February tip of the month

“The First Look Sets the Shot”

Why your very first glance toward the target determines your commitment, your alignment, and your confidence.

Most golfers think the swing starts when the club moves.
It doesn’t.

The swing starts with your very first look at the target.

The first glance is the moment your brain builds the shot. It’s where your commitment forms, your picture sharpens, and your body begins organizing the motion. When players struggle with alignment, tension, or indecision, the problem often traces back to a sloppy or rushed first look.

February is the perfect month to clean this up.

Why the First Look Matters

Your brain is a prediction machine.
When you look at the target:

  • Your eyes send the “shot picture” to your motor system

  • Your body begins matching the motion to the picture

  • Your alignment naturally organizes around what you see

  • Your confidence increases because the shot becomes real

But if your first look is quick, vague, or distracted, your brain never gets a clear picture - and your routine becomes guesswork.

The February Upgrade: The “Two-Second First Look”

This month, train yourself to hold your first look for two full seconds.

Not a glance.
Not a flick.
A deliberate, calm, committed look.

What to do:

  • Stand behind the ball

  • Pick your target

  • Hold your eyes on it for two seconds

  • Let the picture settle

  • Then move into your routine.

What you’ll notice:

  • Better alignment

  • Clearer shot selection

  • Less tension

  • More commitment

  • A smoother transition into the “Play Box”

This tiny adjustment creates a massive improvement in consistency.

Quick Practice Game: “Picture - Step - Swing”

On the range:

  1. Take your two-second look

  2. Step in immediately

  3. Swing without adding extra thoughts

If the picture was clear, the swing will feel natural.
If the picture was fuzzy, you’ll feel hesitation - which tells you exactly what to fix.

Final Thought

Golfers chase perfect swings, but the real magic is in the moments before the swing.
This February, sharpen your first look and watch your entire routine fall into place.