COMMUNITY

I do what you say. I have to hit 5 good shots with each club I hit a full shot with before I can leave to go to the putting or chipping green. I'll try and play the first couple holes on the course depending on how many balls I have left to try and take some pressure off before I play the first few holes.

If at all possible, practice on natural grass at the range. Mats will masks your fat and thin shots.

Since my home course doesnt have a range, it is hard for me to be completely ready on the first tee. There is a netted area that you can warm up in but you cant really tell what your ball is doing. It is a good thing that the first tee has a wide fairway to hit to. For my putting I putt from 30 feet, 20 feet and 10 feet so that I have the feel for the distance. I start at 30 and work my way in and dont move closer until I put 3 balls in a row within 1 foot. Once I get to the first tee, I swing my driver a few times to pop my back and to get loose. Then the game is on.

I've adopted a couple of tips from the pros.

Tom Watson warms up with his longest iron, so that's how I start. Without going into a lot of detail, this promotes a smooth swing, good tempo and precise contact.

Nick Price and others advocate finishing up rehearsing the first hole you are going to play by pulling the clubs you'll use. If it's a par 4 you usually hit driver then 7 iron into the green, alternate those clubs through a few cycles before heading to the tee.