For amateur golfers, failing to do the fundamentals is often a big reason why they fail to shave shots off their score.
Whether it’s the set-up, grip or alignment, there are simple ways for amateurs to improve, which are perhaps left unstudied. Phil Mickelson says amateurs ignore fundamentals when pitching, and Patrick Reed always uses alignment sticks when practicing.
What’s more, world number one Scottie Scheffler often focuses on his set-up and grip when his technique doesn’t quite feel right.
What Lee Westwood has said about the fundamentals
LIV Golf star Lee Westwood recently spoke about the importance of the basics, specifically his pre-shot routine.
Having played with many amateurs, Westwood believes inconsistency when approaching the ball causes more harm than good.
“One thing I’ve seen with amateurs when I am playing with them is they don’t have the same pre-shot routine every time,” Westwood said.
“When I am on the range, I won’t just hit golf balls one after another. I will step away from it and work on my pre-shot routine. I stand behind it and line up to my target. If I am struggling with my alignment, I pick a spot on the floor just in front of me to try and line up over. Once you get over the ball, try not to spend too much time over the ball.”
Tiger Woods’ pre-shot routine
Tiger Woods’ pre-shot routine underpinned most of his major championship success. Very rarely does the now 49-year-old stray from what he’s done throughout his career.
Once he’s picked his target line and worked out where he wants the ball to land, Woods lines himself up, takes one look at the target, looks back at the ball, and then executes. The method allows for clearness of thought before any tension emerges.
Too often, amateur players stand over the ball for an age, allowing other thoughts and problems to emerge. Once you know your shot and are clear about it, line up correctly and execute; the results will no doubt improve.
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