On the Green

Let's talk for a moment about a pre-shot routine; how many of you have one? I am finding more and more that even my most experienced golfers with years of playing golf do not take the time to assess their pre-shot routine. The pre-shot routine incorporates all the key fundamentals linked to addressing the ball; those include: grip, stance, posture, ball position and alignment based upon aim.

A routine is something you do the same way in the same order each time. Some could say it is a compulsive disorder; but in golf it is a necessity in order to get similar results from shot to shot. If that order is changed or neglected an inconsistency begins. Often the missed shot is perceived to be totally in the swing motion itself. Wrong! It is more often a result of a poor set up or change in the routine.

Corrections made to the swing for the wrong reasons usually are band-aids that "wear off" in a short period of time. Once the "band aid" correction wears off a correction is made for the band-aid and the cycle begins. We get further and further from the original problem before a golfer will seek professional help.

Please establish a routine and if you are uncertain what to do ask your local professional for assistance. Although I personally have an unconscious pre-shot routine that I repeat, repeat, repeat I often think about what I am doing. I call it a checklist to be sure I am aimed well and in good balance (which I feel through my feet). If I am not I back out and start again.

I do several LPGA Women's Golf Clinics in several states for predominately corporate women. I often ask them how many have a meeting scheduled for the next day and follow that up with are they ready for that meeting. Almost all of them say yes they are. I say great, now I need you to use that same planning process in golf.

No executive would intentionally go to a meeting unprepared; if they do they probably would not keep their job for very long. There is too much at stake for them, which include recognition, promotional opportunities, salary and bonuses. Well believe it or not, a golf shot should not be made either without a plan.

Before each pre-shot routine I make a plan. The plan should include where do I want the ball to end up which will require that I aim properly. Secondly, how far away I am determines which club and type of shot will get me there. Not every shot is a full swing; I may need to pitch or chip the ball. Once all those decisions are made I visualize the flight of the ball in my mind. Then I am ready for my pre-shot routine.

Please include this process into your routine and you will be surprised how much better you play. Most golfers hit the ball to see where they end up. The better golfers have a plan as to where they want it to go and execute the plan.

Joyce Wilcox is a teaching professional for Topsail Greens Golf Club and an LPGA Class A Member.