Back
For millions of golfers, a good pre-shot routine is the closest thing to a cheat-code anyone will find in the game.
Speaking from the perspective of my own decent-but-far-from-great golf game, my pre-shot routine on shots from tee to green has been one dependable constant over years of junior, high school, college and now occasional competitive amateur golf. I firmly believe it has helped give me a measure of consistency where even if I may tinker with my swing from time to time, the fact that my routine stays the same helps both to ground me and keep me moving.
A brisk, repeatable and helpful pre-shot routine is something that every single golfer can achieve, regardless of handicap. If you don't have one, you are throwing multiple shots away every round. Our inherent talent levels are all different - chances are you're never going to hit it as far as Rory McIlroy - but how we use the crucial seconds before trying to hit a golf shot is completely within our control. To be frank, there is no excuse for not having an effective pre-shot routine in golf, which makes it all the more shocking when I notice how few golfers have one.
Let's change that by dipping into the incredible library of GolfPass golf instruction videos.
A career Grand Slam-quality pre-shot routine
Play
In Season 4 of Ask Rory, NBC's Craig Melvin asked the now 5-time major champion for advice on developing a more effective pre-shot routine. This video is well worth your time if you're looking to improve your focus and attitude before executing golf shots. Keep in mind that Rory is a faster-than-average player, too, so it's important to remember that a world-class pre-shot routine doesn't need to take a long time, but it does need to be precise and intentional.
How to 'prime' yourself for a great shot
Play
In his Breaking 80 series, Martin Chuck relays a sentiment from Jack Nicklaus that will convince you of the importance of a proper pre-shot routine, and he breaks down the different little elements that you need to put together in order to maximize the likelihood of hitting a good shot. This has nothing to do with swing technique - just pure preparation.
The easiest pre-putt routine, courtesy of a two-time major champion
Play
Dave Stockton has become as well-known for his teaching as his storied playing career, which included PGA Championship victories in 1970 and 1976 and the 1996 U.S. Senior Open. In a tip from Revolution Golf, Stockton weaves together his idea of an effective pre-putt routine with some essential green-reading principles. Make sure you pay attention to the one surprising element Stockton doesn't incorporate in his pre-putt routine.
An overlooked pre-shot problem
Play
You may not think of it this way, but the practice swing(s) you take are absolutely part of your pre-shot routine. In this tip, Sean Foley relays a shocking observation about most golfers' practice swings, which often sets them up for failure when it's time to hit the ball. Instead, they need to use their practice swings the way professional golfers do.
