A Routine Approach
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
The shot routine is part and parcel of the golf swing, and however personalized it might be, no expert player is without one. The advantages of a good routine are many:
- A good routine calms you down because you’re doing the same things, for the same duration, in the same order for every shot. This protects you against losing your rhythm under stress; there is no speeding up or taking too much time when you have a good routine
- When you develop a solid routine, you’ll be insulated from both outside interference (noise and people moving) and inside interference (fear, confusion, and doubt).
- A good routine ensures that you get everything done you need to hit a good shot. It serves as a checklist, the general benefits of which are outlined in the book “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande and my book “The 30 Second Swing.”
- Your routine is a pattern, and the brain loves patterns. Thus, by using a routine, you tap into a brain mechanism that is a key to our survival because patterns allow you to project very quickly what is likely to happen — a huge advantage in a game like golf that is so filled with uncertainty.
The Sequence
Stand behind the ball to plan your shot and pick an intermediate target to aim the clubface at that’s just in front of your ball. Once you’ve taken a deep breath to relax, mentally picture the shot and make a practice swing that replicates the one you want to make.
Now, step into your address position with your back foot leading the way. Before you bring your front foot into position, sole your club behind the ball so the face points at the intended line of start. Then adjust your front foot so that your body is in position to hit the shot you’ve chosen – draw, fade, low, high, etc. You have now locked in your direction. This procedure takes only a few seconds, and if you make it a habit, your priorities will be correct for every shot — direction through the clubface at address, distance through club selection.
Start your shot routine standing behind the ball to gather your thoughts and make a shot plan.
Once your shot plan is set, step into address with your trail foot first and sole your club behind the ball with the face pointing at your start/target.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
