1. Make full use of any practice facilities which surround the first tee.

Chip some balls onto the putting green, checking key points such as your grip.

Pay attention to how soft or firm the greens are and how the ball rolls.

Remember that a small chip or pitch is simply a mini swing so start short and build up from there.

Your aim is to create a feel for the day.

Practise five or six bunker shots to test the texture or the sand.

Concentrate on making a three-quarter swing, striking two inches behind the ball.

2. On the putting green, focus on key basics such as checking your eyes are directly over the ball at address and control the putter head from the shoulders, not the hands.

Initially stroke long putts up to the hole from distance to discover the general pace of the greens.

Leave the green with confidence by repeatedly holing a number of short putts from only two or three feet.

3. Make a number of practice swings with your feet and knees together with the aim of making smooth unhurried swings which will help keep the arms and body co-ordinated.

With the arms and body working together, it will be far easier to maintain a rhythm and generate a feel for the clubhead.

With the game ahead clearing the fairway, stretch those muscles by making a number of full practice swings with two clubs.

Complete your backswing and hold the two clubs at the top for two or three seconds before finishing the swing.

With your driver feeling lighter, concentrate on one key swing thought for the round and hit the ball down the fairway.