www.shawnclementgolf.com Shawn Clement, Director of the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre and top 25 CPGA Teaching Professional as rated by Score Golf Magazine, shows you how to maintain a positive outlook on every shot to give yourself a chance.
I am too old to ever become a great golfer. I took the game up far too late in life. One area though that I have been able to master though is the Pre shot routine. As amateurs, we may lack the physical skill and strength of the professional golfer. Making a commitment to a great Pre shot routine though is something that we cal all do, no matter what our actual shot making capabilities
The decision needs to be made as to what shot is going to be taken on. This is a mental process that needs to be mastered. Taking account of the lie of the ball, the landing area and final resting place of the ball, and particularly the wind will all make a difference. Judging the wind strength and direction by looking at tree tops if there are any. Wind has more effect the higher the ball goes
Visualising and committing to a golf shot is absolutely vital. Some people actually see the result of the shot in their heads, some people (myself included) feel that the ball will go to the intended target. It does not matter whether you can actually see the shot in your mind, what matters is that you absolutely believe that the ball will go to the target using the club that you have selected
Starting the actual shot part of the process should commence as soon after you have made a positive decision on the shot choice as possible. It may help to use a mental trigger to this part of the shot. For example, pulling on or fastening your glove or actually taking the club out of the bag will be a good start point to the process. The important thing to remember is that the decision is now made, no time for second guessing
Approach your ball positively from behind- you are just about to hit the best golf shot that you have ever hit. Approaching the golf ball from behind, place the club face square to the target line whilst settling into a comfortable address position at the correct distance from the ball. Make sure the ball position is correct and look at the target one last time, swiveling your head toward the target to retain good physical posture
You’re ready to go when all the elements of the Pre shot routine have been completed. Going through this process allows your mind to focus on the task in hand and not to dwell on past failures. One final look at the target and you can pull the trigger. For some, a forward press will get the swing going, for others, they are strong enough mentally to go when they are ready. The total time taken for the whole routine should not vary by more than a couple of seconds
With practice, you will get the Pre shot routine just right, one area where you can definitely do the same as the professionals. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how good, the Pre shot routine can be mastered by anyone. All it takes is some dedication and commitment, qualities that will serve you well in lots of areas, not just golf. Keeping to a plan, however flawed is better than no plan at all
About the writer: Glenn Hughes is a director at Southerndown Golf Club. Wales is holding the Ryder Cup next year, Southerndown is a links golf course in Wales
