By Leslie K. Hughes
Whether it’s your first time on the golf course or your 100th, it’s no secret that stepping onto the first tee can be a bit nerve-wracking. Will you hit it right down the middle of the fairway, or will this first shot be a swing and a miss that sets the tone for the rest of your game?
This is where a pre-round routine comes in. Having a routine that you step into before stepping out on the course helps you focus, calm your mind, and get your body ready for the game.
Here’s our recipe for a great round.
Step 1: Ready your gear
Before you head out onto the course, get your golf bag prepped with everything you’ll need for the round.
Ensure that you have all the clubs you want and need. Each course is a bit different, so researching the course helps determine what extra clubs you may need, or which ones you can leave at home.
Also, check your ball and tee inventory. Always bring more than you think you’ll need. Don’t forget your ball marker, divot repair tool, and your glove if you use one.
Food and water will fuel your game, so don’t forget either. Aim for healthy snacks with protein and clean fats to give you energy. And bring a water bottle to refill throughout the game.
Step 2: Arrive early
Few things can throw off your golf game more than feeling rushed.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time so you can familiarize yourself with the course.
Step 3: Warm up your body
Going into a golf game with no physical warm-up is a recipe for disaster. You will feel stiff and tight, and your swing will likely suffer. Even worse, you also put yourself at a higher risk of injury.
Warm up with some light cardio. This can be a fast-paced walk, jumping jacks, or even stretches to get your blood flowing to your muscles.
Some great stretches include:
- Arm circles
- Torso rotations
- Leg swings
Step 4: Get some practice in
While the driving range usually gets all the attention, much of golf happens in the short game. So carve out a good chunk of time to spend chipping, pitching, and putting on practice greens before your round. This is where you can really shave strokes off your score.
Then head to the driving range to get the longer game aligned. Start with the short irons and work your way up to the longer ones to help you gain confidence in precise shots.
When you’ve gotten to your driver, focus less on distance and more on accuracy. It’s always better to have a ball that’s in the middle of the fairway and short than a drive that’s long and way off-course.
Step 5: Prepare your mind
Golf is a sport of skill. But, arguably, it is even more a sport of the mind. It takes a lot of focus and patience to do well in golf. So, help your mind get to this zen place.
Start by doing some breathing exercises to help you relax and get into a good mental space. Deep, controlled breathing can help you feel present rather than worrying about the future.
Visualizations are also a great tool for a good golf game. Close your eyes and picture yourself hitting the ball exactly where you want it to go. Imagine your perfect swing, the club hitting the ball on the perfect spot, and the ball flying down the fairway right onto the green. Picture each step of the way.
Positive affirmations are also helpful in lowering your golf score. Swap out any negative thoughts and words about your game and your abilities with positive ones. For example, “I am here to have fun.” “Golf comes easily to me.” Switching your mind to the positive can help with confidence and focus, which ultimately helps your overall game.
Lowering your score doesn’t have to look like spending hours and hours practicing. By implementing this pre-round routine into your games, we’re willing to bet you’ll see a shift in your score. And – even more importantly – your enjoyment of the game, too!
