This is invaluable. I really like the alignment and your target to the ball with the club shaft then pick a place just in front. I didn’t realize it was so close to the ball, I always imagined it to be a little farther out like 6 to 8 feet.
Why go out so far when the intermediate target can be right in front of you?
I really don’t have a routine so this will be a great example for me to be inspired by.
I was surprised to hear that you actually think about some mechanical things during your swing. I have wrestled with this because it’s certainly what I do at the range yet I have often heard pros say they play their best when they aren’t thinking of anything.
I have tried to think about a few key things on my practice swings and then remind myself of two the are most important to me while over the ball. Then just focus on a spot on the back of the ball and try to keep all thoughts out of my head as I let the swing happen.
Do you have a strong feeling that it is better to think about 1-2 key things as you swing (rather than just focus on the ball and try to keep other thoughts out?)
By the way, shot 80 today. Could easily have been 78, but you know how that goes. I’d say, you have taken 10 strokes off my game. (Not overnight, but hey…)
You can clear your mind by watching the ball or you can get fixated on hitting what you are looking at. So you need to be careful when watching the ball. Here is what I see when I look at the ball:
If you are still looking at the back of the ball then keep doing this until you feel you are staying behind it without thinking about it.
Yes, you can think of 1-2 things or feelings. I am not over analyzing anything. I am feeling myself coil into my instep and the club what feel like down the line. So feelings would be fine. You get over analyzing and this will be trouble. Ideally, the less you can think about the better. I think this comes when you are playing consistently every day. For people who don’t play all the time I think we need to be thinking of certain things to get us in position to hit the shot. So look for some feelings.
Great round. You a so close to 70’s. Just a little more work, less mistakes and a little better short game and you will be there. I love hearing it.
This is just excellent. I learned it from you years ago and it’s mine as well. Adding in a slower head speed allowed for a better Straighter shot with a little less distance.
Thanks!!
This tip really did it for me. I’ve always heard about picking your target, intermediate target, alignment and such but usually just looked down the fairway with no real plan of attack. Visualizing a line running through the intermediate target and back through the ball then moving in for the setup on that line gave me a sense of “being” in the stance for lack of a better explanation. I used this routine on every shot yesterday…best round to date, finally broke 80. 38/39-77. Little things make a huge difference. Thanks for your commitment to this site and the game. Your instruction is awesome and is really changing my game for the better.
Paul, I have noticed you don’t wear a glove did you stop wearing a glove to help you think about keeping your arms relaxed? Do you have a video lesson on whether someone should wear a glove or not?
Hi Paul,
Love your pre-shot routine because it is almost exactly like my pre-shot routine. I watched Bob Estey at the Canadian Open one year (more than a few yrs ago) and picked up using your club to align target with dominant eye. I am sure some people think it’s strange, but I don’t care, it works for me.
PLENTY of tour pros do this…no need feeling embarrassed. Many LPGA pros do it too. Why not be as precise as possible? Isnt that the name of the game? Go methodical through your pre-shot routine and it will get quicker the more times you do it.
Hi Paul I just has a lesson with you last Monday and I wanted to thank you again.. By your fixing my grip and changing ball position and bringing my hands back has made a huge difference in my ball striking. No wonder I had a hard time getting shots high in the air. I have a lot of work to do on getting my wrists loose and turning the arms off. I hope to get to see you again next year. Richard Edwards
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14 Responses to “Playing Lesson – My Pre-Shot Routine”
October 15, 2017
JohannAs always: excellent lession to improve my golfgame. Thx
October 18, 2017
JohnBensonThis is invaluable. I really like the alignment and your target to the ball with the club shaft then pick a place just in front. I didn’t realize it was so close to the ball, I always imagined it to be a little farther out like 6 to 8 feet.
Why go out so far when the intermediate target can be right in front of you?
I really don’t have a routine so this will be a great example for me to be inspired by.
