The Importance of a Pre-Shot Routine
Alex Elias
Every golfer has a different pre-shot routine, but Matt McCullough, Director of Instruction at the Country Club of Darien, says each can be divided into two moments: “process” and “last feels.”
“Process is clarity of the shot—taking in all the factors like lie, wind, hole location, and shot shape, then putting together the picture of what the shot looks like,” said McCullough. “Last feels is once you’re next to the ball, one last mental cue to either calm yourself or simply prep the engine.”
Although process is difficult to visualize because it occurs internally—at most, you may see a player step back, focus on the target, or close their eyes—last feels are much more apparent.
For example, on the PGA Tour, fans can notice Justin Rose exaggerating “feel vs. real,” Justin Thomas, Ludvig Åberg, and Jason Day performing a quick takeaway check, and Xander Schauffele re-gripping his bottom hand.
“They’re all different, but each is serving the same purpose—a reminder of what is needed to complete their actual swing,” said McCullough.
As McCullough works with Ben James and many club players, he witnesses the variations in pre-shot routines firsthand.
“I think the average amateur golfer doesn’t understand the importance of a pre-shot routine,” said McCullough. “By slowing down and implementing one, a player confirms their shot, visualizes the outcome, and creates mental calmness before executing the motion. Often, in stressful situations, a player can simply remember: I’ve done this before, it’s just like the range, there’s nothing new about the shot. These mental cues are vital to success. Rarely do people succeed under stress and negative mental thoughts. A pre-shot routine calms the mind and focuses the player on the task in front of them rather than the outcome or future stress.”
