Greg Norman Disaster Video
[headline_arial_medium_centered color=”#B10000″]Greg Norman DISASTER Video[/headline_arial_medium_centered]
Watch this video about Greg Norman. What was discovered and revealed at 1 minute 24 seconds in this video is fascinating I think.
Very interesting findings aren’t they? And in the Consistent Golf System you will learn how to do what Jack Nicklaus obviously figured out was one of the biggest key’s to great golf. No wonder he was the most consistent golfer ever.
I share Greg’s first name so I somewhat have an affinity with him. I remember watching that masters and feeling sad for the guy. It was hard to watch. Very interesting findings in your video. Keep the good info coming. I am enjoying what you have to say.
Interesting!
This hit a nerve with me because when I play well I feel like everything is flowing. But when I play badly I feel rushed and disjointed. I just thought this was a by-product of nerves on the day. I will have to make a special effort to have a consitent time frame in which I setup to the ball. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Can’t believe Jack’s routine never varied by more than a second! No wonder he was such a great, consistent golfer. Keep this stuff coming. Very interesting!
Great video. I need to work on this. How can I get a consistent golf system?
I loved watching Greg Norman in his prime. He attacked teh course like no one else. Pitty someone didn’t bring this to his attention way back when!
Yes, very interesting findings. My downfall is speeding up too. I need to work on this more. Thanks for the reminder.
Jack was a legend. No doubt about that. Now we know one BIG reason why. Keep the great info coming.
Nice video. I am interested to hear more about your consistent golf system. My game is terrible at the moment. The ladies I play with have been commenting on how fast I have been playing. This cofirms what you’re saying in this video. I need to slow down and be consistent with my routine. Thank you for your help so far.
I liked the video. A good reminder on how important our pre-shot routine is in terms of time taken.
would like to do more of what jack did. he was very good golfer that i like to be like.
I think it shows how important your entire consistent behavior in golf, starts with the pre-shot routine and when it changes the golf shot consistency changes
I intend to play golf tomorrow and I will try to use this method every time it is my turn to hit. I hope it helps my game and I will let you know after my round!
Great info for any golfer. Regardless of ability.
my next round i will make an effort to lock in on my routine
I couldn’t agree more. Players when they are playing well will always be within one second of the same time for their pre-shot routine!!
Prime example of this today – was going quite well then group behind started catching up and I rushed my next tee shot – disaster!
Subsequently went back to my usual pre-shot routine and immediate improvement.
This strikes right on the button, if I’m playing well, I’m steady eddy, and if not, I’m, as Chari said, feel out of sorts and sync, and strike the ball terrible as well. Amusing as well, In my case if I blade a flop shot, I’m going to be horrid for the round, as my short game is my forte
hmmm Sync speed is the key to playing well, this tip will improve my game a lot, Many thanks
70 year old in Jax Florida
I have been doing the same pre-shot rutine now for a couple of years now it it really works. I have to be careful sometimes not to take to much time, that’s when you start to think about your swing and that throws your rythem off.
THIS IS ONE OFF THE MOST IMPORTANT, IF NOT THEE MOST IMPORTANT COMMITMENTS TO MAKE IN YOUR GOLF GAME.
I HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE GAME FOR OVER35 YEARS AND IT IS ONLY IN THE LAST YEAR THAT I HAVE ACTIVLY PUT THIS INTO MY GAME WHAT EVER IS THE STATE OF MY GAME. I AM 74 YEARS YOUNG.
Makes sense and very interesting.
I watched that Masters too and my late Dad was telling Greg to “breath slowly” – he had met Greg a few times so felt a strong connection.
I have found when being pressured by an impatient game following on the course that I used to speed up my swing with the result my shots went everywhere and that slowed us down even more! Your highlighting this issue will help a lot I am sure. Many thanks
Great observations, thanks.
I am now going to practice the pre-shot routine on the practice ground, which means replacing the club in the bag after each shot to replicate the whole pre-shot procedure.
good advice. Used your stuff yesterday and it worked quite well but I did have a bit of a hard time not thinking about golf between shots(Ican work on that. when will I be able to get the full system?
Hi Jody, the special on the full system is happening soon. I’ll send you an email with more details in due course. Thanks. Jeff
Great info. I often struggle with my pre shot routine. After hiting a great shot, I try to figure out what I did mechanically. Alas, I don’t think I am talented enough or smart enough to do that.
Hi Jeff,
All of this info is wonderful; I wish that I could apply it.
I also wish to point out that you spelled “choker” wrong in your email.
Hi Joe, stay tuned, more help coming. And thanks for pointing out that spelling mistake. 🙂 Jeff
Altough I never agreed Noman choaked,I have for some time thought that the sameness of the routine added to consistancy.In high school,I was inconsistant with foul shots, fotunetly I had a great coach;who,realized I had no routine,he gave me a simply routine and I was able to make fifty foul shots in a row that same day which in turn gave me the confidence to be a very good foul shooter from that point forward.So my awareness of the benefits of a routine were hightened some 46 yrs.ago.At some point years ago Iread in agolf magazine or book that good player have routines that are of similar length shot to shot and I tried to make mine conform in timing;but don’t know if I paid attention as my routine evolved whether I had the conviction to maintain the timing of it.I have a friend a very good golfer who at times struggles with bizare bouts of inconsistency and I believe it occurs due an unnatural slowdown of his routine ocasionally,I mentioned it to him;but,not with enough conviction for him to actually pay attention,now my idea has some reinforcement.
