Everyone has heard the real estate expression “location, location, location.”
Golf has one too! It’s routine, routine, routine. Why a routine? Plenty of reasons. A solid routine will help you clear the clutter from your mind, which will help calm your nerves and relieve your stress. This will lead to an overall lower heart rate and blood pressure during play, making golf a healthy, productive addition to your life. Banishing stress and spending quality time out of doors getting your exercise will ultimately help you play better, smarter, and lead to lower scores!
I recommend to my students that they build the following into their routines:
A Proper Warm-Up
After arriving, setting up your cart and checking in, take a 10-minute brisk walk. This will get your blood flowing to all your joints, which lubricates them and prepares them for play. As you ready your swing, you will find that you’re wasting fewer shots and that your confidence is up!
Work On The Mental Game
In the morning, rehearse the first hole, from your first drive to sinking the putt. Visualize the ball flying to the target and landing where you want. See the trajectory and the bounces. Do this with every hole if you can make time! This may create a feeling of success and remind you of past successes, boosting your morale.
Practice With A Purpose
On the driving range and practice green, anticipate the shots you will have and practice them. If you are a right-handed fader or slicer, play the golf course in your imagination by aiming to the left and anticipating the fade going to your desired position.
Reward yourself for excellent execution!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
Carolina’s PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. Call (866) 455-6890 or go to www.palmettodunes.com for more information.
