This is a simple but important part of playing your best golf.

The pre-shot routine … it doesn’t sound very important but it can prepare you to make a good swing or set you up to make a bad one. The best players go through the same routine before each and every shot. There is no right or wrong way, but developing a repeatable routine is a must.

There are two primary pieces to a pre-shot routine (1) making a practice swing or a ‘dress rehearsal’ swing of your upcoming shot. I recommend you take a full practice swing with the idea being you get the feel of the ‘real swing’ and (2) relieving tension by incorporating a ‘waggle’ of the club and some constant movement so one can stay tension free to be able to make your best swing.

You never see good players start from a static position, something is always moving prior to their swing; legs, feet, hands and club all moving in rhythm preparing to swing. You will see baseball players at the plate doing the same thing. All athletes are moving ahead of hitting or swinging.

I think you will find that the pre-shot routine becomes second nature and will help prepare you to make better swings and therefore better shots.

Call Buddy Manson or Marc Brady, PGA professionals at Tryon Country Club 828-859-9561 to arrange for individual instruction or join one of our clinics for women and juniors on Wednesdays.