Improve your golf game with a pre-shot routine and tips from experts, get ready to take your skills to the next level in May 2026

Introduction to Pre-Shot Routine

As a mid-handicapper, you're probably looking for ways to improve your golf game, and one often overlooked aspect is the pre-shot routine. A good pre-shot routine can help you stay focused, build confidence, and ultimately lead to better shots. In this article, we'll explore the importance of a pre-shot routine, how to build one, and provide some tips from experts in the field. According to PGA player Shawn Kelly, a good pre-shot routine is essential for success, and it's not just about the golf swing itself, but about trusting your abilities and playing the game. Kelly mentions that he didn't learn how to play golf until he became a pro and met a sports psychologist who taught him about routines and mental preparation.

Kelly's experience is a great example of how a pre-shot routine can make a difference in your game. By building a consistent pre-shot process, you can start to see improvements in your scores and overall performance. It's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with a good pre-shot routine. As Kelly notes, a good player who knows his fundamentals can build up his confidence through a better pre-shot routine, and that's exactly what we'll be exploring in this article.

To start building your pre-shot routine, it's essential to understand the basics of a good golf swing. This includes having a balanced grip, proper stance, and a consistent swing rhythm. According to Kelly, 85% of golfers who come to him for help lack the basic fundamentals to be a good golfer, and one of the most common issues is a weak grip. By holding the club out in front of your chest and finding the balance point, you can start to develop a more consistent and effective swing. As Kelly says, "If you have the club in your hand correctly, you should be able to place it on your shoulder and let it go. It should stay toe-dropped balanced."

When I started learning more about the mental side of golf, and built a consistent pre-shot process, is when I started having more success in this game - Shawn Kelly

Benefits of a Pre-Shot Routine

A pre-shot routine can have numerous benefits for your golf game, including improved focus, increased confidence, and better shot selection. By taking the time to develop a consistent pre-shot routine, you can start to see improvements in your overall performance and lower your scores. One of the most significant benefits of a pre-shot routine is that it helps you stay focused and present in the moment. By taking a few seconds to visualize the shot, align your body, and take a few deep breaths, you can start to quiet your mind and focus on the task at hand.

Another benefit of a pre-shot routine is that it helps you build confidence. By repeating the same routine every time you step up to the ball, you start to develop a sense of familiarity and comfort. This can help you feel more confident in your abilities and more prepared to take on the shot. As Kelly notes, a good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it. According to a study, golfers who use a pre-shot routine tend to have lower scores and better overall performance.

In addition to improved focus and increased confidence, a pre-shot routine can also help you develop a more consistent swing. By repeating the same routine every time you step up to the ball, you start to develop a sense of muscle memory and can start to rely on your instincts to guide your swing. This can help you develop a more consistent and effective swing, which can lead to better shots and lower scores. As Kelly says, "A good player who knows his fundamentals can build up his confidence through a better pre-shot routine."

A good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it - Shawn Kelly

Steps to Build a Pre-Shot Routine

Building a pre-shot routine is a simple process that requires some practice and patience. The first step is to identify your goals and what you want to achieve with your pre-shot routine. Do you want to improve your focus, build confidence, or develop a more consistent swing? Once you've identified your goals, you can start to develop a routine that works for you. According to Kelly, a good pre-shot routine should include visualization, alignment, and a consistent swing rhythm.

The next step is to start practicing your pre-shot routine on the course. Start by taking a few seconds to visualize the shot, align your body, and take a few deep breaths. As you practice, you can start to refine your routine and make adjustments as needed. It's essential to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one golfer may not work for another. The key is to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. As Kelly notes, "I work on my pre-shot routine as much as another player might work on pitching, or putting."

Another important step is to practice your pre-shot routine in different situations and conditions. This can help you develop a sense of adaptability and can help you prepare for different scenarios on the course. For example, you may want to practice your pre-shot routine in windy conditions, or on uneven terrain. By practicing in different situations, you can start to develop a sense of confidence and can learn to adapt your routine to different conditions. As Kelly says, "Few players adapt their fundamentals to the situation."

I work on my pre-shot routine as much as another player might work on pitching, or putting - Shawn Kelly

Practicing Your Pre-Shot Routine

Practicing your pre-shot routine is essential to developing a consistent and effective routine. One way to practice is to start by repeating your routine on the driving range or practice green. Take a few seconds to visualize the shot, align your body, and take a few deep breaths. As you practice, you can start to refine your routine and make adjustments as needed. It's essential to remember that practice is key, and the more you practice, the more effective your routine will become.

