What average golfers can learn from Ryan Fox's swift pre-shot routine

Ryan Fox won the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale — and he did so with one of the fastest pre-shot routines in golf.

One of the biggest lessons recreational golfers can learn from Ryan Fox’s epic Open Championship win doesn’t lie in his swing, but rather in his process. Foxy’s mental coach, Karl Morris, boils it down to three key words: intention, attention and attitude.

Intention means being clear about the shot you’re trying to hit. Decide what you want the ball to do, then commit to that picture. Attention is about keeping your focus in one place. Instead of juggling swing thoughts, give your mind one key. Finally, attitude is how you respond after the shot. Fox showed remarkable acceptance throughout the Open, particularly after unlucky breaks.

Better scores don’t come from thinking more but from thinking smarter. A simple process built around intention, attention and attitude can quiet the mind on the course — and help you shoot lower scores.

You can learn more about mental game strategies in Karl Morris’ book The Mind Caddie: Become Mentally Strong, When it Counts.

Zephyr Melton is the associate game-improvement editor for GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine, crafting instruction content for digital and print verticals alongside the Top 100 Teachers in America. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he studied at the University of Texas at Austin, followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, Green Bay Packers and PGA Tour. He can be reached at [email protected].