THE golf season is just around the corner and it is time to get prepared after the winter lay-off. It is surprising how players can lose the knack so here are a few hints and tips from the head professional at Regent Park Golf Centre, Neil Brazell

Avoiding injury

We’ve seen only too often how injuries, and especially back strains, can plague golfers, from Tiger Woods to Rory McIlroy.

It is important, therefore, to do some warm-up exercises in advance of swinging the club.

Book a lesson

Well he would say that wouldn't he.

But you would be well advised to book a lesson with your professional just to put you on the right track again, even if it’s just half an hour.

They’re better placed to notice the small bad habits you’ve fallen back into and to iron them out quickly.

Don’t forget to practise your short game

Matches and tournaments are won around the green, so make sure you spend some time practising your short game in addition to banging a few balls down the driving range.

Chipping and putting may be less fun to practise, but you’ll be glad you did for the rest of the year.

Hit the driving range

With 18 bays and electronic loading machines, Regent Park's driving range is very popular, especially in the wet weather, and from as little as £2.50 for a basket of balls you can start to get back in the swing. Swing consistency is really important and the only way forward is practice, so the most obvious thing to do is get yourself down to the driving range and start swinging again.

As you work your way through a few buckets of balls, it’ll all start to come back to you; the right grip, feet and shoulder alignment and everything else.

Having the right equipment

Or at least clean equipment. It's a great start so grab a cloth and some soapy water and get all the grit and mud out of those grooves.

Pulling a gleaming club out of your bag will put you in the right frame of mind instantly.

Whatever you do in golf, enjoy yourselves and have a great season in 2017.

n Bolton's Regent Park is the only course in Bolton that is not a private members' club and is open to the general public to play on their 18-hole championship course, nine-hole par three family course or use Bolton's only 18-bay driving range.