Pre-Shot Routine

There is a lot to be learned by observing great golfers. Who better to watch and emulate than the World’s Most Recognized Athlete? I have been studying Tiger Woods since he reached the top shelf of golf in 2000. A statistical “stalker” of sorts, I recorded every televised event and then used the replay to record Tiger’s SHOT BY SHOT data. I’ve moved beyond the VCR, but I still record every event, and learn something new at every viewing.

Call me a stat-obsessed geek, but during the final round of the 2007 PGA Championship I decided to put a stop watch to Tiger’s pre-shot routine. I had done this with Phil Mickelson during his march to victory in the final round of the 2004 Masters. I found the results and comparisons interesting.

What do I mean by Pre-Shot Routine?
There are two important processes we should go through before we hit the ball. First, we plan the shot. This involves visualizing the shot and selecting the right club to make it happen. It can involve discussion with a caddie and/or a playing partner. As much of this part of the process as possible should take place before it is officially your turn.
Then once the shot decision has been made, we step forward, move into address position, and execute the shot. At this point the cameras are rolling. I think of that step forward into the address position as moving into an Isolation Bubble. Once in the bubble, no second thoughts or doubts should be allowed to permeate.
The part of the Pre-Shot Routine that I timed for Tiger and Phil was this “bubble” segment – the time from the moment each player stepped forward from behind the ball until contact with the ball was made.

What did I learn?
I timed a representative sample of tee shots, approach shots, short game shots and putts for both players. Tiger and Phil have decidedly different routines for different types of shots. Their full swing routines are quicker than their routines for putting and the short game.
Full Swing
Tiger’s full swing routine is between 9 and 11 seconds every time. Step forward, setup, two short waggles and WOOSH! For the same full shots, Phil’s routine is slightly longer - between 14 and 17 seconds.
Putting & Short Game
Interestingly, both champions had slightly longer pre-shot routines on and around the greens, but both averaged 20 seconds. Tiger’s longest putting routine – 24 seconds – came on a breaking 12 foot putt for birdie. (And 24 seconds is still quite quick in comparison to how long Jack Nicklaus would loom over a must-make putt.) My guess is that the slightly longer routines here are dictated by the addition of the distance or “touch” variable to the process.

How can you use this?

• Develop your own pre-shot routine and divide it into the two segments discussed: Planning & Execution.
• Have a friend time you in the “bubble” – from the moment you step forward and begin to address the ball until your club makes contact with the ball. If you're in it longer than 20 seconds you are not only wasting time, you are leaving too much of an opening for doubt and confusion to seep into your bubble.
• Practice your pre-shot routine whenever you practice. Make it an automatic part of each shot and the same every time, whether you are on the course or in the practice area. Relying on a solid routine is the best defense against the pressure of competition.
  

For a Complete Analysis of Your Game, log on to: www.ShotByShot.com