Part I: Before You Swing
Lesson #18: Step All The Way Back

We've all had this experience. You're in the middle of your pre-shot routine - setting your feet, waggling, double-checking your aim - and just as you're about to pull the trigger, a car horn honks. It's even more unsettling when you're standing over a putt.

When that happens, there's only one thing to do. Abort your mission - stop the countdown to impact, and start again from the beginning. Don't just raise up from your crouch over the ball - step all the way back. On occasion, I've gone so far as to actually put the club back in my bag, just so that I could 'take it from the top'. This is the only way to regain the rhythm, comfort, and confidence that are necessary as you prepare to hit any shot.

Illustration by Jim McQueen

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