📅 2 days before
Confirm logistics
- Tee time confirmed — note the actual time, course address, and pro shop phone.
- Group confirmed — text everyone to remind them.
- Walking, riding, or push cart? Most courses default to riding ($15–25/cart).
- Dress code checked — collared shirt and soft-spike or spikeless shoes are universal.
- Payment method ready — many courses still don't take Apple Pay.
Check the forecast
- Look at temp range, wind, and rain probability for your tee time.
- Check sunrise/sunset — make sure you'll finish before dark.
- If rain > 60%: have a backup plan or call the pro shop about rain-check policy.
- If frost is possible (overnight low < 35°F), expect a possible delay on early tee times.
- → See the live forecast
Look up the course
- Pull up the scorecard online — note total yardage from your tee box.
- Look at the course flyover or a satellite view to spot doglegs and water.
- Check recent reviews — any greens aeration, construction, or temporary holes?
- Note local rules and dress code on the course's website.
Equipment check
- Charge your rangefinder or GPS watch.
- Check ball supply — 6 minimum, 12 if you're new.
- Replace worn-out gloves; pack at least 1 backup.
- Inspect spikes — soft spikes wear out every 30–40 rounds.
- Clean your clubs (a wet rag and a tee for the grooves).
🌙 The night before
Pack your bag
- 14 clubs maximum (USGA rule — 15+ is a 2-stroke penalty).
- 6+ golf balls (more if it's your first time at the course).
- 20+ wooden or plastic tees (long for driver, short for irons).
- 2 gloves (one is in service, one is the spare).
- Towel — clip it to your bag.
- Ball mark repair tool + ball marker (a coin works).
- Pencil + small scorecard holder if you keep score on paper.
- Sharpie for marking your ball.
Body & mind
- Hydrate — 20+ oz water with dinner. Limit alcohol.
- Lay out your outfit — collared shirt, golf pants/shorts, belt, hat, shoes.
- Light dinner — nothing greasy or super heavy.
- Check your alarm — set 2.5 hrs before tee time.
- Mental rehearsal — visualize tee shots on the first 3 holes.
Sun, weather & safety gear
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm with SPF.
- UV sunglasses (polarized helps tremendously).
- Hat or visor.
- Rain jacket if rain > 30%.
- Layers if morning low is <55°F (vest, long-sleeve shirt).
- Bug spray if early/late round in summer.
- Small first-aid: bandages for blisters.
Snacks & drinks
- 2 water bottles (frozen one + a fresh one).
- Sports drink or electrolyte tabs in hot weather.
- Protein bar or trail mix for the turn (after hole 9).
- Banana or apple — easy on the stomach.
- Cash for the beverage cart and tipping (~$15–20).
🌅 Morning of
2 hours before tee time
- Eat a real breakfast — eggs, oatmeal, fruit. Avoid heavy/greasy food.
- Hydrate — 16 oz water with breakfast, sip another 8 oz on the drive.
- Coffee is fine — but not your 4th cup.
- Stretch lightly — neck, shoulders, hips, back. 5–10 minutes.
- Final weather check — wind shifted? Rain incoming? Adjust gear.
30–45 minutes before tee time
- Arrive at course; park and unload bag.
- Check in at pro shop — pay greens fee, get cart, ask about local rules.
- Restroom stop — last one for ~9 holes.
- Grab a bucket of range balls if available.
- Apply sunscreen.
The warm-up sequence (20 min)
- Min 0–3: light stretching — windmills, hip openers, club-behind-back rotations.
- Min 3–10: range — start with wedges (half swings), then 9-iron, 7-iron, 5-iron, hybrid, driver.
- Min 10–15: 5–10 short putts (3 ft) to build confidence, then a few long lag putts to feel the speed.
- Min 15–18: 2–3 chip shots to feel the green's firmness.
- Min 18–20: walk to the first tee, breathe, focus on rhythm — not mechanics.
5 minutes before tee time
- Be ON the tee box, not walking to it.
- Check the scorecard for hole 1 layout, par, and yardage.
- Note where trouble is (water, OB) and pick a target line.
- Pick your club — when in doubt, pick a club you trust to put you in play.
- Take 1–2 deep breaths. Your first swing won't be your best — that's fine.
Pro tip: the goal of the warm-up isn't to fix your swing — it's to find your rhythm for today.
Don't try mechanical changes 20 minutes before a round.
The single biggest mistake new golfers make: showing up at their tee time, not 30 minutes early. You'll feel rushed, you won't be warm, and your first 3 holes will be brutal. Build the buffer in.