Pre-shot routine revisited

I last wrote about this when Lucas Glover won the US Open [16 Seconds to Victory] but Ian Baker-Finch smartly brought it up in his 2nd round commentary of the John Deere Classic when he remarked about the consistency of Steve Stricker's routine.  Some years ago I had the great pleasure of spending a few days at the Kohler resort (Whistling Straits +) in the excellent company of Ian - I guess I once did get invited somewhere...  At dinner one night we got Ian talking about his British Open win and I specifically asked how he handled the tremendous pressure of playing the back 9 with a slim lead.  He acknowledged the intense pressure and said that he dealt with it by relying totally on his routine.  I remember vividly how he went into a mini-trance recalling exactly what he did as he approached every shot, right down to the "...Ok set, one waggle and GO!" almost knocking over a glass of wine.  We should all learn from this and practice our routines whenever we practice - it's that important.

I put Steve Stricker on the clock this week and he consistently took 15 seconds to strike the ball from the time he stepped forward from his position behind the ball.  When I put Tiger on the clock in the 2007 PGA, his routine was a speedy 10 seconds.  The difference, Steve includes a practice swing EVERY TIME, Tiger did not.   Let me be clear about exactly what I count as the pre-shot routine.  All the decisions have been made, the club and shot selected and visualized.  What I time is when the player stands behind the ball facing the target.  I start the watch when he moves forward from that position to begin his setup and I stop the watch when the shot is struck.  In other words, it is not the thinking or decision making part, it is strictly the execution of the planned shot.

I see so many amateurs that take two and three practice swings before every shot.  There should be a legal limit of ONE.  But bottom line consistency is the key to a winning routine - at every level of play.  Coaches and instructors should be helping their students develop an effective and efficient pre-shot routine.  It should serve to get them set up for a successful shot and occupy their conscious minds with positive, process oriented keys.  Finally, it should be quick - no need for more than 15 seconds but 10 is even better.  Don't hesitate to put your students on the clock.       

So Sorry Patrick Cantlay but Blame the Tour - Again!

As Monday was a fairly major holiday, I had other, more important, things to do than capture the  weekend's AT&T data from ShotLink.  I felt secure in putting this off until Tuesday because the data is generally available until Wednesday morning.  Not this week!  It vanished as of Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM.  So sorry Patrick, I cannot add these rounds to the account that I set up for you as promised.  I will also miss Nick Watney's winning rounds and the analysis thereof.  How about a story instead?

I finally got invited somewhere and had the pleasure of partnering with an good friend for the first time in his Member/Guest event at the Townsend Ridge CC in Townsend, MA.  To add to the experience, my thoughtful host had his close friend invite my side-kick and VP Sales, Tommy (AKA "Mini-Pete").  I have been fortunate enough to play in my share of these events but this one was unique in so many ways.  First, the format was Ryder Cup-style where the field was divided into two teams.  For the first 27 holes, my partner and I played three 9-hole matches against 2-man teams from the other squad.  First,  a full scramble, next Pinehurst (both drive, alternate from the best into the hole) and finally, best ball.  The final 18 holes was a straight up, one-on-one match play and, of all people, I had to play against Tommy - NOT FAIR!
    

Other unique features: 

1.  At 5,814 (White tees) the course is a bit shorter than Tom and I are used to, but by no means easy.  It is the most narrow course that I have ever attempted to navigate.  I actually think they could mow the fairways with two or three passes of a hand mower.  

2.  The Head Professional and his 1st Assistant not only ran the event but  THEY ALSO HAD GUESTS AND PLAYED.  I was thoroughly confused to see contestants asking other contestants for explanations of how the rules worked until I finally figured it out - albeit, not until late the first day.  My hat goes off to Derick Fors (GM/Head Pro.) for how smoothly he pulled off this unusual feat.  It was clear that he has earned the respect and admiration of his members to be able to so easily tread on both sides of this line.  

3.  To follow on #2, the members, and their predominantly local guests, all seemed to share the right attitude - a celebration of good competition but better friendship.  Tommy and I were readily accepted and made to feel at home - I think Tom may have joined. 

Great job Townsend Ridge!  If it is up to me, I'LL BE BACK!