By César Lárazo (Psicosol Marbella)

It’s really surprising to discover just how little of our day-to-day lives we perform in a
voluntary and conscious way. Most of our activity is governed by the brain. It could be
considered as a ‘tyrant’, taking away our freedom. It controls our breathing, heartbeat,
hormones, digestion, balance, and prevents us from walking into obstacles or falling to the floor. But really, it’s a good job it’s there to help us. Otherwise, our lives would be a constant fight for survival.
Our behaviour starts as something entirely voluntarily. We learn and start to do something until it then becomes a habit; in other words, a routine. For example, we don’t give any thought to the movements involved in eating a bowl of soup using a spoon. It’s an automated action.
This is an incredible thing, because the brain is taking control of that behaviour and giving us freedom to do other things. Another example is driving. We go from being terrified learner drivers to experts at the wheel as it becomes second nature thanks to practice.
The same thing happens in golf. The more you practice, the better you get. But we’re not
just referring to technical aspects of your game. Routines in golf are essential for improving your overall performance. Going out on the green with the right routines can improve your confidence, ease tension and offer you more freedom to be aware of your surroundings – how wet the grass is, slopes, distance, weather conditions, and more.
Routines in golf
These routines can be very varied and depend a lot on coaching or on our own
personal and often peculiar habits. Let’s look at some routines:
The sequence for positioning yourself behind the ball – some people form the grip first,
others position their legs. Some players get in position right away while others check the
distance from behind the ball. Each person needs to follow their own routine
and automate a sequence of movements.

Taking part in a competition, some players prefer to be among the first to go out, while others would rather go towards the end. Some spend a lot of time on the practice course, while others go straight out to play. Some need to spend a long time stretching and preparing the body, while others don’t feel the need.

Nevertheless, although routines are essential, they should only be a means to an end
–to improve and reduce our handicap. They should never become too important.
Players who are excessively fussy about their routines may eventually lose their ability
to adapt and be flexible on the course, which will eventually halt their improvement.