As for Greg,I believe the fact that Faldo birdied 3 of the first eight holes,caused Norman to feel he needed to do something because his lead was already cut in half ,that coupled with history might give any golfer the since of urgency Norman must have felt.From that point forward there was a series of bad coarse management decisions starting with the wedge that came all the down the hill from the green on what seemed like a well struck shot he made boggy and tried to make up for on the next hole 3 putting and the rest is history.
Very interesting. So how much time( pre shot routine) is acceptable for handicap golfers? I estimate around 30 seconds from my initial looking at my line, imagining the shot, addrsssing the ball then pulling the trigger. Therfore 30secs x say 90 strokes,, putts included, is 27 minutes of total pre shot routine. I’ll bet it’s double that for the pro’s. Even then I get ribbed by my golf buddies now and then to “HURRY UP. YOUR NOT THAT GOOD!” So I guess my question is what is the average guilt free time that a pre shot routine should be for us wannabe’s???
Hi Kel, the routine I get golfers to go through in the consistent golf system takes less than 30 seconds. You don’t need longer than that because it would make play too slow. A lot of what you should do can be done while others are having their shots. Thanks. Jeff
Sorry. I meant 30 secs x 90 strokes is 45 minutes. TYPO
I totally agree. The greatest golfer Jack Nickless also taught “a golfers strength is what lies between his ears” Not how stong he is. I am all of 63 inches tall and 80 years young and can still beat my golfing friend 20 yrs my junior and he is a 12 handicapper. Me I am about a 23 hadicap . Thanks for the video.
Doug
very interesting. I find your approach to golfing success diferent & refreshing.
Very interesting. Read your consistency report on Saturday morning before going to golf. My big lately problem has been my putting. Though there was no sudden magic in the putter my game felt solid and putts were weighted a lot better.
Definately will keep working on a routine.
very interesting that a player like Greg Norman in his hey day was so aggesive in his play and a will to win but with all that he failed on his mental state which we all now know is so important if you want to WIN.
I know where your coming from, its like when you play golf at your normal pace and catch up some slower players in front who call you through, and what happens, so as not to inconvenience them to much you take a quicker shot than normal and 99 times out of a 100 you screw it up.
It may very well be that the shortened pre shot routine caused Greg”collapse however when a world class player blows up in competition it usually is caused by nervous tension which in turn causes the right side to detinate( or specifically the right hand)
Now I understand why my handicap is 26
Very interesting. I’ve never pay any attention to my routine. I’ll try to think about this next time. Keep it coming, this is good stuff!
I like the analysis, and would agree wholeheartedly. The more i speed up, the worse i play.
A very interesting concept indeed. Greg Norman and I are still very much of the same. Both Aussies,1 day different in age. He has millions from golf and my accrued golf scores must be in the millions. I am not even a club member at the moment after many years of playin both sat and sun comp.
Looking forward to getting back into the game and getting a handicap below 20 as I also need to work on fitness and stamina. The mental side just got a boost from the above lesson.
Cheers from Laurie.
I thin k the importance of a systematic pre-shot routine has just become so much clearer and I shall endeavour to bring this into my game from now on. If only Greg could have found this out who knows how many more Majors he would have won.
Thanks for sharing this clip and every good wish for the future.
Very interesting observation. My golf is very inconsistent and I don’t really have a pre-shot routine, certainly not a consistent one. I’ll certainly give it a try and see what, if any, improvement it brings to my game.
At the time, I could not believe how Greg’s game plumeted so much, but didn’t think much more about it, because of cheering for Nick, but now your observations make a lot of sense.
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE FAN OF GREG NORMAN. AGAIN & AGAIN I WATCHED AS HE
FALTERED & FAILED TO GRASP THE TITLES HE SO DESIRED . MY CONCLUSION HAS BEEN
THAT HE HAS HAD MENTAL BREAKDOWNS AGAIN & AGAIN BUT WHY HAS ELUTED ME
TILL NOW. I DON’T , HOWEVER, KNOW IF GREG WOULD AGREE WITH YOUR CONCLUSIONS.
HAS THIS BEEN BROUGHT TO HIS ATTENTION & IF SO, WHAT ARE HIS COMMENTS.
I wish I had someone to time mine. I will certainly pay more attention from now on.
I know I sometimes change when I play with slow players and try to speed up if my group is behind.Silly when you think about it, the couple of seconds difference in my preshot routine isn’t going to alter things other than to create a bad result for me.
thanks
steve
Great Video,I concur with all your comments
Keeping the set routine sounds good
interesting, on The Golf Fix he showed how Tiger’s putting routing had sped up from when he was a great putter. I also remember a Bob Rotella tape where Arnie told his caddie to let him know if he was speeding up his routine and swing during a final round. So Greg isn’t alone. I wonder how an golfer can recognize when he is getting quick?
Most interesting, thinking about my game it seems that I do the same when I get frustrated, must watch out for that.
