When you’ve earned the trust of Bryson DeChambeau, it likely means you know a thing or two about the game of golf. So it’s no surprise that, when I had a chance to talk with Bryson’s former caddie Brian Zeigler, I had to jump at the opportunity to pick his brain.
Zeigler, the Director of Instruction and Dallas National Golf Club, is one of the instructors on a new improvement platform called Golf Starter Club, which helps players of all levels, learn the basics of the sport.
He’s also a diehard golfer, and someone who has been around the sport for decades. Add in the fact it’s his profession — both as a current instructor and previous caddie — and it’s safe to say he’s seen just about everything on the golf course.
With about 60 minutes to chat with him, I had to ask Zeigler a few burning questions, one of which was the mistake that too many average and beginner golfers often overlook — which is leading to higher scores.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Former Caddie: Stop Skipping Your Pre-Shot Routine
A lost ball’s frustrating enough. But according to Brian Zeigler, the bigger mistake often comes immediately beforehand — when a golfer abandons the pre-shot routine — which may have prevented the poor shot in the first place!
In fact, Zeigler says that, by skipping that process, you’re asking for a death wish.
For amateur golfers, the danger begins before the club ever moves. When you skip your pre-shot routine, you’re essentially stepping over the ball without a clear plan for where you want it to go — or how what kind of shot you plan to execute.
Instead of choosing a specific target and visualizing the shot, many players simply aim towards a general area and swing. That lack of intention introduces uncertainty, poor alignment, and indecision, increasing the likelihood of sending the ball somewhere less-than-ideal.
But Zeigler says that a consistent pre-shot routine can help eliminate those preventable mistakes, giving every shot a purpose.
“What takes longer, your pre-shot routine, or taking another shot,” asks Bryson DeChambeau’s former caddie. “If you don’t have a good routine or process, you’re not going to hit a good shot.”
Here’s the funny thing about building a pre-shot routine: It’s really easy to do.
Simply start by standing behind the ball and assessing what’s in front of you. Choose a precise target, picture the trajectory and shape you want, and visualize where the ball will finish. Once the image is clear, step into your setup, commit to the plan, and confidently take your golf swing.
The process doesn’t need to be long or complicated, so no need to overthink it. Just treat it as the final checklist before you commit to a shot, providing your mind with something positive and specific to focus on.
And that visualization piece is really important. Thinking “don’t hit it right” still puts the right-side trouble in your mind — because golf is hard like that. So being able to visualize the ball starting on your intended line and finishing safely at your target creates a much clearer objective.
Now, a pre-shot routine won’t guarantee a perfect result. But it removes unnecessary guesswork — and helps prevent one careless swing, lost ball, or blowup hole.
Build a Pro-Level Pre-Shot Routine
In the video above, another top golf teacher, Tony Ruggiero, works with PGA player Emilio Gonzalez on his pre-shot routine, highlighting some of the nuances that makes it effective.
As Ruggiero states towards the beginning of the video, one of the more popular questions he gets from average golfers is how they can be more consistent. But when he sees them practicing on the driving range or playing a few holes, Ruggiero sees a flawed system.
“When I watch them, the way they go and get into the ball is never the same,” he says. “Yet, when I got to an event with you [speaking to Gonzalez], the way you step in and get ready to hit the ball is almost always exactly the same every time.”
That’s why having a trusted pre-shot routine in golf is so critical, as it allows Gonzalez to go from his “think box” behind the ball to his “performance box” as he addresses the ball.
“I think you should always start your pre-shot routine behind the ball, and keep it directly between you and the target,” Ruggiero says.
This isn’t just to eliminate any pre-shot jitters before addressing the shot, but to also help with your aim, giving you a wider view to see what lies ahead.
Next, Ruggiero says more amateur players need to follow the lead of great pro golfers and set their golf grip from behind the ball before stepping over it for a shot.
“I don’t like to see players get [over the ball] and then try to fidget with their grip,” he adds. “It’s just not very consistent, and it takes away from focusing on the shot and the target.”
Finally, Ruggiero has Gonzalez setup for his golf shot, having him demonstrate how consistent his pre-shot routine is once he addresses the ball.
“If you notice, he found the back of the golf ball with his trail foot and it’s square to the target line, then he’s aiming the face, and then he sets his feet” Ruggiero shares. “Now take a good last look at your target before letting it go.”
What’s Golf Starter Club?
Golf Starter Club’s a new, all-in-one golf instruction and community platform designed to help players improve — whether you’re a beginner golfer, average player, or even trying to play Division 1 golf somewhere.
Instead of sending golfers down an endless rabbit hole of conflicting swing tips — which too many amateur players do — Golf Starter Club provides trusted and organized learning paths built for beginners, juniors, bogey-golfers, and those looking to break 100.
Rather than stress about golf practice each week, members can learn on their own schedule alongside world-class golf teachers with practical drills, live sessions, swing discussions, and a growing library shaped by member feedback.
But what truly separates Golf Starter Club is its roster: Top-rated instructors — including GOLF Magazine Top 100 teachers, an LPGA Teacher of the Year, and elite coaches — alongside some of golf’s most recognizable creators and enthusiasts. By combining credible coaching with relatable personalities, GSC makes getting better simpler, more personal, and more fun.
Here’s how to choose your path on Golf Starter Club!
Ready to take the leap and join a community of golfers craving more beginner golf tips and structured golf instruction? SIGN UP for Golf Starter Club! And make sure to follow Nick Dimengo on Instagram and subscribe Rainmakers Golf on YouTube, too!
