OK, so you may not be Tiger or Anika…yet. But, you can still prepare for your Saturday morning round of golf like the pros do. Imagining that you are preparing for a golf tournament, rather than just a casual game, will be a key to playing your best golf! Here’s how…

Many tournament players start the day with stretching. It warms them up and helps to prevent injuries by loosening their muscles. Stretches may not lower your golf score but they will help you avoid some common injuries, especially as you get older.

The day of the tournament also begins with some time on a practice tee. Before hitting, take two or three clubs from your bag and swing them a few times together. This will also warm you up and prepare your muscles for the day ahead.

Next, get ready to hit a few balls. Start with a wedge to see how your swing is reacting today then, move to an iron. Work on your technique. After a few minutes of this, start hitting the ball. Picture yourself on the course and in a specific situation. Visualize the shot.

Finally, a good game routine includes putting. Find a hole on the practice green that has a slope to it. Then take five balls and spread them in a star pattern around the hole about 3 feet away. Practice putting from this distance. Then move the balls out to 4 feet until you feel comfortable. By using this star pattern, you’ll have a chance to putt a ball in almost any situation you could encounter on the green. Every day, it’s good to spend about 15 minutes practicing your putt.

Who knows – maybe someday you will be ready to play in a tournament yourself. Following this pre-tournament routine will get you ready for the real thing!