Red Light - Green Light - A great pre-shot method

Much discussion about the golf swing has become technical and mechanical. Yes, it is important to understand how your golf swing can work best for you. Having proper swing fundamentals will allow you to repeat good consistent golf shots. It is also important to be mentally ready to hit each shot. A great pre-shot method to use when playing golf is Red Light-Green Light. How to apply this method is like using stop lights at intersections. When the light is red you stop, and when it is green you go. Your mind set needs to be in the green light mode – go with confidence!

Prior to making a swing on the golf course, your mental thought process is to achieve the green light level, thus giving
you the confidence and assurance to make the shot without any hesitations. You do not want to have hesitations or doubts when hitting your shots. Also, thinking about too many physical and technical thoughts creates yellow or red light scenarios that can result in negative thoughts and bad swings. While on the golf course, nobody wants to play bad golf and not enjoy himself.

To achieve a green light mind set with a positive, confident and ready attitude, the player must do the pre-shot routine
consistently and correctly for each shot. A good routine would be having a positive objective, a correct set-up, proper yardage, and the ability to visualize the correct ball flight. Then take a practice swing and feel the swing that will be required to hit the shot. Now allow your mind and body to be in a positive … green light mode and swing with confidence and commitment. If you are not ready mentally, do not swing until you go from the Red Light to Green Light mode. Regardless of your level of play, you can benefit from this Red Light-Green Light method. You have to practice this
method to achieve success. Try doing drills on the range or the chipping and putting green. You will be amazed at your success. Enjoy this method and have fun playing!

John Nelson is a South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class A Teaching Professional and Director of Instruction at the Golf Academy located at The County Club of Coral Springs, Coral Springs, Fl. 954-752-4500 x 204, email: jnelson@ccofcs.com, Web page: www.ccofcs.com.