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Consistency Starts with Your Pre-Shot Routine

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

It cannot be understated that a consistent pre-shot routine is critical for playing good golf. If you ask my students, they will tell you that I preach this to the point of nausea. During range sessions, you will always catch me saying “Start with your routine as normal.”
So why is a routine so important in golf, especially while you are playing on the course? Simple...it quiets the mind and sets the table for success...
A consistent pre-shot routine is one of those key factors that commonly gets overlooked by many golfers. In many cases, it is that one critical missing piece that could be the difference-maker. To be clear, what I am not talking about is simply going through the motions of a routine. Actually making the pieces of this critical step in the process of executing a shot matter is what is key.
What should be included in a Pre-Shot routine?
I tend to think of this process starting as soon as your last shot lands. I start to accumulate information from that shot to help formulate my plan for the next. How environmental factors like wind, or topography played a part on the previous shots outcome.
As I walk or ride up to my next shot, I should have a rough idea of what’s to come. I’ll spend a minute or so making final surveys of the shot to come...the distance to the pin, the distance I actually want to hit it and how outside factors will influence that. I’ll then make my club selection. From there, I’ll spend a few seconds visualizing the shot needed and making a few practice swings to match what I’m visually seeing in my mind’s eye. All of this is happening in what is commonly referred to as the Think Box, a few feet behind the ball. At this point I have not yet addressed the ball. As soon as I have a clear picture, I then move up to the ball, focusing on my intended line of play and getting set with my alignment. Once over the ball, I trust, settle in, turn my head to look at the target one final time and execute the plan. My mind is virtually turned off once I leave the Think Box, other than what I am visualizing on...no mechanical or technical thoughts whatsoever.
Obviously, as described here relates to full swing shots. Around the green, I spend a little extra time walking around the line of play and surveying that ground a bit more since the shots in this area are more influenced by the ground.
It is important to have this routine not take all that much time but be thorough still the same. Sticking to this not only will make you more consistent but should reduce the chance for your mind getting too far ahead or dwelling too much on the past.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

[Brendon Elliott, PGA](https://brendonelliott.com/), is an award-winning PGA Professional, player-development coach and nationally recognized golf writer with three decades of experience in the golf industry. As of 2026, he has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has earned more than 25 PGA Section and Chapter honors for his work in coaching, education and player development. In 2017, he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. ## Coaching Competitive Teenage Golfers Through [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home), Brendon specializes in working with competitive teenage golfers who want to improve their performance, better understand their games and prepare for the demands of high school, junior tournament and college golf. His primary focus is [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching), which allows him to remain actively involved in a player’s development regardless of location. Rather than relying on occasional lessons or isolated swing fixes, Brendon works with players throughout their competitive journey. His coaching covers much more than the golf swing. Players receive ongoing guidance in structured practice, short-game development, putting, course management, tournament preparation, performance analysis, goal setting and the mental and physical habits required to improve over time. Using video analysis, virtual coaching sessions, performance data and regular communication, Brendon helps each player understand what to work on, why it matters and how to make meaningful progress between practices and tournaments. Brendon accepts only a limited number of in-person students in Central Florida. His priority is building long-term [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching) relationships with competitive teenage golfers and their families. The goal is not simply to help a young player hit better shots. It is to help that player become more prepared, more accountable and more capable of navigating everything competitive golf demands. Brendon’s career has included serving as a head golf professional, general manager, college golf educator, career development director, academy owner and longtime junior golf leader. He founded Little Linksters Golf Academy in 2008 and led the organization for more than 16 years before selling the academy in late 2024 and launching [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home). ## Golf Writing and Media Brendon is also a nationally recognized and prolific golf writer and storyteller. He is the Senior Golf Writer for [Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/author/brendon-elliott) and has written extensively about professional golf, instruction, player development, equipment, golf history and the people shaping the game. His work has also appeared with PGA.com, GolfWRX, PGA Magazine, MyGolfSpy and several other prominent golf media outlets. Through [One More Roll Golf Media](https://onemorerollgolf.com/), Brendon provides editorial content, feature writing, consulting and media services throughout the golf industry. His background as a coach and educator shapes the way he writes, while his work as a writer strengthens the way he coaches. He understands how to explain complicated ideas clearly, ask better questions and connect the technical, strategic and personal sides of golf.