preshot routine

[Jay1]

All I will add to this thread is its no wonder its hard to play a 3 ball round in under 4 hours in medal conditions!!!

Not sure I agree with this. HAving read all of the routines listed in here, none of them sound time consuming. All are basically pick a line, set yourself up, hit the ball, and some have a practice swing or 2.

Although they may take several seconds to read through, actually acting them out is not a time consuming process. I would say that from when it's my turn to hit, to my ball leaving the club is roughly 30 seconds. I wouldn't say that is in any way unreasonable or slow.

 

[Snelly]

I think pre-shot routines are massively overrated. You don't hit a good ball with a practice swing so what is the point?

For what it is worth, I work out the yardage and know what club I am going to hit before I get to the ball. When I get there, I pick a point in the grass about 18 inches in front of my ball and line up square to it. I then think about keeping my head still and hit the ball with about 80% power.

I only change this routine when on the first tee or when pitching. I need a couple of swings to gauge the feel for the speed of the downswing then.

Complex pre shot routines in my view, waste time, add in more stuff to think about and have absolutely no bearing on the outcome of the shot.

As an anecdotal example, I played in a 4 ball last night with 3 friends, all whom have played golf for 15+ years. 3 of us never took a practice swing for a full shot in 18 holes and played briskly with a very similar pre-shot routine to the one described above. The 4th took two practice swings every shot, lined up from every which way and only started his routine when it was his turn which further slowed the game.

Two of us were 2 over par, the third was 4 over, and the 4th played to 17, despite being off 9. The latter being our very nice mate who had the extensive pre-shot routine.

When we discussed this in the bar after the round, he explained that he had got all this pre-shot clutter from golf magazines, lessons and instruction books.

With the speed of play being such a major issue, I think that magazines like golf monthly would be better serving the game of golf with articles like, "the myth of the pre shot routine." "Player faster for better scores." "How to be ready to actually hit the ball when it is your turn." "Exposed - the pointlessness of the practice swing."

 

[Jay1]

But what you've described doing yourself is still a pre shot routine :s It might not involve a practice swing, but the whole lining up a point in front of the ball and then lining up to that is still a routine, as by the sounds of things it's what you do for every shot.

I agree that routines do not have to be complicated and don't even need a practice swing really, however, some sort of routine which repeats to ensure that you are set up properly for your shot has to increase the chances of a good outcome.

 

[Snelly]

But what you've described doing yourself is still a pre shot routine :s It might not involve a practice swing, but the whole lining up a point in front of the ball and then lining up to that is still a routine, as by the sounds of things it's what you do for every shot.

I agree that routines do not have to be complicated and don't even need a practice swing really, however, some sort of routine which repeats to ensure that you are set up properly for your shot has to increase the chances of a good outcome.

I agree with everything you have said here. :thup:

My criticism is of complex PS routines. Not necessary in my view.

 

[Jay1]

The thing I never understand with peoples pre shot routine (I say routine but this gripe normaly happens with people that don't have any sort of fixed approach to a shot) is multiple practice swings. Whenever I see this I always think "are you just trying to get rid of the good swing before you hit the ball". My view of a practice swing, on anything but a feel shot, is it's just a loosener before the main event. Practice is the wrong word really.

 

[DaveM]

Have to agree I don't see the point of a practise swing, on a normal shot.(would most likely be my only decent swing.) I just waggle/swish the club. To relieve tension,( don't think about it really.) As I pick my target and set up to it and pull the trigger. The whole routine is done with no thought, just one of those thing, that has developed over the years.

In fact when I came to reply in this thread. I had to really think "What do I do".

Most of this takes place whilst waiting to take my shot, so "no" added time to the round. Plus if it's me to play first. How long does 10/15 secs' add to the round anyway. I play golf to enjoy/relax. not race round like a F1 driver. Play though by all means. But funny it's normally me waiting for those infront.

 

[Mattyboy]

I am surprised how many on here do not see the value in rehearsing what they are trying to do (through a practice swing).

 

[DaveM]

I am surprised how many on here do not see the value in rehearsing what they are trying to do (through a practice swing).

How many peoples practise swing, is the same as their normal swing(much as they would like it to be)?

 

[Slicer30]

My preshot routine is now a mechanism to ensure I setup properly and also to make sure I dont fill my head with lots of swing thoughts/mechanics.

It follows this sequence:

1.Pick target
2.Grip
3.stance
4. Posture
5. Check Target/Alignment

6 Swing thought - keep head still

7. Swing

 

[Crawfy]

Place feet, extend my left arm and club to pinpoint a line and target.
One practice swing, two waggles then nail it....