If you are a fast player, does anyone get faster or slower?
I have been told I walk faster from green to the next tee and between shots. If other players in my group are slow, I can get frustrated – we should be “Behind the group in front, not in front of the group behind”. This leads to quick decisions.
I think the adrenalin got to Greg, so many years chasing that particular major. So many years being tied for 2nd or top ten, 6 ahead so close to seizing that moment.
Nick Faldo already had ‘Green Jackets’, his third round was making sure he was in the final group. Faldo had the mental edge backed up with success at “The Open” and ‘The Masters”. Faldo was always a deliberate and slow player, so slow he irritated any other player.
Thanks for this reminder. I tend to hurry my pre-shot routine, or not take one at all.
Bob
One would have to wonder what his caddy was doing during these rounds….
No doubt, It is very interesting findings ! I will try tomorrow.Please keep me informed about consistent golf system.
Great stuff!! It makes sense. I know (now that I think about it) when I have an “important” shot I slow down and take extra practice swings and Think about the shot more and usually I hit it POORLY.
Interesting it appears that you shot routine needs to be consistant to be able to repeat the good golf shot and lower you score, I guess you can say consistancy matters.
I never saw the video of Greg Norman. It didn’t play. All I heard was your coments.
Played Monday, was awful. My playing buddy told me after the round, that I was not following my usual routine. Very quick!. Played yesterday and made sure I followed my normal routine with the same time I normally took. Was 12 strokes better. Never been a more true analysis than the video illustrates!
This is exactly what happens ,if I’m playing good things just flow.But then on the bad days I now realise that I tend to hit faster and harder to try to get the same distance. Will now look at timing in the pre shot
I watched that on TV life broadcast that year half way around the world (in HK) but missed all that as I was rooting for Nick Faldo. Nick’s putting that Sunday has something to do with Greg’s collapse as well….. put so much pressure on the opponent….that reminds me it is no different then our weekend foursome when we were playing maybe a $10 Nassau. Great info, keep that coming. Thanks.
Ali
Think i may have worked out my problem in my routine will now try to do this item on every shot will let you know if it improves my game & score
Regards john c
I watched that Master and felt very sad for Greg Norman because that day he was so close to win the green jacket he always wanted to have and he lost his big opportunity and I could not understand what could happenned to him, but now I know. Very interesting your comments, I will keep this in mind on my next round of golf. thank you.
Natalia
He must have a mental weakness unlike Jack and Tiger.
I don’t think greg norman was anywhere near the biggest choker in golf. that would have been someone who had never won. certainly not a player that was #1. should he have won more? sure, but Jack was 2nd how many times? I think I just read he was 2nd in the British Open 7 times and that is just one major. However,based on your info re: pre-shot routines that could be why Greg never won more and why countless others never did either,including all of us amateurs. Heck I’m just happy to beat my buddies out of a couple of bucks once in awhile. And with a pre-shot routine that repeats Maybe I can get into their pockets a little deeper, and maybe win a club tournament once in awhile. Interesting stuff!! Larry Adams
I absolutely agree. I do some junior coaching and I emphasize this requirement. It gives you time to think clearly about the shot you are going to make. I try to instill a word made up of the sequence required to hit a good shot.
New Zealand.
Amazing facts about Jack! The only part of my game I have a set routine is putting, it is the same for a 20 ft put to a 1 ft and I am generally a good putter. I just can’t seem to do the same for the rest of the game.Too many distractions usually but something everybody has to work on. Thanks Jeff.
Very good analysis, you would never know you were doing this unless someone told you. It is very easy to speed up during a round of golf. you need to keep focused and play at the same tempo for every shot. Not as easy as it sounds. I remember watching this in 1996 and could not believe how he let a 6 shot lead get away. I am an Englishman living in Australia, but we all wanted Greg to win.
You’re so right. I believe that most golfers should be realistic how far they can hit a ball. They put themselves under pressure un-necessarily when they see their player partner hit, we’ll say a 7iron 150yds, and they try to match them, mistake, play your own game. Remember the object of the game.
Very good most golfers don’t have the mind over bodey control that Jack did. I agree with you most golfers don’t do a pre set routine.
Joe
All one hears is don’t be guilty of slow play. When my group plays some of the group keeps looking back and saying I don’t want to hold anyone up. If one thinks about it if you take a few more seconds to focus on where you want to hit the ball you should be somewhat close to yuor target. If you don’t take those few seconds you may hit it in the wrong place and take a few minutes to look for your ball. So at that point if one takes time to focus and hit a decent shot even if you are off the target it won’t be that bad and you will move onand not shoot too bad a score. Think about that it will work I have one it for years it works.
Hi Jeff, Very good info Getting out of your normal routine will affect your tempo.
Thanks
Don
Maintaining a constant and consistant pre shot routine will assist in keeping one focused on the shot they are about to hit.
A journey of 18 holes is completed one shot at a time and a sound pre shot routine may be the vehicle that takes you there in the best way.
Interesting video, I suppose other golfers never advised Greg because it gave them a bit of an edge, when playing against him.
My biggest problem is keeping concentration, cannot wait to try the Golf Fuel tablets.