October 18, 2017
Paul WilsonJohn,
Glad you liked it. Yes, you need a routine. I think you see that now. You should probably watch these tips:
Set Up With the Back Hand: https://ignitiongolf.com/set-up-back-hand/
Learning the Setup Routine: https://ignitiongolf.com/learning-setup-routine/
October 31, 2017
BillFreemanPaul,
I was surprised to hear that you actually think about some mechanical things during your swing. I have wrestled with this because it’s certainly what I do at the range yet I have often heard pros say they play their best when they aren’t thinking of anything.
I have tried to think about a few key things on my practice swings and then remind myself of two the are most important to me while over the ball. Then just focus on a spot on the back of the ball and try to keep all thoughts out of my head as I let the swing happen.
Do you have a strong feeling that it is better to think about 1-2 key things as you swing (rather than just focus on the ball and try to keep other thoughts out?)
By the way, shot 80 today. Could easily have been 78, but you know how that goes. I’d say, you have taken 10 strokes off my game. (Not overnight, but hey…)
Thanks,
November 1, 2017
Paul WilsonBill,
You can clear your mind by watching the ball or you can get fixated on hitting what you are looking at. So you need to be careful when watching the ball. Here is what I see when I look at the ball:
What To Look At: https://ignitiongolf.com/looking-at-golf-ball
If you are still looking at the back of the ball then keep doing this until you feel you are staying behind it without thinking about it.
Yes, you can think of 1-2 things or feelings. I am not over analyzing anything. I am feeling myself coil into my instep and the club what feel like down the line. So feelings would be fine. You get over analyzing and this will be trouble. Ideally, the less you can think about the better. I think this comes when you are playing consistently every day. For people who don’t play all the time I think we need to be thinking of certain things to get us in position to hit the shot. So look for some feelings.
Great round. You a so close to 70’s. Just a little more work, less mistakes and a little better short game and you will be there. I love hearing it.
June 25, 2020
CharlieThis is just excellent. I learned it from you years ago and it’s mine as well. Adding in a slower head speed allowed for a better Straighter shot with a little less distance.
Thanks!!
June 28, 2020
EdwardBartHi Paul,
This tip really did it for me. I’ve always heard about picking your target, intermediate target, alignment and such but usually just looked down the fairway with no real plan of attack. Visualizing a line running through the intermediate target and back through the ball then moving in for the setup on that line gave me a sense of “being” in the stance for lack of a better explanation. I used this routine on every shot yesterday…best round to date, finally broke 80. 38/39-77. Little things make a huge difference. Thanks for your commitment to this site and the game. Your instruction is awesome and is really changing my game for the better.
June 29, 2020
Paul WilsonGreat stuff!! Please keep me updated with your progress, love to hear from members what your goals are and how you use the site to achieve them.
June 29, 2020
RobertBauerPaul, I have noticed you don’t wear a glove did you stop wearing a glove to help you think about keeping your arms relaxed? Do you have a video lesson on whether someone should wear a glove or not?
Thanks – both my wife and I love your lessons
July 3, 2020
Paul WilsonHere is a great tip for you check out about the grip: Glove or No Glove? – https://ignitiongolf.com/glove-no-glove/
June 30, 2020
SueTeeHi Paul,
Love your pre-shot routine because it is almost exactly like my pre-shot routine. I watched Bob Estey at the Canadian Open one year (more than a few yrs ago) and picked up using your club to align target with dominant eye. I am sure some people think it’s strange, but I don’t care, it works for me.
July 3, 2020
Paul WilsonPLENTY of tour pros do this…no need feeling embarrassed. Many LPGA pros do it too. Why not be as precise as possible? Isnt that the name of the game? Go methodical through your pre-shot routine and it will get quicker the more times you do it.
July 3, 2020
RichardEdwardsHi Paul I just has a lesson with you last Monday and I wanted to thank you again.. By your fixing my grip and changing ball position and bringing my hands back has made a huge difference in my ball striking. No wonder I had a hard time getting shots high in the air. I have a lot of work to do on getting my wrists loose and turning the arms off. I hope to get to see you again next year. Richard Edwards
July 6, 2020
Paul WilsonKeep working on it, you did great. Any questions please email me.