Post-Shot Routine (Letting Go of a Bad Shot)
Also known as: post-shot routine, post shot routine, stop one bad shot ruining my round, bounce back after a bad shot, getting over a bad shot, bad shot ruins my round, stay calm after a bad shot
Stop one bad shot ruining your round with a short post-shot routine. React briefly, note one thing to do differently, then use a cue to let it go, such as putting the club back in the bag. Then play the next shot safely so one mistake doesn't become two.
Every golfer hits bad shots. What hurts scores is the chain that follows. Anger leads to rushed swings and risky recovery shots. A post-shot routine breaks that chain.
Keep it simple. Allow a few seconds to react. Then ask one question: what would I do differently? Make a calm practice swing with that feel if it helps. Then use a clear cue, like a deep breath or closing the bag, to end the shot.
After a bad shot, choose the safe next shot. Get the ball back in play, even if it costs distance. A bogey after a bad drive is fine. The real damage comes when a bad drive turns into a triple bogey.
Tips by skill level
Give yourself a few seconds to be annoyed, then take one deep breath and move on.
Write down your three most common blow-up chains, like drive in trees then a risky recovery. Plan the safe option in advance.
Example
A golfer hooks his drive into the trees. He takes a breath, makes one smooth practice swing and puts the driver away. He chips out sideways and makes bogey instead of a big number.
Why it matters
A bad shot only costs one stroke if you stop it there. A routine for letting go protects the rest of the round.
Common mistakes
- Hitting the next shot while still angry
- Trying a hero shot to make up for a bad one
- Replaying the bad shot for several holes
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop getting angry on the golf course?
Give yourself a set time to react, then use a cue like a breath or putting the club away to end it. Focus on the next shot only.
What should I do after a bad tee shot?
Take your medicine. Get the ball back in play safely rather than trying a risky recovery.
Related terms
- Double Bogey and Blow-Up HolesA double bogey is two strokes over par on a hole. A "blow-up hole" is the casual term for any hole that goes much worse than that. Limiting them is usually a beginner's single biggest lever for a lower score.
- Staying Focused for a Whole RoundNobody can concentrate hard for a whole round, so switch your focus on for each shot and let it go between shots. Use your pre-shot routine to switch on and commit to one clear target. Afterward, briefly review the shot and switch off by chatting or enjoying the walk. A consistent routine before and after every shot helps bring your attention back when it drifts.
- Pre-Shot RoutineA pre-shot routine is the fixed set of steps a golfer repeats before every shot: read, visualize, aim, waggle, commit. Its goal is focus and consistency under pressure.
- Process Goals and One Shot at a TimeTo stop thinking about score, give your mind a job you control on every shot. Set process goals, such as finishing your routine, picking a small target and making a committed swing. Judge each shot by those goals, not by the total, and don't add up your score during the round.
- Recovery ShotA recovery shot is played from trouble like deep rough, trees, a bad lie, or an awkward stance. Its goal is getting back into play, not maximum distance.
Related guides & benchmarks
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