Hi Jeff, Have been reading through the comments and two that I feel are worth a mention again are Gregs mental state at that time with Nick putting the presure on with the birdies, but most important what was the caddie doing to help the man slow down and get his act together. keep up the good work. David.
I have came up with a routine that I pretty much follow each and everytime. I call it measuring up in a set up and I do the same things over and over from one shot to the next. We have what is called a shot out at the end of our senior league. There are 2 winners, 1 for the front nine and one for the back nine. I won the front nine this year and I was VERY careful to use my measuring up set up for each and every shot. This method which I use also helps me shoot a very nice STRAIGHT shot each and everytime, because of the measuring I do to get set up.
I also think MAYBE Greg was scoreborad watching, which he didn’t do any of the other rounds, and this causes a person to put more pressure on himself to do better and it backfires on him. This causes the speeding up of everything and bad desisons both on and off the greens.
I had already read the same thing regarding Gregg & Jack’s routine. Most people do not realize this type of thing makes a big difference.
Thank you.
Greg NORMAN wasn’t the only great champion to whom accelerating the tempo cost him the lead .Another one of the” greats “encountered the same problem :that was Arnold PALMER .
Bobby JONES used to say :”You never swing the club ever too slow “
I’m new to the game so this information is very helpful, Thanks.
I agree. When you start falling apart playing golf you tend to rush to make a good shot to get your confidence back, and usually you start playing worse .
I guess the next question is, what was the pre-shot routine of Golf’s greatest, Jack? If you share that in your next video you will have tons of visits and although I understand that everyone is different, walks different, eats different and talks different, it is always good to learn from the best and try to come up with a routine that adapts to us. make it our own,
Interesting, shows how mind/nerves can change the game
I think this is simply what all top Pro’s say and teach. Plan your shot, visualise your shot, practice your shot and then TEMPO TEMPO TEMPO.
It’s so easy to say and write but so difficult to put into practice.
My golf game improved ONLY when I put into practice the above not only on the course but with every single shot on the practice range as well. I also found I hit a lot less balls on the range because I was taking longer between shots.
How often have I lost that concentration so vital to each shot? This video is a good reminder of the value of rituals and trigger points – many thanks. Stephen
It seems that all amateur golfers have the same problem.
When we play well we are in the zone, but when we start badly we tend to speed up and don not go through our pre shot routine.
Playing our local course the commitee tends to put addiotional pressure on all of us to complete a round in +-4hrs and 10min.
They have marshals on course ensuring you keep up with the 4 ball ahead and that can sometimes alter your routine.
A thought would be for others is that I walk during a round and walk bristly to y ball, select a club and when my turn to play go through my routine which then in turn allows me the time to focus on the shot at hand.
I am sure this will assist other amatuers like myself.
Great video
Most teaching pro’s will tell you the pre shot routine is so important. Off to the range to practice mine
An interesting observation, this must relate to me, when I mess up a shot and don’t score at a hole, I am that tense and annoyed that I hit the next tee off shot quicker, with speed and a little angry with myself that I invariable mess up another hole before settling down again and getting back into my normal rhythm.
Very interesting and it is something everyone can do whatever their level of ability.
I just took a lesson from a very good instructor and his main point was for me to develope a preshot routein that was constant. I am to think about the mechanics of the swing as I take two practice swings brushing the ground with each of these swings then stand behind ball visualize the outcome then address ball and swing with a play golf feeling. Then feel the results. Same procedure everyshot.
I believe that is what happened to Rory Mac at The Masters. I watched and wondered why his caddie or somebody didn’t step in and settle him down a little. It was very clear he was ready to get it over instead of enjoying the moment.
I don’t remember this being mentioned about him.
Thank you , The information in consistent golf systems is working in my game, played in a two day tourament and found my swing by clearing my conscious and now hitting my driver the best ever.Also I believe your right about keeping in tempo in a pre-shot routine.
Being one who has played with the pro’s, many years past. Know that there is a differance between the first and last day of a turnment. I played with Greg on a Military apprischion day Greg shot a 64 while I shot a 63 but most of all we had fun and at that time, early 70′ Greg was about the next shot after we arrived to the ball and he could fade or draw a ball like no one else I have ever seen. All the teachers think they have the correct approch to teaching the game but the truth is that each of us need to learn their own game and that takes a Pro that will work with you with what you do so you can play a great round of Golf. I know what works for me and this is not it.
that’s why my golf philosophy is drink don’t think and swing hard in case you make contact. 5 handicap
Quite amazing, especially for the statistics on Jack over his career. Thanks
In spite of all his well documented and identified failures, Norman remained the ultimate gentleman, never wavering to compliment his winning opponent. Surely while heart break filled him. We must also remember that Norman is second in history for most weeks at world #1, over 330 weeks; maybe varying pace of play entered into those weeks at #1, or, the pace was not as crucial to his winning all over the world.
So true true true ! itmakes a MASSIVE difference !!!!!!!!!! also keeps you nice and calm and confident.
First how do you find the right time or the exact time for a pre shot consistent system.
