GOLF.AI • today

The Amateur Golfer's 'Death Wish'

When the former caddie for one of golf's most analytical minds speaks, it's wise to listen. Brian Zeigler, who was on the bag for Bryson DeChambeau and is now the Director of Instruction at Dallas National Golf Club, has identified the single most destructive habit in amateur golf.

According to Zeigler, abandoning the pre-shot routine is a 'death wish' for your score. He argues that skipping this crucial mental preparation leads directly to a lack of intention, poor alignment, and crippling indecision when you stand over the ball. It's the moment where a potential par turns into a definite double bogey.

Zeigler perfectly captures the flawed logic of rushing a shot with a simple, powerful question: 'What takes longer, your pre-shot routine, or taking another shot?' The answer is obvious, yet countless amateurs hurry their process only to spend far more time searching for a lost ball or recovering from a bad position.

'If you don't have a good routine or process, you're not going to hit a good shot,' Zeigler states. The routine isn't just about waggles and practice swings; it's about giving every shot a purpose. It's the dedicated time to visualize the ball's flight, pick a precise target, and commit to the swing required to get it there.

Coming from a man who worked inside the ropes with the ultimate process-driven player, this advice carries immense weight. It provides a simple, actionable strategy that bridges the gap between professional discipline and amateur execution, offering a tangible way for nearly every golfer to improve their game without changing their swing.