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Psychology & Mental HealthPre-shot routine All clubs Expert ⏱ 2 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Pre-shot routine in golf: Patrice Amadieu's 3-step process

Professional golfers place a great deal of importance on what happens leading up to the shot. Patrice Amadieu, head coach of the ffGolf Academy, presents a pro pre-shot routine for Decathlon that is organized into three stages, always in the same order.

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Patrice Amadieu
Patrice Amadieu · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemBob Rotella: The Mindset of Golf ChampionsBob Rotella · Expert4 minSame problemJustin Rose's Focus on PuttingJustin Rose · Intermediate / Expert3 minFrom the same pro3 Putting Green Drills: Neck, Card and StickPatrice Amadieu · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Patrice Amadieu presents the following pre-shot routine for professional players: a fixed layout, consisting of three separate airlocks. First airlock, information gathering, near the bag or the cadet: we analyze the ball’s lie (rough, fairway, sand), the weather (wind, temperature), the target area, and the distance to be covered. Based on this, we determine the appropriate club and shot trajectory, using our scorecard or binoculars—often drawing on information gathered during the course walk.

Second airlock, to be yourself: Practice swings that match the planned swing path and visualize the swing behind the ball. Third station, hit the target: You focus solely on the target, you don’t look back, and you switch to automatic mode, always using the same trigger and the same rhythm. On the next shot, you start over. His message: Cherish your pre-shot routine—it’s your ally, especially in the heat of battle.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Near your bag, take a look at where the ball lies: in the rough, on short grass, or in the sand.
  2. Take into account the wind, the temperature, your destination, and the distance—using your notebook or binoculars.
  3. Choose the club and shot path that best match this information.
  4. Take some practice swings that follow the intended path, then visualize the swing behind the ball.
  5. Focus on the target: Think only of it, and don't second-guess your choices.
  6. Always trigger it the same way, at the same pace, and then start over on the next beat.

Key Takeaways

A pro's pre-shot routine always follows the same three-step process.
Sas 1: location, weather, destination area, distance, then club and trajectory.
Sas 2: Practice swings that follow the intended path and focus on the area behind the ball.
Checkpoint 3: With only the target in sight, there’s no turning back.
The same trigger and the same rhythm with every shot.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a club without considering the lie, the wind, and the distance.
  • Making test shots that don't follow the intended trajectory.
  • To look back and second-guess your decisions once you're in the thick of it.
  • Change the trigger or rhythm from one shot to the next.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Every ball hit on the driving range with all three lanes in use
  2. Initial steps in line with the announced path
  3. The same trigger and the same rhythm throughout the entire series

Your Questions

What are the steps in a pro's pre-shot routine?

Patrice Amadieu breaks it down into three stages: gathering information about the ball, working on your own technique (practice swings and visualization), and then hitting the target on autopilot.

What information should you consider before choosing a club?

The ball's location, the weather (wind, temperature), the target area, and the distance to be covered. A course map or binoculars are helpful, along with information often gathered during the reconnaissance.

What should you do once you're above the ball?

Focus only on the target, don't look back, and always shoot the same way, at the same pace.

Learn More

All “Psychology & Mental Health” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pre-shot routine” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Tiger Woods' Course Management: Starting from the GreenTiger designs each hole starting from the green, refuses to allow himself any mental errors, and advises amateurs to aim for zero three-putts first. Justin Rose's Focus on PuttingHis attention and eyes move from the target to the ball, then Rose strikes as his attention goes back to the target: nothing stays frozen over the ball. Céline Boutier's Course Management, from Tee to GreenOn the course, Boutier explains her choices: a target off the tee, minimal carry on the approach, a low or high chip depending on the lie, and reading from three angles. Patrice AmadieuAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Patrice Amadieu). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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