Bogey Train Conductor

The Tee Shot:

OK, slow on the backswing, fast on the bottom, I’m going to crush this, don’t top it, are my shoulders fast...squirrel. These are some of the thoughts that sometimes go through my mind when I’m getting ready to hit a tee shot (except the squirrel, that was comic relief). Sometimes I think about my lead arm being stiff, sometimes my wrists, my hips, depending on what I’m struggling with in a round. But when I am in the zone, I just try to think about making solid contact. I love being in the zone! Maybe I’m thinking too much…
For me, the most important shot in golf is the tee shot. A good tee shot can set a positive tone for the hole, giving you confidence and momentum. Conversely, a poor tee shot can lead to a challenging recovery, affecting your mental game. Yes, putts are important, and so are irons and wedge shots, but that tee shot sets the stage.
The mental aspect of golf is significant. Golf is 90% mental, 10% physical; we’ve all heard that, right? These days, some might think the physical part is a little greater, with all those bombers on the tour, but that’s not the point. Starting a hole with a strong tee shot can boost your confidence, while a bad one can create doubt and pressure for the rest of the hole. A good tee shot can set up birdie or par opportunities, while a bad one can lead to bogeys or worse. It directly influences your ability to score well on a hole. Consistently good tee shots can lead to more predictable and manageable rounds, reducing the number of high-stress recovery shots you need to make. Overall, the tee shot is crucial because it lays the foundation for the rest of the hole, influencing both your physical and mental approach to the game.
Golf is hard, hard on the mind. It’s hard to get into the zone and stay there. You get one shot off the tee, one shot! That’s why I think the tee shot is the most important shot in golf. Do you think the tee shot is the most important shot? Do you have a favorite strategy or routine for your tee shots?