4 easy steps to master your pre-shot routine

Owning a pre-shot routine is the best way to guarantee success off the tee. Here’s what I recommend.

1. Stand behind the ball and visualize the shot you want to hit, be it a fade, draw, whatever. If you’re not good at visualizing, focus on your target, lining up your club to where you want the ball to land.

2. Tap the club on the ground (a dynamic move that tells you it’s go time) and start walking to the ball, keeping your eye on the target the whole time. (Speaking of targets, all-time major winner Jack Nicklaus used to choose four: one three inches behind the ball, one three inches in front, one 20 yards out and the actual target — all in a line. Worth a try.)

3. As you get into address position, make sure to align your clubface to the target first before aligning your body. Most weekend players get this backward.

4. Take one last look at the target, inhale and exhale, then waggle the club — an important move to keep you from freezing. Once your pre-shot routine is complete, focus on one swing thought and go.

Scott Munroe teaches at the Boca Raton Club in Boca Raton, Fla., and Nantucket GC in Siasconset, Mass.

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