Golf is predominantly a mental sport that involves a lot of mental toughness. While most of the regular golfers mostly focus on the technicalities of the game like their golf swing overlooking the other aspects of the game like pre – shot routine (P.S.R). Renowned golf coaches always make it a point to teach their students to take the mental aspect of the game in mind, along with its strategies and techniques, seriously for playing better golf.

Sreenjoy Majumder, a Head Professional at the Protouch Golf Academy, shared valuable tips and insights for all his students. His tips on technicalities of the game, and mental toughness have benefited his students’ consistency in the game and have enhanced their self confidence substantially. Coach Sreenjoy Majumder shares:

“Though every golfer focuses more on perfecting their golf swing, they overlook the significance of pre – shot routines. Pre – shot routines are perhaps the one of the most important attributes of playing better golf. Before hitting a shot, pre – shot routines help in building consistency, self confidence and focus. There is more to the game of golf, than just the golf swing.

 Develops focus

Golf, as said earlier, is majorly a mental sport, and therefore, requires a great level of concentration. A good repeatable P.S.R (Pre Shot Routine) helps one to be completely focused on the target and removes all the external thoughts that divert the mind of the golfers. Removing all the unwanted thoughts and focusing just on your goal is one of the ways to get a good output, and is therefore, a significant attribute of pre shot routine.

 Analyse the course condition

Just before taking a shot, it is very much necessary to make an effort to assess and analyse the course, which is definitely going to determine what kind of shot you are going to hit. Assess the obstructions, what flight is ideal, club selection, the wind direction, etc. Not every shot is the same. So, understanding each and every attribute is necessary because one needs to adapt to the circumstances, according to every shot.

 Brings consistency

An understanding of the circumstances and then taking the shot brings consistency in a golfer’s game. Approaching the shot the same way, same number of practice swings, same number of waggles, creating a similar input reduces the mental pressure, as a result of which, better result can be achieved.

 Helps relax and reduce anxiety

In a golfer’s mind, there are already too many negative thoughts while playing. These thoughts crowd their mind especially when they play a bad shot, and going to the next one. They keep on thinking negatively, whether they would be able to improve their game,, whether the next shot would get better or will gradually decline, etc. There are so many other negative thoughts, which seem to come commonly. Thus, having a good pre – shot routine will definitely help relax the mind by adding breathing techniques and positive visualization in Pre Shot Routine.

Thus, as an aspiring golfer, if you watch any professional, be it a player on the PGA or even the Indian tour, you will see that not all has a perfect golf swing, or is able to hit a perfect shot. But all of them definitely have a good, consistent and repeatable Pre Shot Routine. So, if you are looking forward to upgrade your game to the next level, with the perfect swing and shot, start working on your Pre Shot Routine before it is too late. This way, your game will gradually start getting better, and you will be able to play better golf the next time you hit the golf course”.