How much of golf is mental ritual versus actual mechanics?

Been playing for a few years now and I've started noticing how wildly different everyone's preshot routine can be. Had a round last weekend with a guy who would tap his club on the ground exactly three times, take two practice swings, then whistle quietly before every single shot. Dude shot a 79 and was the most consistent ball striker in our group.

It got me thinking about how much of golf is mental ritual versus actual mechanics. We spend so much time talking about swing tips and equipment, but the routine stuff that happens before the swing seems just as important for a lot of players.

I've seen people who talk to their ball, guys who crouch down to read a flat fairway lie for a full iron shot, and one memorable fellow who removed and replaced his glove between every single stroke including putts.

Do you have a weird preshot habit you've stuck with because it genuinely helps you? Or have you picked something up from a playing partner or a tour pro that translated well into your own game? Curious whether anyone has experimented with changing their routine midround after a rough stretch and whether that helped or made things worse. Would love to hear some stories from the weekend warriors as well as the more serious players in the sub.