My game is the whole lot better when I play with good golfers, however I have friends I play with
and it seems I play to their level …. can you adddress this problem
very interesting, one thin that I Didn´t
I need focus in time
I have noticed in an 18 hole round I will speed up as my play gets better. Can’t wait to hit the next shot. I hope everyone has fast procedures or it will slow up slow play. Clay
This is one of the more interesting comments on golf routines as well as tempo and timing I’ve ever heard. It explains why I can play well for several holes and then suddenly start hitting poor shots. Will definitely try and establish what that time frame is for my golf shot!!!
Wow…..that’s something I’ve never thought about before. Next time I play golf I will pay close attention to my pre-shot routine and make sure it is consistent………thanks!!
Interesting – and will try – but particularly so because today, on the practice tee, I resolved absolutely – never to go back on it – that I must halve the speed of my backswing, and stick with it. My complulsion to pull the ball is eliminated, and although I have known about the importance of a measured back swing for years – I have failed to really take it on board until now. It was all part of a tendency to keep speeding up – Poor Greg – but hey – check out his name-sake Moe Norman – nightmare swing – but did it ever stay the same…!
For formal regulation tournaments, this is the best of ideal circumstances. I play social tournaments and league golf. When I’ve determined which will be my weapon of choice, people are kidding and talking. When I approach the ball, all gets quiet. From the time I select my club to the time I begin my ‘on the tee’ routine, I’m forced to push out all the comments and side conversations. I could turn and tell everyone to be quiet, and they would do so, however, it would be unlikely I would be asked to join the group again.
This is all nice, but I’ll keep my stopwatch in the drawer until I’m invited to play in the Masters.
I would not of thought of this but it is obvious wham it is pointed out- well done
very interesting
I also share something in common with Greg Norman. I’m the same age as him!! I also choke like him!!I have never timed my pre-shot routine, but will try it today!!
Was Greg Normans routine any different in the first 3 rounds ?
I THINK THIS IS VERY TRUE. I AM A TEACHING PRO AT CLOVERRLEAF GOLF CLUB IN PA. WHEN I WAS PLAYING MORE THIS IS WHAT I DID BEFORE EACH SHOT I DID THE SAME THING FOR EVERY SHOT. YOU ARE ON TO SOMETHING GOOD HERE. MORE PEOPLE WOULD PLAY BETTER IF THEY ONLY TOOK TIME TO THINK BEFORE THE TOOK THEIR SHOT BUT EVERYONE IS IN A HURRY THESE DAYS AND WANT MORE THEN THEY GIVE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I HOPE YOU REACH MORE PEOPLE ABOUT THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF HAVE AGREAT DAY
Very interesting.
But I’m not sure how amature golfers play enough golf to determine their pre shot routine.
It will be fun trying.
interesting stuff!! The “shark” was indeed somewhat unfortunate on some occasions it has to be said. But at that time Nick was mentally tougher, like Jack, Tiger, Gary, and Seve, they all seemed mentally stronger, and could deliver when needed. I also think they were better putters. That aside, momentum has it’s place, but it’s fascinating what causes that to change!!
great article Jeff, keep it coming,
regards, Tony.
I knew it would be the 96 Masters you would be talking about. Greg may have got faster getting the club out of the bag and playing the shot but he actually got slower when he was standing over the ball at address. This allowed too many negative thoughts to enter he head..I think!
Agree, absolutely !
I have many days when I have thought, I can’t keep this up. A consistent routine may keep the good shots continuing to the 18th.
I was fascinated by the video. I really don’t have a pre shot routine per se, but I hope to develop one in 2013.
I can agree with that, I can recall how often I am called through a playing group un-prepared for your next shot run up to the tee then mostly there will be an error some where. Either off the tee, on the way to the green or on the green also a good way of messing up a good round of golf if you had one going. Then the next couple of holes generally follow the same pattern.
I am sure the one second variable in Jack’s routine did not include his putting. I don’t think anyone could stand over a put longer than Jack!
ok now thanks roger
It’s all in the mind.
Hi, I’m a 16 handicapper…when I read this and watch this video, it’s really struck me directly what I have done all these years and my last
two rounds of golf then I realize the truth about his article and video…the last two rounds of golf score really an eye opener to me how we
must follow exactly the pre-routine shot on every hole and DON’T RUSH IT…The last two rounds, I really played like a pro or single handicapper. So I knew now…..thank you for the article and email I got from Andy…..
maybe a slow round. I hate waiting.
Most interesting. I will use this to seek focus.
Greg Norman without doubt is the greatest golfer Australia has produced. Something like 60 or 70 victories around the world his demise in the 1996 was I think more to the fact that people forget Faldo shot 67 that day 5 under. There are runs of bad luck in golf as there is in life and unfortunately being on the green ready to putt for birdie does not help your situation when people hole out for birdie from the bunker or from 60 metres away coming across the green. Soul destroying moments for any golfer to try and forget. I know a lot of golfer today would like to have the record that Mr Norman racked up including his ;losses
Peter Thompson was also a super star in his day with 5 Opens plus wins all over the world and for the record in the USA too when he was a young man
I am enjoying my golf these days and have just won my turkey for Christmas. What you explained about the great Greg Norman is truly remarkable and makes sense to me as I think that that’s one of my problems when I hit bad shots. I just loose my rythem.
Thank you for your great lessons.
