What amateurs can learn from Brooke Henderson's warm-up routine

With launch-monitor technology being fully integrated into tour ranges — like the one at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open — golf fans have more access than ever to data from players’ range sessions. Metrics like launch angle, landing angle, ball speed and carry distance are readily available, offering valuable insights into their performance. Yet, these numbers only tell a part of the story. The process, drills and decision-making that shape a player’s range routine still remain a mystery to spectators. That’s why it’s worth paying attention when a player shares some of that closely guarded information.

This week, we had a chance to speak with Brooke Henderson on the T-Mobile Range at Riviera Country Club and she shared two keys from her range routine that every amateur can learn from.

Start small, have structure

Many amateurs hit balls aimlessly on the range before their round, never starting with the same club or having a real goal in mind. While that might loosen up your body, it’s not the best way to prepare you for the course. If you watch the most elite players on tour, or even at your local course, you’ll notice they have the same routine before each round. From the club they start with to the shot they finish on, every swing is intentional.

Take Henderson’s range routine for example. She always begins with her wedges, making small, controlled swings before progressively working up to a full-swing yardage. “I always start with wedges,” Henderson says, “I use my 54-degree and I start at 30 yards and go all the way up to 80.” This approach allows her to feel the club and achieve consistent contact before progressing to longer shots. Starting with shorter shots helps players focus on technique rather than power, a common mistake for amateurs who often try to 'bash' the ball from the outset.

Visualize key shots ahead of time

Visualization is an important skill that tour players often lean on not only on course, but in their warm-up routine as well. The ability to picture a shot before you hit it, or map out a hole while standing on the practice tee, not only helps calm nerves but it allows you to essentially “play” a shot before you actually have to hit it. As Henderson explains, visualization is a powerful tool that anyone can use to prepare for demanding course layouts and challenging conditions ahead. “I feel like it’s really important to visualize when you’re out on the range, [and think about] the holes that you have coming up ahead of you,” Henderson says, “Especially the first tee shot.”

This advice goes beyond simply picturing where the ball should go. It's about playing out the entire scenario in your mind: club selection, aiming, executing the swing, and even how the ball will react after landing. For amateurs, this might mean running through the first few holes in their head, especially if they know there are specific challenges awaiting them, such as water hazards or tight fairways. This mental rehearsal helps reduce uncertainty and build confidence when the player actually steps onto the course.

Try adding these two keys to your pre-round warm-up — and you might be surprised by the difference they make.