Before I leave the changing room, I will check I have my competition golf balls and plenty of tees in my bag and put my pitch fork repairer and ball marker in my pocket, I will also complete my scorecard with my details including my correct handicap and competition details and finally pop into the boys room to try and release a few nerves.
It's then time to go outside and wait for my tee time, this is when I will finally tie my shoe laces and have a couple of practice swings before moving onto the tee and meeting my playing partners for the day. Another couple of practice swings, a handshake or two and good wishes and then its time to hit my first shot.
The first shot is the most difficult with the added pressure of a few other players being around the tee whilst waiting for their tee time. Its a case of blocking everything out, pushing your tee into the ground, putting your ball onto the tee and then lining the ball up, take a few steps back and relax. Then walk up to the ball, adjust your stance, look at your target and hope you get that little white sphere past the ladies tee.