Another way to practice is to record yourself and watch the video. This can help you identify areas for improvement and can help you develop a more consistent routine. For example, you may notice that you're rushing through your routine, or that you're not aligning your body properly. By watching the video, you can start to make adjustments and can develop a more effective routine. As Kelly notes, "I've built a three-step process where I'm not thinking about the 'how'. I start with detailed visualization of the shot, standing behind the ball and watching the shot fly in real time."

In addition to practicing on the driving range or practice green, you can also practice your pre-shot routine on the course. Start by taking a few seconds to visualize the shot, align your body, and take a few deep breaths. As you practice, you can start to refine your routine and make adjustments as needed. It's essential to remember that practice is key, and the more you practice, the more effective your routine will become. As Kelly says, "Stay target-oriented. Focus on your target. One final look, and when the eyes return to the golf ball, it's time to 'go'."

Stay target-oriented. Focus on your target. One final look, and when the eyes return to the golf ball, it's time to 'go' - Shawn Kelly

Stats and Benefits of a Pre-Shot Routine

A pre-shot routine can have numerous benefits for your golf game, including improved focus, increased confidence, and better shot selection. According to a study, golfers who use a pre-shot routine tend to have lower scores and better overall performance. In fact, the study found that golfers who used a pre-shot routine had an average score of 85, compared to 92 for golfers who did not use a pre-shot routine.

In addition to improved scores, a pre-shot routine can also help you develop a more consistent swing. By repeating the same routine every time you step up to the ball, you start to develop a sense of muscle memory and can start to rely on your instincts to guide your swing. This can help you develop a more consistent and effective swing, which can lead to better shots and lower scores. As Kelly notes, "A good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it."

The following stats-bar shows the benefits of a pre-shot routine:

As the stats show, a pre-shot routine can have a significant impact on your golf game, and can help you develop a more consistent and effective swing.

A good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it - Shawn Kelly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When building a pre-shot routine, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is rushing through the routine. It's essential to take your time and focus on each step of the routine. Rushing through the routine can lead to a lack of focus and can negatively impact your game. Another common mistake is not practicing the routine regularly. Practice is key to developing a consistent and effective routine, and it's essential to practice regularly to see improvement.

Another common mistake is not adapting the routine to different situations and conditions. It's essential to be able to adapt your routine to different scenarios on the course, such as windy conditions or uneven terrain. By practicing in different situations, you can start to develop a sense of adaptability and can learn to adjust your routine to different conditions. As Kelly notes, "Few players adapt their fundamentals to the situation."

In addition to these common mistakes, it's also essential to avoid distractions during your pre-shot routine. Distractions can come in many forms, such as noise, movement, or other golfers. It's essential to find a way to block out distractions and focus on your routine. One way to do this is to use a consistent phrase or mantra to help you stay focused. As Kelly says, "Stay target-oriented. Focus on your target. One final look, and when the eyes return to the golf ball, it's time to 'go'."

Stay target-oriented. Focus on your target. One final look, and when the eyes return to the golf ball, it's time to 'go' - Shawn Kelly

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a pre-shot routine is a crucial aspect of golf that can help you improve your focus, build confidence, and develop a more consistent swing. By building a consistent pre-shot routine, you can start to see improvements in your scores and overall performance. It's essential to remember that practice is key, and the more you practice, the more effective your routine will become. As Kelly notes, "A good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it."

In addition to building a pre-shot routine, it's also essential to practice regularly and adapt your routine to different situations and conditions. By practicing regularly and adapting your routine, you can start to develop a sense of adaptability and can learn to adjust your routine to different conditions. As Kelly says, "Few players adapt their fundamentals to the situation."

Finally, it's essential to remember that a pre-shot routine is a personal and individual aspect of golf. What works for one golfer may not work for another, and it's essential to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. By building a consistent pre-shot routine and practicing regularly, you can start to see improvements in your scores and overall performance. As Kelly notes, "I work on my pre-shot routine as much as another player might work on pitching, or putting."

A good pre-shot routine is essential for building confidence, and it's not just about the physical aspects of the game, but also about the mental preparation and focus that comes with it - Shawn Kelly