1. Before you play golf, drink water and eat at least a snack. You won't do your best on an empty stomach - or after a heavy meal. Keep an energy bar in your golf bag in case you start to feel low energy on the 8th hole. If you're serious about golfing, save the alcohol for after the round.

2. Golf is a physical game, and some of the preparation you need to do is the same as any athlete's - warm-ups and stretching to get your body loose and ready to perform. Arrive at the course with plenty of time to check in, get your equipment in order and warm-up.

3. During the round, continue to be aware of your muscles, and stretch between holes if you start to feel your back or shoulders tensing up.

4. Keep drinking water during the game - dehydration will get in the way of your concentration and performance. A good rule of thumb is to have at least a little water at every hole.

5. When preparing to swing, hold the club lightly and bend the knees slightly forward. Keep your left arm straight (unless you're a lefty, in which case you should keep your right arm straight). A few lessons with a pro may be helpful in correcting issues with your swing, but ultimately your own ability to relax and stay focused will be the key to great shots.

6. Learn the trick of drawing imaginary lines between the ball and its goal, then lining up the head of your club squarely with that line to deliver the ball to the target.

7. Some pros recommend learning accuracy first, then building up your distance. Others say you should be swinging for power from the beginning, then working on accuracy. No matter which way you choose, your ultimate goal is to deliver both.

8. When you get into trouble, look for a shot you know you can make, rather than taking a wild swing and hoping for divine intervention. Take a few slow, deep breaths to get your concentration back.

9. On short putts, aim for the back of the hole - nothing is more frustrating than coming up a couple of inches short.

10. Remember that the ultimate goal is not to get the best score, but to get the most fitness benefits, social interaction and enjoyment out of the game.