Why This WM Phoenix Open Contender Uses A Water Bottle In His Pre-Shot Routine

Ryo Hisatsune walks on the green and also takes a sip of his water bottle

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Having claimed the 2023 Open de France on the DP World Tour, as well as being awarded that year's Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, Ryo Hisatsune has continued to impress on the PGA Tour ever since.

Finishing inside the top 100 of the FedEx Cup standings for 2024 and 2025, he's made a great start in 2026, sitting in a share of second going into the final round of the WM Phoenix Open.

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What's so special about Hisatsune's pre-shot routine, you may ask? Well, prior to the Japanese player striking a putt, or short game shot, he will take a sip from his water bottle.

The reason for this is due to the fact that, previously, Hisatsune would get nervous over putts and was unable to calm himself down. Now, though, with the introduction of a pre-water sip routine, he is mentally prepared to take a shot.

In fact, the water bottle sip isn't just on putts, with it also being implemented on shots that are 70-yards or closer. What hasn't changed, however, is the routine, whereby he and his caddie will study the putt and then bring the water bottle in.

Ryo Hisatsune takes a sip of water next to his caddie — Hisatsune takes a sip of his water bottle during the 2025 PGA Championship

If anyone assumes that there's a special concoction inside the water bottle, you would be wrong, with the fluid of choice being water and Gatorade electrolyte packets. Reportedly, his bottle is filled around four-to-five times throughout a round.

In 2024, Hisatsune ranked 84th in Strokes Gained: Putting on the PGA Tour, while that number dropped to 141st in 2025.

For 2026, he is ranked 82nd for SG: Putting after three events and, as we know with professional athletes, if the pre-shot routine is comfortable and working, we don't expect it to change anytime soon.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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