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I was wondering what others' preshot routine and swing cues are. I find these invaluable for playing consistently and getting into focus.

I usually throw some grass as my initiation of my routine; this lets me know I have to get physically and mentally ready to play. I then evaluate the distance and select the appropriate club. Then I approach the ball from behind selecting a target to play to and an intermediate mark about a foot or so in front of my ball as the line.

I then move parallel to this line and do a practice swing which I imagine is the 'true' swing so I execute it as if it was the 'real' shot and try to retain the relaxed fluid feel of it. Then I move up to the ball, line up the club face and my right foot square with the target line .

Then I move my left foot forward the appropriate distance for the shot, and my right foot back. I then allow my left arm to relax and take my address with emphasis on spine angle and target 'feel'. Then I think balance, and feel the weight on my feet, relax with my centre hands and eyes focussed on the leading edge of the club. I 'see' the line through the ball. When these are in synch I think 'rhythm' and everything begins the rotation away from the target together using the timing/tempo phrase, rotate 'n' swing while maintaining my target 'feel'. Then I swing through the line and pose briefly at the finish.

While this seems complicated when written, it is just a routine to me and gets my focus where it should be. I found 'after twenty years of frustration' that the pre-shot routine is one of the fundamentals of the game. Do others feel this way. What is your routine?

when i practice, i work on 1 or 2 things and consciously think of those swing thoughts , but i still do my normal pre-shot routine, trying to ingrain them into my swing.

when i'm playing, i simply imagine what shot i need to execute and ball flight,etc. then do my normal pre-shot routine, but keeping this shot in my mind, then i get set over the ball and go as soon as i'm set to keep from getting all tensed up.

doesn't always work, but seems to work the best for me.

stagday

I subscribe to the John Daly pre-shot routine: grab a club, step up to the ball and hit it. To each his own.

Ever heard of GAS? That's what I do (or at least try).

Grip: Don't just grab it. Waggle it to and acquaint yourself with the weight. Adjust the strength of your grip and communicate with the club head.

Alignment: Take it seriously. It's important. You don't need a good golf swing to line up correctly.

Stance: Position your your feet relative to the club you are using. Each club is a slightly different stance.

Gotta get into position to hit good shots or you seldom will.

Before I swing I point my right knee in so I can't sway in the back swing and after a few nervous ticks I pull the trigger.

Mined is fast!
Driver, woods and iron!

1- Look at target
2- Hit

Putting

1-Look at hole
2-Read greens
3-Putt

No practice swing!

Step 1, watch partners preshot routine

step 2, watch partners shot which does not resemble preshot practice swing

step 3, realise that practice swing is pointless

step 4, hit ball!

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I try to do the basic routing everytime.

1) Estimate distance
2) Assess lie
3) Select target (not always best to aim at the pin)
4) Grab club based on distance and lie
5) Swing 1 or 2 times reminding myself to release club
6) Addess ball
7) Check grip
8) Imagine swing path
9) Hit the ball!

Sounds long but it only takes a couple of minutes.

Let's see.....a couple of minutes, times 60+ shots, (no need for all that on putts...right?) equals a very long day for the group behind you!
I'm sure you meant, a couple of "SECONDS"....didn't you?

Well, let me rephrase. There is a gap of time 4 and 5. 5 through 9 only take a few seconds. 1 through 4 are done while I'm walking up to the ball or waiting for someone in my foursome to hit. If it was real time, it definitely would be a long round and I hate long rounds. It throws my whole game off.

Stand behind the ball, pick a target, take a swing, address the ball & hit it. Oh yeah & if it's a tee shot be sure to say "hey, one of you guys keep an eye on this". :eek:

Most important part of my pre-shot routine:
Look at the darn ball and make sure it's mine!

Then:
---Determine the actual distance to the flag (if I hadn't already stepped it off from the last marker I passed on my way to the ball). This gives me an illusion of control.
---Befuddle myself as I try to determine the "playing" distance by factoring in the guesstimated effects of wind and elevation changes.
---With my confidence thus undermined, I next look at a ragged slip of paper on which I have scrawled my alleged distances. Select a club and address the ball.
---To speed play, skip the practice swing. I have a better chance of hitting the ball with my practice swing if I don't take one. (Possibly I'll take an abbreviated practice swing: from the 9 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position, just to remind myself of the hitting zone.)
---Try to focus my mind with my swing thought du jour. Or maybe a catchy tune I heard on the radio on the way to the course.