It is commonplace as an amateur golfer to overlook aspects of the golf game.  Although all parts are vital pieces to cracking the overall riddle of lower scoring, some are of utmost importance.

The portion of the puzzle I am referencing that is paramount to recreational success on the links is the pre-shot routine.  Without it, swinging the latest and greatest equipment is merely hitting and hoping for quality results.  With a consistent routine in place, the chances of shedding strokes will increase exponentially.

In conversation with Owatonna’s own – professional golf instructor Brady Arnold – he was able to provide some unique perspective on what contributes to a successful pre-shout routine. 

“The pre-shot routine is just as important as any other part of the game,” Arnold said.  “I always share with people that it is about finding what works for them and combining that with their own swing.  Our brain cannot focus for the entire four-plus hours during a golf round.  Developing your pre-shot routine is all about re-focusing in and prepping your mind and body to make the shot that you want to make.”

After our tee shot on the opening hole, many of us amateurs fall victim to thinking about shot two.  With all due respect, this is counterproductive and unneeded stress.  So many variables could present once we arrive to hit our second shot that it is a far better use of our time to enjoy the walk or ride to our ball.  “You shouldn’t be thinking about your next shot until you come up on where your ball is,” Arnold said.  “You don’t know the lie, what is potentially in front of you or what type of angle you have to work with.”

This is precisely where the pre-shot routine comes into play according to Arnold.  “The first step is determining the lie you have and what shot that may allow you to play,” Arnold explained.  “A common mistake for amateurs is quickly figuring out the yardage remaining and pulling a club out of their bag before doing something as simple as standing behind the ball and identifying what obstacles may be in the way.  It is important to also figure out the wind situation and yardage to where you want to place your shot prior to selecting a club.”

Arnold shared with me that his pre-shot routine continues after selecting the club he is going to utilize.  He uses two practice swings focusing on a target high and far in the distance behind the actual landing spot as this allows him to finish his swing and not fixate on the trouble that may lie in front of him.

Although all this information gathering seems uber time consuming, it is all collected in a short window of time.  This, like any aspect of golf, improves with practice and experience.  “The most vital part of the entire pre-shot routine is determining your target,” Arnold said.  “Without a target in your mind, you really don’t have a plan.  After completing your routine, it boils down to stepping up and letting your body do the work.  It is trusting that your swing will execute what you have envisioned.”

The entire pre-shot routine is yet another component of the golf swing that all amateur golfers can work on – even during the dreaded Minnesota Winter.  It isn’t something that requires you to be on an actual course.  This is a critical element that can be worked on even in a simulator setting.

Don’t get caught up in the frigid temperatures and pessimistically dwelling on the courses being closed for the Winter.  Capitalize on this golden offseason opportunity by working on this chunk of the game.  These practice months will help you shred strokes from your scorecard this Spring.