Want Better Golf Shots? Stop Skipping this Key Aspect

We all probably know this saying: Failure to prepare is to prepare for failure. For better or worse, the same can be said about the golf swing - which is why you must have a pre-shot routine.

While every amateur or beginner golfer grinds on the driving range or plays copious amounts of golf in hopes of getting better, if you don't get hyper-focused on the fundamentals, you're never going to improve.

That's why dialing in a trusty pre-shot routine is key, says top golf coach Anthony Wik, who explains why in the video below.

Why a Trusted Pre-Shot Routine Changes Your Golf Shots

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Seeing as how the best players in the world build consistency with each shot, I'm a big believer in the "why" of the golf swing.

Like, why did my shot end up good or bad, left or right, short or long of my target? Without answers to those questions, how will I ever have a clue about what to work on?

In order to build consistency, you need to have a go-to plan - which is why Wik suggests mastering a pre-shot routine that double-checks your fundamentals first.

"I feel like 75% of a successful golf shot happens before you even swing the club," Wik tells me. "Your setup, your grip, your posture, and your alignment."

By simply zeroing in on those simple fundamentals during your pre-shot routine, Wik says you'll set yourself up for more success - while also identifying things in your golf swing that you need to work on.

"Those things, if done correctly, mean you're setting yourself up for a really good outcome, and the chances of success go way up," Wik adds.

Simply put, a solid pre-shot routine allows you to repeat a process before each shot, allowing you to focus and commit to the shot - and then accepting the outcome based off of the execution.

How to Develop a Proper Pre-Shot Routine

So what's a proper pre-shot routine look like?

For beginner golfers, the key is keeping it simple and repeatable. So start by standing behind the ball and picking a specific target - like a tree, bunker edge, or spot in the fairway.

Next, take one practice swing to feel the motion you want to make, then step into the shot.

As you address the ball, align the clubface first, then set your feet, shoulders, and hips parallel to the target line. Take a final look at your target, take a deep breath to help calm your nerves, and trust the golf swing you've chosen.

The entire routine should take about 10-15 seconds - and, yes, it should be the same for every club and shot you're hitting.

By following the same sequence before each shot, you'll develop better rhythm, improve decision-making, and make it easier to transfer your practice-range swings onto the golf course when the pressure is on.

Overall, a good pre-shot routine helps create consistency, confidence, and focus before every swing.

Craving more golf swing tips and golf instruction? Be sure to follow Nick Dimengo on Instagram, and subscribe to Rainmakers Golf on YouTube for more relatable swing advice to help your game improve.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 1:08 PM.