What can I do to get a good jump on the new golf season?

This question has been asked to me by at least 50 people this spring (and every other spring for the last 10 years for that matter). I believe that there is a systematic way to roll off the rust of a Wisconsin winter and get primed for the season to come. In these final weeks leading up to putting the peg in the ground, attend to the following 3 things:

1.Put your equipment in its best condition.
This could mean the purchase of golf clubs that will help you reach your goals. This could mean changing the ball that you play, add the lob wedge, gap wedge, 7 wood or etc& to the bag. At the very least it does mean that you take a hot towel to the grips and a scrub brush to the grooves. Don't go to battle with a musket when your opponents have Uzi s.

2. Condition your body to be ready to play.
Whether you play with the use of a cart or walk during your rounds, the golf swing movement uses specific muscles. Take some time in your garage or office and make 20 swings with a weighted club. Stretch your back, calves, thighs, biceps, and triceps to increase your range of motion and wake up those golf sensitive areas. A lot of golf is taking potential variables and making them constant. Hitting the spring in "mid season" conditioning will give you a jump on it.

3. Set good and realistic goals for the season.
Every successful sports coach sits his team down before every season and asks them what list of goals they would like to set for themselves. These goals should be detailed, "I am going to practice my short game for - hour every Wednesday and Sunday". Or, "I am going to hit every tee shot this season to a specific point which is chosen during my pre-shot routine". As opposed to "I hope to lower my handicap". Once these goals are established (at least 5 and no more than 10), write them down and stick them in your golf bag for occasional check-ups.

Use these 3 things to start the season on a good note!