Typically - do you take a FULL practice swing before every shot ?

[arturo28mx]

Only if I have an imperfect lie (eg ball above my feet). On good lies never.

[bancona]

I take about a 70% practice swing just to get feel of the grass. Then I get behind ball, picture the shot, get up and hit.

[flopster]

Sometimes, when I have a bad lie or awkward stance.

[Hammer 4]

99% of the time I do, but just easy 3/4 swing, usually 2 of them to get loose. I walk alot, and with a bad back I need to get somewhat loose.

[RFKFREAK]

Considering I don't have anything close to what I'd like to call a, "consistent swing," I always take at least two practice swings at full or almost full speed/strength to make sure it feels good - especially with my woods.

If it doesn't feel right, then I take one more.

Normally, when I do it, it gives me some confidence going into the shot.  If it doesn't, I try and make an adjustment.and then hope I hit it what I would consider, "well," but usually what happens is I either chunk or top it.

[flopster]

Sometimes, when I have a bad lie or awkward stance.

But really I try to limit practice swings in general, I think it tires me out if I'm taking full practice swings and besides I wind up taking such a nice practice swing I think why waste it doing that and instead just let the ball be in the way on that swing.

[Hack2putt]

It depends on how long ago I took my Advil and range time right before teeing it up also pace of play once I'm out there. The worse the lie, the slower the play the more practice swings it takes to feel the bounce and path I'm looking for. Aim the face for my initial ball path, grip, glance and go.

[Hack2putt]

Taking a full divot and having to clean grooves after you make your practice swing breaks what ever routine your using most of the time however there are lies where it's more important to find the earth and take that divot be ready with a good towel clean a try to get back in the shot mentally more the physically . That's just me though

[iggyz]

Half-speed swing. Just once. Difficult lies or 100 yards-in I'll take a few swings and concentrate on visualizing ball trajectory until I feel comfortable addressing the ball. I don't take a long setup or hold my follow through for very long though.

[billchao]

Funny thing is, I have no idea. I'm pretty sure I use partial swings on the course, just to reinforce whatever feel I happen to be working on. I only use full practice swings during practice. Honestly, I don't think about the mechanics of my preshot routine so it's hard to sit here and try to recreate it.

[mcanadiens]

Towards the end of the season, I started taking one full practice swing 3-5 feet behind the ball, stepping up to the ball and then hitting the sucker. Probably mostly mental, but it seemed to help.

[teed off]

Yes, before every shot or putt.

[jsgolfer]

Nope just a waggle and have at it . The only time I. Might take a practice swing is if the shot is uner 100 yards and I. Might take an abbreviated swingjust to get the feel for the swing I need to take.

[club ho]

I always take the same swing I plan on using when i step up to the ball. even If it takes 1 time or 3, until I get the swing I want.

This is the only way I have found to be more consistent with each shot i make.

I have found when i just grip and rip it does not go well.

This is basically the same routine that I use. In addition I step behind the ball and try to visualize the shot. This sounds like I am a slow player but making it a routine I do my pre shot routine rather quickly and have never been accused of slow play. The PSR definitely improved my scoring and shot quality.

[plum]

rarely ever take any practice swing unless its a very difficult shot like around a tree or under a branch or something like that. usually just step up, quick waggle and swing away

[dfreuter415]

I know it varies from shot to shot & club to club ... BUT ... on average, do you take one full practice swing, a bunch of partial swings, or just set up with a mini-waggle or two as part of your pre-shot routine and have at it. I always have used the one full practice swing routine, but in thinking about it, seems unnecessary.   I think I'm going to try to cut down on this & keep the pre-shot routine it to a couple little waggles at set up and see how it works out ...

When I used to coach JV golf, I made all of the players read the chapter on pre-shot routine from Bob Rotella's. "Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect."  His main point is to develop the pre-sot routine that works best for you and then do it before every shot.  Whether it is a full swing or a waggle, remember to remain consistent.

"Look at Tom Watson today and 25 years ago. Same routine. Two waggles and go, whether it's a major or a pro-am. A good preshot routine is like being in a quiet room, where pressure can't get you. Make it simple: Pick your target, see the shot and swing.' -Bob Rotella

[Fourputt]

I know it varies from shot to shot & club to club ... BUT ... on average, do you take one full practice swing, a bunch of partial swings, or just set up with a mini-waggle or two as part of your pre-shot routine and have at it.

I always have used the one full practice swing routine, but in thinking about it, seems unnecessary.     I think I'm going to try to cut down on this & keep the pre-shot routine it to a couple little waggles at set up and see how it works out ...

I just waggle to stay relaxed as I set up.  No practice swings for full shots, only for chips and pitches.

[Fourputt]

Taking a full divot and having to clean grooves after you make your practice swing breaks what ever routine your using most of the time however there are lies where it's more important to find the earth and take that divot be ready with a good towel clean a try to get back in the shot mentally more the physically . That's just me though

If you are taking divots with a practice swing, then you are practicing poor etiquette.  Part of the player's etiquette responsibilities is to respect and care for the course, and taking divots when you aren't hitting the ball doesn't qualify.

Edit:  Oops, forgot to multiquote... sorry guys.