5-Step Golf Pre-Shot Routine for Confidence, Consistency, and Lower Scores

Key Points

• Pre-Shot Routine = Awareness → Analysis → Decision → Commitment
  The process helps players stay calm, eliminate doubt, and fully commit to their intended shot.
• Step 1: Evaluate the Environment
  Always assess:
  Trouble areas (trees, creeks, narrow fairways)Wind direction and strengthFairway firmness and elevation changesTee box position to match your shot shape
• Step 2: Analyze Based on Your Strengths
  Choose clubs and shot shapes that suit your game. Jaden chose a 3-wood and a left-to-right cut based on the hole layout and his tendencies.
• Step 3: Visualize the Shot
  Start line, end line, curve, and trajectory should all be pictured clearly before stepping in. The clearer the mental image, the more likely the execution will follow.
• Step 4: Control Your Breathing
  Use a breath as a trigger to calm the mind and signal the body it’s time to act — an essential part of staying composed under pressure.
• Step 5: Commit to the Shot
  Full commitment is key. Even if the result isn’t perfect, the goal is minimizing unforced mental errors, not perfection.
• Tee Box Strategy Matters
  Jaden tees up on the right side of the tee box to create a better angle for his natural fade — a simple but effective strategic decision.
• Post-Shot Reflection
  Always reflect: Did I make the right decision? Was I fully committed? That’s the mental win — regardless of the outcome.
• From Fear to Flow
  A consistent pre-shot routine helps transition players from doubt to clarity, and from fear to flow on the course.