Yours Liam Peat
I do agree consistency does produce better results. I have your system and can certainly state that if you follow it you can build a consistent routine for every shot including the putting.
Only yesterday one of my playing group commented on the fact that I seem to just walk up to the ball, address it and strike it.
She was not the first to say so.
I have tried to slow down this process, taking more time to pick out a target line etc only to find that my mind has confused my natural rythym and I then hit wayward shots. I am not a huge conversationalist on the course…un- like some our ladies, and think I may have already thought my way through the next stroke long before reaching the ball, unlike them who often seem quite unprepared for the opportunities or problems awaiting them.
amazing how everything in golf is timing….swing…setup…follow thru…it’s all timimg…i wish i could figure it out…lol…gr8 video…thanx
i think if the pre shot routine is slower theshot is better.
Interesting. I read Payne Stewart’s story. When he won his second US open after a poor round with the putter his wife who had watched him on TV told him he was too fast and looking at the hole practically before his struck his putts. His final round he slowed it back and won. RIP Payne
The day I play well is the day that things move nicely and you can forget about everything else. There’ s noothing worse than having to wait around on every tee or stand on the fairway for 5 minutes waiting for the fourball in front to putt out. This causes me to rush my shots to try and ‘get a move on’ knowing that there is another fourball behind, breathing down my neck. Hence the lack of a consistent pre-shot routine. In Greg’s case, I wonder was he thinking ‘A handy 72 will do nicely today, dont try anything foolish and squander your lead’, instead of playing attacking golf as you might do on the first day o the tournament.
preshot routine is the answer i also have noticed in a big tournament start thinking about how well i am doing instead of focusing on each shot still working on the preshot routine
I agree with that, sometimes when not quite in the mood, /or up for it, I don’t even do my normal routine at all !!. Strange as it may seem, my pre shot routine is a copy of the great Jack himself, and though the odd golfer whinges about me taking my time, I’m nearly always on the fairway with my drives. So yes …pre shot routine IS good for your game.
Norman was the second longest No1 in the world only to Tiger Woods , not bad for a choker . I guess he and Rory have something in common at the Masters .
Agrred with your assesment. I believe you do have a tendancy to rush to hit a good shot to regain your confidence and feel you got your swing back. It is so easy to self destruct and lose your confidence. Good point about Jack N. and I think that is a big part of the mental game. When you do hit a bad shot dont lose your routine, re-focus and move forward.
Very good info. I’m always getting told about my tempo and or rushing.
Interesting for sure.
Something to seriously consider.
Thanks.
Very interesting. Did not know that Mr. Nicklaus was that consistent but it goes along way to explaining his incredible record. A pre-shot routine is critical to playing good shots and your best golf as it allows you to clear your head and visualise perfect results. As I continue to play more golf and refresh my old pre-shot routine i find that the shot consistency is starting to return. Love the Stress free golf swing and 3 easy steps to a professional swing plane. I’m slowly working through them and the material in both books has reminded me of swing triggers that I would use. Keep up the great work. Your information is concise, to the point, easy to use and implement. Look forward to more great information. Thanks.
Mel Hart.
This is very interesting information. I note that the converse is equally true. In a recent competition, I was 2 down and my opponent was playing well until we made the turn. Then I noticed after a pulled tee shot that she started “dwelling” longer and longer over each shot, backing off, resetting and standing frozen for longer and longer. Needless to say, she fell out of her routine, began making poor shots and missing easy putts. I ended up winning by two strokes. I found keeping the tempo of my PSR (preshot routine) helped calm my nerves and let me swing freely, focus on the shot at hand and not get ahead of myself.
Wow! Now I know and should use it as foundation to improve my game from now on. Thanks, Jeff.
Incredible observation… I believe golfers pay too much attention to swing mechanics and too little attention to the mental game. Every Golf Club has several Club pros and instructors, but I haven’t seen yet a sport psicologist in the roster!
If golfer and clubs start paying more attention to the mental game, I’m certained that the general level of the game will improve
I play best when I can play fast; however, when a playing partner is playing slow, I speed up to try to “make up for lost time” and play badly. I can’t force someone else to speed up his play but I have stopped playing with a few guys whom I know will drive me nuts with endless idiosyncratic habits: multiple slow-motion practice swings, looking at his hands at the top, laying a club across his shoulders and knees, and then freezing over the ball before hitting EVERY SHOT! I just pull the club and hit, trying to get through the round ASAP. I even turn my back until I can hear his club hit the ball and then I can just look right – where I know the slice will send the ball. Playing fast means getting yardage, pulling the right club, find a target, and swing away. For years, I have eschewed practice swings as I won’t be hitting a ball with THAT swing. All those swing thoughts are for the practice range – playing golf is supposed to be fun and part of the fun is the challenge of improvement. When I play with slow golfers all I can think is, “Please just miss it quick”.
Wow! Interesting! What a difference maker that was between Nicklaus and Norman. 16 major wins difference because of that? Now I know and should use it as foundation to improve my game from now on. Thanks, Jeff.
Thank you, this make sense. It will alleviate other swing thoughts and will assist in keeping focus. It will also build confidence.
I’ve noticed this in my own game and the worse I play the faster I want to get it over with. Interesting! Will certainly pay attention in the future and try to always take my time!!
