Developing consistency isn’t easy. It’s especially difficult
for golfers whose practice time is limited by their work
and/or their families. But there are some things that these
golfers can do to help themselves develop consistency, even
when they’re unable to get to a range or are on the road
traveling. One is practicing their pre-shot routine—
something my golf tips often discuss.

Unfortunately, many golfers don’t have a pre-shot routine.
If they do have a routine, they don’t always use it. And
when they use it, it’s disorganized. Their method of ball
alignment is haphazard; they spend too much time over the
ball; and/or they line up off-target, among other things. If
they’re interrupted, they look up to see what caused the
noise—then hit away, as if nothing happened.

Using a pre-shot routine is helpful, whether on the tee or
in the fairway. It encourages consistency, guarantees
correct alignment, and helps you make the transition to the
right frame of mind. It also helps you focus on the job at
hand, which my golf tips constantly advocate. In short, a
good pre-shot routine prepares you both physically and
mentally for a shot.

My golf lessons review the individual components of a good
routine. Of course, everyone’s routine will differ to a
degree, but most will be pretty consistent in terms of their
key components. If you’re striving for a lower golf
handicap, work these components into your routine.

Here’s what I recommend…

Components of a Pre-shot Routine

• Stand behind ball/visualize shot
• Position yourself parallel to target line
• Place clubhead behind the ball, square to target
• Look at target/visualize shot
• Relax arms/waggle club
• Look at target again, sense shot, exhale
• Pull trigger and swing

First, stand a few yards behind the ball facing the
target. While behind the ball, pick out a target, and
picture the shot, a technique we often emphasize in my golf
instruction sessions. Also, visualize the ball’s flight.

Next, walk to the ball. Position yourself approximately
parallel to the target line with your feet close
together.

Next, place the clubhead behind the ball so that it looks
squarely at the target. Adjust your body so that it is
parallel to target line. Move your back foot back, then your
front foot forward until you’re in a comfortable but stable
stance. This sequence eliminates the need to worry about
where the ball is positioned. It will be in the correct
position every time.

Once you’re set up, look at the target. Visualize the
shot once more. Gently shuffle your feet, then waggle
the club a few times. Constant movement primes you for the
swing, as our golf lessons teach.

Then, relax your arms and your hands. Waggle the club
a few times more.

Next, take another look at the target. Exhale. Sense the
shot.

And finally, pull the trigger. Swing smoothly and
easily.

That’s it. Use this routine as a guide to developing your
own or adapt it as you see fit. Work on the routine until
you have something you’re comfortable with, then use it. If
you watch professional golfers you’ll see that they all have
a slightly different pre-shot routine; but they all have one
and they all use it time and time again.

Sergio Garcia used to waggle the club countless times before
he pulled the trigger. He no longer does that. Now, he
waggles the club a couple of times, then pulls the trigger.
He uses the routine every time he hits a ball from the tee
or the fairway. Other players have their own pre-shot
routines, with their own idiosyncrasies. But they do the
same thing again and again—every time they hit.

There’s, nothing mysterious about a good pre-shout routine.
In fact, it’s rather simple. Each component is designed to
help you with the mechanical or the mental phase of the
swing. And some of these components can be modified to suit
your needs, so you have your own version.

What’s critical, though, is that you use the same routine
every time you take a shot. Repetition develops
consistency, and consistency lowers golf handicaps. If
something interrupts your shot, step away from the ball and
start the routine all over again. Doing so assures you that
you are focused squarely on hitting the ball.

Repeat this routine on the course or at home, with and
without a ball. Practice it until it becomes instinctive. If
you make adjustments, practice the new routine until the
adjustment becomes instinctive. Use the routine every time
you take a swing—even when taking golf lessons.

Next time you can’t get to the range or you’re on the road,
work on your pre-shot routine. Then use it when you’re on
the course. You might be surprised just how much a good
pre-shot routine helps your golf handicap.

Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.

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