Spring is when many golfers dust off their clubs after the winter and head back to the course full of optimism. A little preparation makes the first rounds far more enjoyable and helps you build momentum for the season. Here's how to get your game, your body and your equipment ready.
Check your equipment
- Clean your clubs and check heads, shafts and ferrules. Read how to clean and care for golf clubs.
- Regrip if grips are hard or slippery. Read how to regrip golf clubs.
- Check wedge grooves. Read golf club grooves explained.
- Replace worn gloves and shoes.
- Restock balls, tees and markers. Read golf tees, ball markers and divot tools.
- Charge devices such as rangefinders and trolleys.
- Consider a fitting if your game has changed. Read when to replace golf clubs.
Prepare your body
- Mobility: hips, upper back and shoulders. Read yoga for golfers.
- Strength: legs, glutes and core. Read golf fitness exercises.
- Ease in: avoid hitting hundreds of balls in your first session.
- Warm up properly. Read the pre-round warm-up routine.
Practice priorities
- Putting: distance control and short putts. Read how to hole more short putts.
- Chipping and pitching. Read how to chip in golf.
- Short irons: rebuild contact. Read how to hit the ball solidly.
- Full swings and driver once contact returns.
- Check your fundamentals: grip, posture, alignment. Read golf swing fundamentals.
Set goals for the season
Review last season's statistics and set goals for the year. Read golf goal setting and keeping a golf journal.
Early-season conditions
- Soft ground and little roll.
- Recovering greens after winter and spring aeration.
- Changeable weather: pack layers and waterproofs. Read our golf rain gear guide.
- Cooler air: the ball flies shorter. Read winter golf.
- Hay fever season for some golfers. Read hay fever and golf.
Ease back in
- Play nine holes or a short course first. Read nine-hole golf.
- Keep expectations realistic for the first few rounds.
- Book a lesson to start the season well. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Plan your season
- Competitions you want to enter. Read amateur golf competitions explained.
- Golf trips. Read best golf destinations by month.
- Practice schedule. Read our driving range practice plan.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for the golf season?
Check your equipment, rebuild fitness, practise short game first and set goals.
Should I regrip my clubs in spring?
If your grips are worn, hard or slippery, yes.
How do I get my swing back after winter?
Start with short shots, rebuild contact and gradually build up to full swings.
Why do I play badly in my first rounds of spring?
Rust, soft conditions and cooler air. Keep expectations realistic and ease back in.
The bottom line
A little spring preparation makes a big difference: clean and check your equipment, rebuild fitness, practise from the green back, set season goals and ease back into play. Your best golf of the year can start here. For the end of the season, read autumn golf.