.

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