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Golf Tip: Pre-Shot Routine

Taking the practice range to the course is the most difficult task in golf. The reason for this is simple: virtually everything about the course and range are different. The goal on the course is simply to get the ball in the hole in the least number of strokes as possible. On the range; however, the main goal is to become a better ball striker. On the course there is pressure to perform each shot well and if you fail there are consequences. On the range if you execute shot poorly you simply hit another shot. The environment of the course is ever changing such as lie, wind, elevation, distance, etc. While on the practice range, the environment is static and controlled. In fact, golf may be the only sport where the places you play and practice are different.

Tom Watson said it best “The longest distance in golf is from the practice tee to the first tee.” The vehicle that takes you from the range to the course is your pre-shot routine.

The pre-shot routine helps you accomplish four things

1. Helps you concentrate

2. Helps you relax

3. Gives you confidence

4. Helps you produce perfect alignment at address

Once you are armed with pre-shot routine, your performance on course will be enhanced. You will handle difficult situations more effectively and you will make better swings.

Todd Sinclair is the Director of Instruction at First Coast Golf Academy. Sinclair gives lessons at both The Orchards at Egg Harbor and Meadow Ridge Lodge at Cherry Hills in Sturgeon Bay. He can be reached at 904.338.7107 or at firstcoastgolfacademy.com.