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Ground Your Game in a Routine to Play More Consistent Golf

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Harris English of the United States lines up a putt on the 17th green during the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 27, 2021 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

After witnessing the incredible 8-hole playoff Sunday at the Travelers Championship my longstanding thought on one of the most important aspects of playing consistent golf was reaffirmed. This concept is simple yet seems a difficult one for many amateurs to follow consistently.
A routine can help keep your thoughts grounded while playing a round and will set you up to score closer to your potential.
Very often, golfers possess a skill set that does not correlate with the scores that they shoot. Meaning, the ability to hit shots or execute shots in practice doesn’t always translate to their game on the course for a score.

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Tour players separate themselves by being able to execute the shots they are capable of hitting while competing in tournament play because they are fully aware of the importance of a routine. It is not just the notion of a pre-shot routine either, it is also the mindset, and prepared approach that they take when competing. 
It's not easy to stick to a routine, especially when emotions are constantly pulling at us during a round. Take for example the 8-hole marathon playoff Sunday at The Travelers. Harris English and Kramer Hickok both showed tremendous resolve in sticking to their routines but also being flexible enough to adjust to circumstances that arose.
This idea of sticking to a routine, or more specifically, a consistent pattern, is not easy. In major championships, with the game’s best of the best playing their hearts out, you see leaderboards thinning out down the stretch on Sunday…the pressure at that level is immense and inevitably, many succumb to that pressure.
I asked Steven Yellin, founder and developer of the Fluid Motion Factor his take on this idea…
“Because there are different circumstances on each shot, one should not necessarily be married to an exact routine on every shot but rather be flexible within the framework of a consistent routine. Consistency of a routine is important because it allows golfers to be able to relax easier and settle into the shot. At times, amateur golfers get overwhelmed out there and get out of their routine while professional golfers usually are comfortable regardless of the circumstances.”
Working solely on the technical aspects of the game will only take you so far. Working on the mental side as well as your planning and preparation while playing is equally, if not, more important to your long-term success.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

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