Play Better Golf. On Purpose.

Play Consistent Golf
Part 1: The Pre Shot Routine

One of the most common questions I get from my students is “How can I play more consistent golf?”

It is a simple question but it has a complex answer, so I am going to answer it in 5 parts – the 5 Keys to Consistency.

First, though, I am going to give you all 5 Keys to Consistent golf. Then I am going to provide a little detail on the first Key to Consistent Golf in this video, which is Part 1.
To get an insight into the other 4 Keys to Consistent Golf, you’ll need to watch the other FAQ videos.

Here are the 5 Keys to Consistent Golf: Consistent Approach (that means a consistent pre shot routine), Master your Fundamentals (Grip, Alignment, Stance, Posture, set-up), Spine Angle, Athletic Balance, and Tempo.

Ok. Those are the 5 keys to consistency: Pre shot routine, fundamentals of the set-up, Spine Angle, Athletic Balance, and Tempo. Now let me go into a little detail on Part 1 of Consistent Golf – the Pre shot Routine.
First, a “routine” means you do the same things in the same sequence at the same pacing. That’s why we call it a “routine.” So I suggest you write down the steps of your pre shot routine and practice them in order, the same way, every time.

Since everybody’s routine is different I am going to give you some of the components you should have in your routine. Where you put them and how you use them are up to you, so a little experimentation is in order.

Nearly every accomplished golfer starts their routine by standing behind their ball looking at the target. You’ll want to start there too.

Standing behind the ball allows you to evaluate the requirements of the shot and then to match them to your capabilities. When you figure out how to match what you can do with what the shot requires, you have a strategy. Once you have your strategy you can begin to visualize or imagine the shot.

So there are your first three steps in your Pre Shot Routine: Analyze the situation; develop a strategy, imagine or visualize the shot. Analyze, strategize, visualize.

Here are some of the other components you will want to work into your routine. Where and when to use them is up to you to find out what works best for you.

1. A relaxing breath to let go of tension and bring yourself into the moment.
2. A practice swing to allow your body to feel what your mind has imagined for the shot.
3. A process that allows you to reliably aim your clubface and your body.
4. A check of your set-up – meaning checking on your balance, posture, and grip.
5. A connection to the target. That usually means a last look at your target just before you swing.
6. Trust and commitment. Commit to your strategy, and trust your swing.

So this is Part 1 of the 5-part answer to “How do I play more consistent golf?” If you want to play consistent, you need to be consistent. That means developing a pre-shot routine and using it on every shot.

For more information or to watch more FAQs, please visit my site at iGolfU.com. See you down the fairway.