Mental Pre Shot Routine for mid to high Handicappers

[golfer07840]

So I have a question regarding pre shot routines for the say 14 to 25+ handicappers. What is considered a decent amount of time for one, without holding the course up? 

I ask because I saw an Instagram post (link below) and it showed Harris English taking 24 seconds to hit a shot. The Pro who posted it said amateurs should all have pre shot routines. I get that. However, do we need 24 seconds between each shot on our way to shooting a 98? 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdC2y7WP9Qk/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by golfer07840

[SNIPERBBB]

I think thats what some people call the pre shot routine. To me thats more pre shot rehearsal . There definitely is value in that to get you ready to hit your shot, though 20 seconds is rather extreme.

 

Your actual routine before its your turn to hit should be, check lie, check win, rehearse shot 

[MelloYello]

Pace of play has a lot more to do with what kind of a person you are. If you're considerate of others and you understand that holding people up on the golf course is a major no-no, it's hard to stand out as a slow player. Those people are just inconsiderate and have no clue that they're slow. The fact you're aware of slow play as a bad thing signals you're probably fine. I don't think anyone minds a person who is relaxed and takes a couple extra practice or rehearsal swings, especially if the results speak for themselves. 

 

As far as putting together a routine, don't force yourself to do X, Y or Z like a trained monkey when it comes to this many practice swings or that many waggles. That's bogus. That's not a pre-shot routine. A pre-shot routine involves being consistent in how you collect information, calculate yardages, deliberately select clubs, pick aim-points, etc. If you want to waggle the club or make a practice swing, nobody cares and there's certainly no right or wrong time to do that. I couldn't tell you if/when I waggle. I know I do it with the driver but that stuff is instinctual, it's not rehearsed "routine." 

 

Here's an example of my putting routine:

(1) Mark my ball / fix my pitch mark

(2) Pace off my putt while observing the slope(s)

(3) Glance at the hole to understand the final few feet of the putt

(4) Walk back, pick an aim line and set up the ball's alignment line

(5) Step back and check the alignment line (use the putter shaft as a straight edge)
(6) Step in and make final adjustments

(7) Stroke the putt

 

I might make a practice stroke. I might not. That kind of stuff is irrelevant. Some shots / putts require more of a rehearsal than others. 

[MonteScheinblum]

The shorter the better.  Nit just for pace of play, but the shorter and simpler the routine is, the less you can screw up.

[golfer07840]

6 hours ago, MonteScheinblum said:

The shorter the better.  Nit just for pace of play, but the shorter and simpler the routine is, the less you can screw up.

 

Funny you say this, because coincidentally on my YouTube "recommendations" was a Be Better Golf episode from 2016, which I put on while working on something in the background and about 20 mins into it, you're talking about pre shot routine and you demonstrated it. The Ball was in the air in probably 15 seconds. 

 

Thanks for the response, see you in July in NJ. 

[MC21]

I think having a swing trigger is more important than having a pre-shot routine. When I get to my ball, I shoot the yardage, assess the lie/wind, and come up with the number I think I need to hit. I'll make one practice swing, pick my line, and address the ball.

 

Over the ball I'll focus on the target, waggle a couple of times, and then once I'm comfortable and loose I'll take one last look at the target, then gently tap the club on the ground twice and pull the trigger. Without the trigger I was finding myself taking way too long to get going into my swing and would lose focus on the target. For me, simple and quick leads to the best results.