It may be hard to believe, but spring will be here before we know it. 

The snow will disappear. The temperatures will warm up. The grass will start to green. And you’ll get “the itch” to head to the golf course.

Of course, if you haven’t swung a club all winter, it’s also time to get ready! After all, the last thing you want to do is go out for your first round of golf for the season and spend your time yelling, “Fore!” because you’re shanking shots. 

The time to prepare is NOW –  so you’ll have some beautiful shots later!

• Take Stock of Your Clubs: Take a look at your clubs and make sure they’re the right clubs for you. Are they the right length? Are the shafts the right weight? Do you have clubs that are damaged and need replacing? Getting a professional club fitting might be beneficial, too. 
• Regrip Clubs if Needed: If you’re happy with the clubs you have, check your grips. Are they worn, coming unraveled, or torn? Then it’s time to get them re-gripped. Most sporting goods stores have someone on sight that can do this for you. Or if you like to DIY, you can probably learn to do it yourself. 
• Check for Rules Changes: Each year, there are new rules and changes to current rules that you should be aware of. While you’re probably not heading out on the PGA tour, it’s always a good idea to know what’s changed from last season.
• Establish Some Goals for the Season: Sure, you probably golf for fun and a little bit of exercise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set some goals for yourself. Would you like to shave a couple of strokes off your average? Would you like to become a better putter? Would you like to work out that slice you seem to have off the tee? Then set a goal – and make it happen!
• Create a Practice Schedule: Golf is a sport that requires practice. And as such, you should set a practice schedule if your goal is to improve your score. Hit the driving range and practice your chipping and putting each week with some drills that will help.
• Work on Your Putting: Have you heard the phrase “Drive for show, putt for dough!”? Putting is a crucial part of the game – and while it’s mentioned above as part of your practice schedule, it deserves some attention of its own. Here are some putting drills that might prevent you from having a ton of three-putts this year!
• Stretch and Mobilize: As people age, they tend to lose flexibility and mobility – things you need for a good golf game. Spending a few moments stretching each day and doing some mobility exercises can be extremely beneficial.
• Take a Few Lessons: Guess what? You’re never too old to take a few lessons! Having a professional instructor take a look at all aspects of your game and do an assessment may provide you with some key insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Make Sure Your Mental Game is Strong: Yes, golf is a game of skill – no doubt about it. But it also requires strong mental fortitude. Make sure you’ve got a positive mindset established before you head to the course. That way, if you have a couple of bad shots, you’ll be able to recover quickly!

So, who’s ready to dust off the clubs and play 18 holes? If you raised your hand, then start preparing now – because the snow will be gone in no time!