The pre-shot secret you’re skipping

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🧠 Build a Better Pre-Shot Routine

When most golfers think about pre-shot routine, they imagine a few waggles, maybe a deep breath, and then swing.

But what separates elite players from the rest isn’t just what they do before the shot—it’s how they think.

Let’s walk through a world-class pre-shot routine, built around one deceptively powerful question:

“What does a good shot look like here?”

Let’s dive in 👇

Watch the video breakdown here!

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🏌️‍♂️ Picture the Shot Before You Hit It

In this example, we’re standing on the 7th hole at Pebble Beach. The wind is coming off the ocean from the left, the pin is tucked to the right, and you’ve got 109 yards to the flag.

Simple enough, right?

But before you even think about your stance or club selection, pause and ask:

That’s the golden question. And it’s the one top athletes—from PGA Tour pros to Olympic divers—train themselves to ask every time.

🎯 Why Visualization Is So Underrated

Let’s be honest. Everyone says you should visualize, but almost no one actually does it.

Even elite coaches and players struggle with it because they think visualization needs to be perfect—some high-def, cinematic shot tracer in their brain.

But it doesn’t have to be.

In fact, I have to admit, I’m not great at it. Instead of seeing the full flight, I imagine a streak reaching its apex and falling toward the target.

That’s it. And it works.

The key is to find your own style of visualization and stick to it. Whether it’s:

• A fade dropping gently onto the green 🌀

• A straight shot laser-beamed at the pin 💥

• Or just a curved arc 📈

The act of visualizing—even imperfectly—can anchor your mind, calm your nerves, and narrow your focus before you swing.

🛠️ How to Build This Into Your Routine

Next time you’re on the course or in the sim:

1. Stand behind the ball.

2. Ask the question: What does a good shot look like?

3. Picture it your way.

4. Step in confidently.

5. Execute.

Keep it simple. Keep it repeatable. And start training your brain to engage before you swing the club.

✅ Final Thought

Visualization doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be present.

Ask yourself: What does a good shot look like here?

That one question can completely change how you approach the game.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this helpful. If you enjoyed it, feel free to share it with someone who might benefit from these tips. Have questions or ideas for future topics? Let me know—I’d love to hear from you!

🎥 Watch the Full Breakdown Now

If you’re tired of guessing on the greens—or you coach golfers who struggle with green reading—this video is for you:

👉 Watch the full video here

Thanks for reading!

—Ralph Bauer

About Ralph Bauer

Ralph Bauer has coached on the PGA Tour since 2009. He’s worked at all four majors, the Olympics, and has helped two of his players win major championships. His students have earned over $400 million in PGA Tour earnings. He’s coached on five continents and at every level of the game—and he co-created the Tour Read system to make green reading easier for every golfer.

Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to hear how it’s working for you.