Before You Arrive
- Confirm your tee time; call ahead to understand the pace of play and any special events.
- Check the dress code: collared shirt, appropriate shoes, and a hat that comes off indoors.
- Prepare your bag the night before; bring only what you need and ensure your equipment is clean and ready.
At the Clubhouse
- Greet the staff with a smile and a hello; ask where to check in and pay your green fee.
- Take a moment to ask about local rules or course quirks; there’s always a story in the layout.
- Move thoughtfully; respect the quiet of the locker room and remove your hat inside.
Warm-Up Ritual
- Start on the practice green; feel the speed of the day’s greens with a few gentle putts.
- Head to the range with wedges, then mid-irons, and finish with a couple of drives, focusing on rhythm not power.
- Stretch your arms, legs, and back; breathe deeply and let the anticipation settle.
On the First Tee
- Introduce yourself to your playing partners and exchange handicaps or expectations.
- Agree on pace of play and honor the honors, or simply play ready golf for flow.
- Take in the view of the first fairway; let it be an invitation rather than a test, and swing with gratitude.
“The first handshake with a course happens long before your club meets the ball.”
Arriving as a guest golfer is about more than logistics; it’s an act of reverence. A mindful arrival sets the tone for your round and shows respect to the course, the crew, and your companions. When you walk toward the first tee with calm awareness, you’re already playing well.
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