Question: How important is a pre-shot routine? -- Ron in Thousand Oaks.

Answer: Ron, It is very important for all level of players to develop their own pre-shot routines. It doesn't even have to be anything elaborate, as long as it is consistent, and helps you to focus. Here are some of the benefits that make pre-shot routines so important.

1. Having a routine helps you focus on the current shot. If you have trouble with concentration or focus for an entire round, having a pre-shot routine will help prepare you for the most important shot in your round, The One You Are About To Hit! If for something takes your mind off of your shot, restart your pre-shot routine, and get back into positive thoughts.

2. Having a routine helps your alignment which will lead to better swings and shots. In your routine you should pick out an intermediate target between your ball and your target. Aiming the club at an intermediate target just in front of your ball will make it easier to line yourself up, and will give you something to try and hit the ball over during the shot. This will also help you stay down through the shot, and help with extension through the swing.

3. Having a routine will help promote confidence and help dismiss negative thoughts. Without a routine you might be worried about all the trouble you see in front of you, bunkers, OB, trees etc. But with the pre-shot routine, you will be focussed on your target, and dismiss the negative thoughts all leading to positive swings and better results.

4. Having a routine helps prepare you for what the shot calls for and to visualize the shot in your head before swinging. Lets say the shot you are about to hit requires a shot that curves left to right for a right handed golfer.

During your practice swing or swings and during your waggles when you are over the ball you can take the club away from the ball on an outside path which will promote a out-to-in swing, and help create the left to right ball flight the shot is asking for.

Creating your own pre-shot routine should take into account your own personal tendencies and include the following:

Access the situation: Take into account the lie of the ball, yardage, wind, topography and where you want the ball to finish. This is where you should be able to quickly visualize what you want your shot to look like.

Select the club: Once you select the club be positive in your choice and make at least one practice swing to get a feel for the swing you are about to make. Only doubt your club selection if the wind suddenly changes.

Pick an intermediate target: Aim the club face at something just in front of your ball that is in line with your target. Then set your feet to match the way the club face looks. This should set your feet parallel to the target line. Now you will have something to try and start the ball over in the shot.

Waggle the club: The waggle will create the path you want to start the club back on and eliminate any tension that might set in.

Use these tips to create your own pre shot routine and watch you game improve!

Jon Gomez is a teaching professional and the New Player Development Director at River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard. He can be reached at 320-2668. If you are having a problem with your game and would like Jon to give you some advice on how to fix it, e-mail your question to him at bbuttitta@venturacountystar.com. Jon will answer your question and also try to get another local teaching professional in your area to suggest a solution. Please include your name and the city you live in with your e-mail.