This confirms every thing I have been saying for years, I refer to it as Bio Rhythm. I have several golf friends that I hang with and I can tell you first hand that one of them shoots a very similar round of golf as I do and I always play better golf with him. I have another friend who is like a sloth and it takes him up to 3 minutes to pull the club out of his bag and pull the trigger on the shot. He spends additional time brushing his club with a tooth brush and wiping it with a towel and putting the club head cover back on EVERY SHOT! I always shoot 10 or more strokes higher with him.
I love the guy as a close friend but I just can’t golf with him. Can you reflect on this Please?
Interesting – has similar analysis been done on other golfer round collapses? Did other golfers speed up in similar way?
I always thought my poor shot routine was fine. I guess i better look into it a bit further. Thanks.
Greg Norman’s demise not only at Augusta, including Lary Mize, but at Inverness and other places begs the question. Why is it so difficult to play with the lead? This applies at any level of competitive golf. Pressure is relative and spares no one. Some fortunately have found a way to mitigate its effects. The only thing I can see that helps is experience. The more times you are in those type of situations the better you can learn from it. Here is a question for you, try to send me your answer. PGA touring pros come in all sizes, big, small, tall short, fat, skinny. What is the one physical attribute that they all have in common. ?
This offers a solution to those of us who have looked for the various demons that destroyed out golf game over the years. Although if I stand over a golf shot more than a few seconds the demons between my ears eventually destroy the current shot by “over thinking” the shot. Reaching the 70’s in age not a score possibly I might shoot my age sometime in the near future. Last year I had my first hole-in-one by default I did not see the ball go in the hole it was the last place I would look for the ball still a good feeling.
This makes sense to me, as I’ve been aware of rushing my pre-shot routine at times (usually when frustrated) with poor results. However, there have also been times (also when frustrated) that I’ve just grabbed the club, gone up to the ball, and smacked a great shot – sometimes even a perfect shot. I’m sure the results are negative more often than positive, I’m just curious as to why the results are sometimes so good. My guess is that I get out of my head then and play golf instead of golf swing. How does one find the right routine – is it just trial and error. And when you find it, how do you stick to it like Jack?
Interesting. We amateurs play a lot faster than most tour players. The time we spend on routines depends on how quickly our partners & those in front or behind are playing. Perhaps we should ignore all the comments of our crowd when we get in the 19th after trying to copy our idols in every respect including long pre shot routines. Very often after waiting an age for a fellow golfer to play his shot we can rush ours so as not to hold the group up & those behind. When not playing well we very often hit our shots too quickly with no practice swing or waggle resulting in another bad shot. One of the best players I have played wth used to walk up to his ball & hit it wth no routines. He played off 6 h/c .When questioned on his method he said that if he hesitated to try some routine he was sure to hit a bad shot.
Perhaps we should all leave it to instinct as we do in cricket & football. That would certainly speed up the game. From what I remember Greg Norman usually failed with his shot to the last green by pushing it out to the right especially on the final day.
Seems like maintaining a consistent pre shot routine spills over into ones round. Takes discipline and focus. Something Jack was blessed with in abundance.
I find that if I don’t consistently set up and use my pre shot routine
on every club. I tend to rush through the shot and make mistakes.
Thanks for the article
Could it be be that the speed up of the pre-shot routine was a manlfestation of the anxiety in Greg’s mind and not the cause? Afterall, correlation only proves association, not causation as any scientist will tell you (and the human-caused global warming advocates forget).
For me, Greg was a very sympathetic figure who was also a true gentleman and great businessman. I wished he had won more majors like Palmer, Nicklaus and Watson, who were also paragons of those two virtues. Greg did epitomize the emotional, human side of golf in a way we often forget when watching the seemingly cold, automaton-like nature of many pro golfers.
makes sense to me, I remember watching Greg blow the big leads
I agree with the comment made by Charl below – my experience exactly. HOwever, I am not sanguine about the possibility of improvement as I am not sure that my temperament will allow this extra degree of control when it matters. Its sometimes hard to separate feelings from behaviour
You’re right. Rushing never gets it done right.
I find myself doing the same thing. I am a beginner in this game and i have a lot to learn .
Certainly consistency in pre-shot routine is important, however, I’m surprised to learn that Greg Norman’s last round disaster could be attributed to this.
Hi Jeff
Quite facinating. It seems that the body and the brain are taught to be in synch and after established that time lapse, then and only then are we prepared for action. Will try this out and find the correct time to establish the optimum period for the shot preparation.
Many thanks
Eric
it seems to me that pro’s take longer in their pre shot routine. What is the avg time the top ten players in the world take in this process?
Consistency is the key…don’t change your routine…
very true. you hear it all the tie but don’t consistently do it. its a very good reminder.
preshot routine i’ve always felt very imporant and part of that when i remember and take the time is the visualization process. to me it really helps to pull off the shot you want and it seems to really work.i’m sure those guys use it.
I too watched Greg in this disastrous round and felt for him. Your findings are real food for thought and one I will need to keep in mind in future rounds. Thank you for the useful insight.
