Tournament Preparation Guide
Pre-Tournament Planning (4-6 Weeks Out)
Course Research
- Study course layout and hole-by-hole breakdown
- Research historical scoring and weather patterns
- Identify key holes and scoring opportunities
- Note course setup preferences (fast/slow greens, rough height)
- Plan practice rounds if possible
Equipment Preparation
- Ensure all clubs are tournament legal
- Check grip condition and replace if needed
- Stock up on preferred ball type
- Prepare backup equipment
- Organize golf bag for tournament play
Training Phase (2-4 Weeks)
Technical Practice
- Focus on fundamentals and consistency
- Work on course-specific shots
- Practice with tournament balls
- Simulate pressure situations
- Video analysis of swing
Physical Conditioning
- Maintain fitness routine
- Focus on golf-specific exercises
- Work on flexibility and mobility
- Practice walking long distances
- Stay hydrated and eat well
Week of Tournament
Mental Preparation
- Visualize successful shots and rounds
- Review course strategy and game plan
- Practice pre-shot routine
- Set realistic but ambitious goals
- Prepare for various scenarios
Physical Preparation
- Light practice sessions only
- Focus on feel and timing
- Maintain sleep schedule
- Eat familiar, healthy foods
- Stay hydrated
Tournament Day Preparation
Pre-Round Routine (2 Hours Before)
- Arrive early to avoid rushing
- Check in and confirm tee time
- Review course conditions and pin sheet
- Light warm-up and stretching
- Practice putting to get feel for greens
Warm-Up Routine (45 Minutes)
- Start with wedges and work up to driver
- Hit specific shots you'll need on course
- Practice first tee shot
- Spend 15 minutes on putting green
- Finish with confident, positive swings
Tournament Strategy by Format
Stroke Play
- Focus on your own game
- Minimize big numbers
- Stay patient with pars
- Convert birdie opportunities
- Finish strong
Match Play
- Play the player, not the course
- Apply pressure when ahead
- Take calculated risks when behind
- Win holes, not shots
- Stay focused hole by hole
Team Events
- Know your role on the team
- Communicate with teammates
- Support teammates between holes
- Play within your abilities
- Stay positive for the team
Post-Round Analysis
Performance Review
- Track key statistics (fairways, greens, putts)
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Note course management decisions
- Review mental game performance
- Plan for next round improvements