Approach Shot Routine: How to Plan, Commit, and Execute with Consistency

Key Points

• Use Practice Swings for Feel
  Translate all the data into a feel-based rehearsal. This helps build trust and confidence before stepping in.
• Start with the Lie
  Always assess how the ball is sitting and the slope under your feet — don’t label it “good” or “bad,” just understand what it will do to ball flight (e.g. launch angle, spin, curvature).
• Consider All Variables
  Elevation, wind direction and strength, green firmness, and pin position all factor into shot planning — not just distance.
• Visualize and Plan Intentionally
  Don’t assume all “105-yard” shots are the same — know how your ball will behave when it lands and choose the club accordingly.
• Target Strategy
  Avoid flag-hunting when it brings unnecessary risk. Smart players aim for safer zones and wider parts of the green.
• Club & Setup Adjustments
  Use club selection, grip length, face angle, and trajectory adjustments to match your intended shot shape and landing area.
• Commitment Matters
  Full commitment to the shot and plan is key. Even a technically sound swing won’t work without full mental buy-in.
• Learning from Outcome
  After the shot, evaluate honestly: was the issue mental (e.g. misjudgment) or physical (e.g. execution)? Stay curious, not critical.
• Calm Mind = Better Decisions
  Rushing or carrying frustration into the next shot leads to skipped steps and poor choices. Calmness improves decision quality.
• Routine = Consistency
  A consistent pre-shot routine improves decision-making, execution, and emotional control across rounds.