If you have ever heard an interview with a winner on the PGA or LPGA Tour, at some time in the interview you will hear them describe how they just kept to their routine. They might say, “I was able to stay focused on each shot and stuck to my routine”. With all the distractions professional golfers face every day on and off the course, you can see where a focused routine can help to keep them on track. Let’s look at how a consistent routine can impact your golf game.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a 1½ hour seminar at the Body Balance for Performance Facility in Irvine, California. Stephanie Overbaugh who owns the facility invited about 25 local golfers that she had worked with over the past few years along with Sports Psychology Consultant, Neale Smith, M.S.. Neale, having been a touring pro himself, works with some of the up and coming young pros to help them cope with the rigors of professional golf. He talked about attitude and direction of focus. Then he discussed the importance of a pre-shot, between shot and post shot routine and how they can make the difference in winning and losing. (go to: www.processperformance.info for more on Neale Smith)

In their book, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose, authors Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott describe the importance of the pre-shot and post-shot routines. Their concept is the Think Box – Play Box. You stand behind the ball and think of the kind of shot you want to make. Once you are firm on the decision and committed to the shot, you step into the Play Box and let it fly. (I have simplified it. You should read the book for a more complete description). The point is that a routine actually makes the process easier than flying by the seat of your shorts. (go to www.vision54.com for more on Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott)

It is very important to your overall health and fitness that you maintain a routine that you can live with. Remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One bowl of porage was too hot, one too cold, and one was just right? Neal Smith embraces the Goldilocks Theory and says, “Find a routine that is just right for you”. If the routine is easy and workable, you will enjoy the process much more.

Hey, wait a minute, I’m the GolfGym Guy. What am I doing talking about routines? Shouldn’t I be talking about some kind of exercise that will get you 15 – 20 more yards with your drives? Let’s think about it, shall we. What good is any exercise if it is not accompanied by a repeatable routine? Routines help us stay focused. You’ve heard the terms, “exercise routine” and “workout routine”. Make your routine a habit. Your exercise sessions will be more productive, and you won’t have all those nasty swing thoughts floating around in your head on the golf course.

The way to playing better golf for as long as possible must include physical fitness and a routine that is “just right” for you. If you are working on getting or staying Golf Fit, keep it up. If not, start this winter with a simple routine and build on it. You will definitely reap the benefits on the first tee next season.

Keep Your Golf Fitness Simple
Ken Pierce
The GolfGym Guy
www.golfgym.com