How to Get in Swing and Gear Up for Golf after the Off-Season

Unless you flew south for the winter or hiked over to your local driving range, chances are your clubs haven't been getting much use during the off-season when wind, rains, and freezing weather keep most sane golfers off the links.

Although the tundra may still be frozen in your neck of the woods, the spring sun will soon be shining and you will hear the call of the golf course.

Here are some things you can do now to make sure your bag and your body is ready to roll as soon as that first spring call to the tee.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• golf clubs
• any new clubs you would like to try
• grips
• towel for cleaning clubs
• brush for cleaning clubs
• wet wipes for cleaning up bag and shoes (leather wet wipes if needed)
• fitness wear
• golf shoes
• golf apparel
• shag bag
• golf balls
• golf tees

1. SORT THROUGH LAST YEAR'S EQUIPMENT: The plan is to sort through anything you no longer need, that is broken, or that is a duplicate.

2. 
    

   THE SHAG BAG: Most golfers keep a bag full of practice balls for use around the chipping green (or other places where you aren't necessarily encouraged to be hitting golf balls). Quickly sort through these balls and discard those that are discolored or scraped and cut up.

3. 
    
   Toss old tees.

   THE TEES: My husband once told me that there is no such thing as too many golf tees. I said I would agree to that rule--so long as the same would apply to my growing shoe collection. He immediately got the point and disgarded a few of those old tees. I immediately hid several pairs of my shoes in the attic before he got his hands on them.
   
   . If you have kids, they love making a game out of sorting through the tees and disgarding the broken ones. Next have them sort tees by length. Right now my husband is a big fan of the super sized tees so we put them in a special pile.

4. THE GLOVES: Immediately toss any gloves that are so hard they could be mistaken for a sculpture or any that have so many holes that even Madonna wouldn't wear them.
   
   Keep the best of your old gloves to use for practice.
   
   You should aim to have two playing gloves available at all time. It's easier to stock up now when you can go to a golf or sporting superstore than it is to wait until you have to buy an overpriced glove at the Pro Shop.

5. THE SHOES: If you still have metal spikes---time for a new pair of golf shoes! Hopefully, you advanced to soft spikes long ago. Even so, make sure you are not missing any spikes and that your spikes have been cleaned.
   
   Try on the shoes again and see if they could use a new pair of insoles.
   
   If you need new shoes, a good place to shop is at the Nike factory outlet store. I've picked up several fashionable and functional pairs (more than I need) for less than $20 on sale.

6. THE SOCKS: Make sure to keep at least one extra pair in your bag and one in the car. Changing into clean socks will prolong the life of your golf shoes as well.
   
   Plus, socks are always horribly marked up in the Pro Shop, so you will waste a lot of money if you have to buy some at the course.

7. THE CLOTHES: Make sure you have at least a half dozen golf shirts that fit (the dry wick shirts are great for keeping you cool and dry both on and off the course).
   
   If you are a diehard player, check your rain gear and make sure it is clean and still waterproof. Don't forget an umbrella.
   
   You should also have a couple of pairs each of basic golf shorts and slacks.
   
   If you live in a cooler climate or will be playing into the twilight hours, make sure that you have a pullover or cardigan ready to go.

8. THE CLUBS:
   
   Take out all clubs that are broken and put them in a pile for goodwill or to take to your local club repoair shop.
   
   If there is a club you haven't played in ages or that you just aren't comfortable with--take it out of your bag-no matter what price you originally paid for it. You can always sell it on ebay and use the profit to buy a new club. If you live in a big city, there will likely be several shops that buy and sell used clubs.

9. CLEAN YOUR CLUBS: Using mild soap and water, a soft cloth, and a small scrub brush.
   
   KEEP THEM CLEAN: Make sure you have a good towel attached to your bag. Sometimes I sneak in a small pack of wet wipes into the hubby's bag. He always protests, but they have proven handy on the course.

10. EXAMINE THE GRIPS: If they are worn, torn, or have lost their tack, have them replaced before you are set to play.

11. GET YOUR SELF IN GEAR:
    
    If you haven't had maintained a workout routine, now is time to beging warming your body up. Take short walks around the neighborhood and be sure to stretch both before and after.

12. GET IN THE MOOD:
    
    Turn on the Golf Channel and watch some old match play to get yourself back in the mood and the mindset for golf.

Tips & Warnings

• Take it easy your first day back.
• Whether it's the driving range or a full round, just enjoy the play and don't focus too much on your swing or improving your game. That can all come later in the year.

[momofour]

on 7/20/2008 Excellent tips! Fortunately, where we live, there are very few days the hubby is not able to play. Even if he finds the weather is not permitting, he and the fellows can still stand around the club house and talk about it and watch the ones who are crazy enough to brave the elements!