I followed Greg Norman thru out his career & I noticed his putting setup or pre routine for putting & I noticed that the more pressure he was under, the quicker his whole putting regime speeded up & usually for the worse!! Geoff Evans
Interesting, I find that if I try to speed up my routine whether under pressure from my partners who like to run round the course, or the ones who tend to lose holes on the group in front, my game which is usually reasonably consistent falls apart and I no longer enjoy my round.
Information like this helps me as I walk fast between shots and settle myself down before playing my next shot never hit on the run if I can help it.
Fascinating to think that Jack only had a difference of one second in his routine, how did he do that on every shot ? even when under pressure what a player.
I have a hard time being consistent in hitting ball with my driver.
Fascinating to think Jack only varied his routine by only one second no wonder he was the most consistent golfer of his time. What is the right ” if there is a right one” way to have a routine and how long is acceptable. Great video Jeff.
I totally agree with your findings. I remember watching poor Greg disintegrate during that final round and yes he did seem to be getting quicker with his routine. It is such a mental game and as the great Jack Nicklaus is known for saying, a golf course is 7 inches….from ear to ear….speaks volumes!
i though greg lost. the masters on 11
he had a 3. putt hole
he gunned the first putt trying to make birdie
two things
he was going for a record
kicking faldo s ass.
i thought he looked a little degected after that miss
faldo picked up his game and put the pressure on
playing with anyone slse that day slam dunk . but
Norman
wanted to bury fado; it back fired and cost him a green jacket.
Good video and interesting insight. Hope to see more. Cheers jeff.
Now that you mention that about “Pre shot routine” I have noticed that my putting has suffered when I change my routine.
I will now be more aware, thanks to your comments.
Regards…Les ..Australia
I think he just allowed himself to get caught up in the excitement of the game and let himself get washed away as we often do. Get a few birdies under your belt and then, whammo!! I really felt sorry for him that day. I’ve been there also, go from five under to three over on one hole., It’s just loss of concentration, but at the time your trying everything to get that little white ball into the hole.
I agree that his inconsistency was the factor that resulted in his loss. I have meet and talked with both Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. I was invited by my neighbor, who was the General Manager of the Westin Rio Mar resort, to be in the small group to go around with The Shark when he played an exhibition round with the Club Pro there. The then Westin Rio Mar resort is in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Greg Norman worked on design of the River Course and this exhibition was to open it. Greg Norman was unpleasant and belligerent as they went through the motions of playing. He suddenly, at the end of the round, became all smiles and went into the Club House to speak to the Media, TV and others. His attitude influenced his play that day (he didn’t do all that well) and probably had the same effect on the day in question. Jack Nicklaus, who I met at a ceremony for athletics being inducted into The Ohio State University Hall of Fame, is quite the opposite. He is a member of the OSU Hall of Fame and was there to honor the new inductees. He and his friend and golfing partner, Dick Lebeau, each have a pleasant and positive attitude consistently. This was reflected for both of them in the consistent way that they went about winning in their respective sports. The 5 points of consistency you shared with us are working and thank very much for sharing. God bless you!
I can confirm the same thing happens to my game when I do not follow my pre-shot routine the entire 18 holes. I use what I learned from the “Consistent Golf System” and it has improved my game and the “pre-shot routine” is one of the changes that I have added.
Oh, YES, I watched him lose that one and when he started the round, there was no way he could lose. Well he taught us that he could lose it. He was watching the score boards and not one shot at a time and NOT watching the other players and what they were doing. That’s what Jack always did. He also won several second too, and a lot of money.
I use to work at a driving range where quite often if we were not busy the Pro golfer would have me time his pre shot routine,his routine was always 14 seconds from when he stood over ball,in his opinion once the time got to 22 seconds bad thoughts would then get in your mind and you had no hope of playing a good shot,also once over ball you need time to picture your shot in your mind before you commit.
I think this is a very important tape.
I will monitor my time and see if off line shots are caused by speeding up.
thank you
george dahl
Hi Jeff:
Greg’s ‘burning desire’ / or as a ‘prime goal’ in his golfing career, was well known here in Australia as being to win The Masters … and NOT just once! (He ALWAYS has had great confidence in his abilities to win!) So, to be six shots in front at the end of the third round would have had him elated … and rightly so! That’s a HUGE lead for a champion golfer (amongst other champions, of course) … and especially on that course! I think that, overnight, he overthought it … probably ran his mind over the whole course again and again … hole by hole … especially around Amen Corner … so that by the time the final-round Tee-time had arrived … MANY psychological factors were (quietly) ‘in play’ in his persona! This would have included a developing ANXIETY component to succeed … to get the job done! So, during his final round (I watched it and cringed!), his anxiety increased as he lost shot-after-shot to Sir Nick! He began to NOT ‘play the shot’ … but to ‘PLAY THE RESULT’ … consequently, he got right away from his previously VERY successful shot-making ‘processes’ … which, obviously, and ESPECIALLY, included his pre-shot routine … this for pretty-much EVERY shot after the first few holes! The result was inevitable!
I am 83 yo and returning to golf after a long absence. I have tuned my swing, am practicing intelligently, and this is a very opportune message for me as I seek to re-establish my PGA Handicap. Many thanks for this information … I will be acting on it!
Best regards … and thanks again … John