Making Pre-Shot Routine More Like Real Golf

Add consequence

Before you step in, real golf does not let you hit seven identical 7-irons until one feels right. To make pre-shot routine transfer, add variety and consequence. Before you step in, change clubs, targets, lies, reads, and routines. Use one ball so the routine has a real consequence.

Play games with teeth

Try these:

1. When the target is chosen, pick a nine-hole “course” on the range.
2. Say the target and shape before stepping in.
3. When the target is chosen, score fairway, green, or up-and-down points.
4. Before you step in, start over if you skip the routine.

Practice the next shot

Before you step in, if you miss the target, do not pretend the hole ended. Under first-tee pressure, choose the recovery, chip, lag putt, or reset routine that would follow. Before you step in, the more your practice includes consequences, the less surprising the course becomes.