Have you ever stood over the ball with a racing mind, half-wondering if you’re aligned right, gripping too tight, or about to slice it into the trees? If so, you’re not alone. One of the quickest ways to calm nerves and build consistency is by developing a solid pre-shot routine – and sticking to it on every shot.
But what does a good pre-shot routine look like and how do you make sure it becomes second nature?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Does a Pre-Shot Routine Matter?
Think back to your best golf shots. Chances are, you weren’t thinking about a million swing tips or worrying about water right. You were clear, focused and most importantly committed. That’s exactly what a pre-shot routine creates.
A great routine:
- Calms your mind. It gives you a process to follow, reducing overthinking.
- Builds confidence. Familiar steps make you feel in control.
- Improves consistency. Doing the same preparation each time trains your body and brain for repeatable execution.
- Speeds up play. Contrary to what some think, a structured routine actually prevents indecision and delays.
The Core Components of a Pre-Shot Routine
While every golfer’s routine will look slightly different, there are essential pieces to include. Here’s a breakdown:
1. The Planning Stage
Before anything else, gather the information you need:
- Assess conditions. Check wind direction, strength, and elevation changes.
- Calculate yardage. Factor in slope adjustments if available.
- Pick your target. Not just the flagstick, but your ideal landing area.
Example: On a 150-yard shot to a back pin, your smart target might be 145 yards to the middle, avoiding short-side trouble.
2. Visualisation
Stand behind the ball and imagine:
- The shot shape you want to hit (draw, fade, straight).
- The ball flight apex and descent.
- Where it will land and how it will bounce or roll out.
Why this works: Visualising primes your brain and body to execute the intended motion, improving focus and confidence.
3. Practice Swings (Optional)
Some golfers take one or two purposeful practice swings to feel tempo and movement. Others take none.
If you do:
- Make it intentional – replicate the shot you’re about to play.
- Avoid lazy or rushed swings that don’t mirror your real motion.
4. Commitment Check
Before stepping in:
- Commit to the shot. Indecision ruins good swings.
- Tell yourself something simple: “Aim middle, smooth swing,” or “High draw, full finish.”
5. Approach and Alignment
Walk into the shot with confidence:
- Set your clubface first to your intermediate target (a mark a few feet in front of the ball).
- Align your feet, hips and shoulders to match.
- Grip the club and settle into your stance.
6. Final Look and Go
Before pulling the trigger:
- Take one last look at your target.
- Breathe – a calm, steady breath reduces tension.
- Swing confidently, focusing only on your target or feeling, not technical swing thoughts.
How Long Should It Take?
Ideally, your full routine from planning to swing should take 30-45 seconds. Too long, and tension builds. Too short, and you risk missing key steps.
Pro Example:
Watch players like Collin Morikawa or Nelly Korda. Their routines are efficient, repeatable and, again, calm – whether it’s the first tee shot or a must-make putt on the final hole.
Tips to Make It Stick
Practice it on the range.
Treat every ball like you’re on course, going through your full routine. This builds automaticity.
Use it in casual rounds.
Don’t just save it for tournaments. Make it part of your game every time you play.
Stay adaptable.
Conditions might change, or you may need to speed up pace of play. Even then, keep your key steps: planning, visualisation, alignment and commitment.
Avoid adding unnecessary steps.
Keep it simple. Complex routines are harder to maintain under pressure.
Common Mistakes Golfers Make
Overcomplicating the routine.
Five purposeful steps are better than ten scattered ones.
Changing it mid-round.
If it’s not working, stick with it and evaluate post-round. Mid-round changes create inconsistency.
Using it only for tee shots.
Your routine should exist for every shot, whether it’s a drive, chip, or 5-foot putt.
A Sample Pre-Shot Routine To Try
Here’s a simple routine many golfers find effective:
- Stand behind the ball. Visualise your shot.
- Pick your intermediate target.
- Take one practice swing. Feel the tempo and shot shape.
- Step in and align clubface to target.
- Set stance, grip, and posture.
- Look at target, breathe out.
- Swing with commitment.
Final Thoughts
Building a pre-shot routine isn’t about copying someone else’s process step-for-step. It’s about creating a reliable, repeatable system that calms your mind and prepares your body to hit the shot you intend.
Over time, you’ll find your routine becomes second nature – a comfortable rhythm that carries you from the first tee to the 18th green with confidence.
Your Turn
Do you have a pre-shot routine that’s worked wonders for your game? Or are you trying to build one right now? Share your experiences in the comments – your tips might just help another golfer find their rhythm this week.