Play Smarter Golf: What You Can Learn from the Pros on TV

Do you ever get to watching golf on T.V. and notice that each player's approach to each shot is exactly the same? Do you ever begin your first few holes trying to approach each shot the same, only to hit one or two bad ones and totally scrap this approach? You are not alone!

This "approach" is commonly referred to as the Pre Shot Routine. It is a VERY critical aspect to hitting consistent shots time and time again. The pre shot routine sets so many things in motion for the golfer. Muscle memory is huge in this sport as well as bowling since the swing or throw for each shot varies very little over the course of a game or round. A pre shot routine serves many purposes.

1. Check Your Yardage And Lie: ( no, not what you are going to use as an excuse to your playing partners when the shot does not come off right)! Get your yardage, factor in any wind and pin placement and pull out the club you are going to use. Next step up to the ball and inspect the lie. Is it sitting up? Down? Up Hill? Down Hill? Side Hill? Is there anything in front of or behind the ball that may interfere with the clubs path to it?

2. Step Back: Now that you know what your situation is on the ground, step back a few paces and take a look at what is in front of you. Is the pin behind a bunker? Tucked close to water? Make sure you see the whole playing field before you commit to a shot. Indecision in golf is a killer so pick a spot and take dead aim at it. Most importantly, believe in the decision you have made and follow threw with it during the swing, don't bail out! That often leads to a worse mistake than missing your target!

3. Loosen Up: Take a quick swing or two before you set up to the ball, don't be the guy holding everyone up by making a full practice swing 6 times before you step into the shot please! Just enough to get loose and get a feel for the club in your hands will do. If you are playing a fade or draw, exaggerate the movement you will be making with the club to get your body used to it.

4. Hit It: Once you have checked your yardage, lie, picked your club and selected where you want to put the ball, go ahead and hit it! Do not hesitate or second guess yourself at this point, it can only lead to a bad outcome for you and your golf ball!

Remember, golf is all about repetition, and adopting a solid pre shot routine will help trigger your brain and your muscles into a comfortable, confident, repeatable swing every time!