Sometimes, when people are booking a golf break with us, our clients ask us to book a couple of lessons at the beginning of their holiday. That makes sense and we can recommend the best teaches in many resorts around the world. However, here are some simple tips to help keep your golf ball budget down!

So without further ado, here are a few golf tips for lowering your golf handicap ahead of your big holiday!

1) Practice, practice, practice!

Sounds obvious, but the best golf tip is to practice as much as possible. While not everyone can get to their local golf course for a round everyday, you can still work on your swing in the privacy of your own home ? chipping balls into a bucket in your back garden, or observing your swing movements in a mirror. When practice swinging, start slowly and feel the movement before speeding up to the full tempo. Even a tiny bit of daily practice will help build up your golf muscle memory - it's amazing what 10 minutes a day can do to your golf holiday performance!

2) Prepare like you're a pro

On the golf course, there's a thin line between joy and frustration. If you treat every round like a professional would, you'll have more fun. Warm up properly, spend a while in the driving range and take appropriate breaks to minimise mistakes. Play this way, and you're guaranteed to become a more consistent player.

3) Get the right gear

Getting top notch equipment will often cost more than lessons and have less of an impact on your performance. While it's true that the right equipment can help, it won't magically transform your game ? I've seen plenty of talented golfers play well with dreadful clubs and I've seen plenty of others play badly with high quality clubs. That said it is a good golf tip, if you're looking to be the best you can possibly be, to invest in tailor-made clubs to suit your build and swing. And if they don't improve your game, at least you'll look good during your golf holiday.

4) Don't lose track of your short game

Spending lots of time on the driving range and practicing your big swing is one thing, but make sure you don't forget your short game??Drive for show, putt for dought!?. It may be a less dramatic shot but good scores are made on and around the green and you use your putter more often than any other club. The good news is that the short game is easier to practice in the comfort of your own garden, and in a few weeks you'll be in far better shape for your golf break.

5) Analyze your game

The best way of knowing your strengths and weaknesses on the golf course is to pay attention to your performance. If you pay close attention to where you make mistakes, you'll know which areas of your game need correction. Run through your game and write down the results of each shot ? you'll soon notice where your weaknesses lie so you can practice on them.

6) Don't expect miracles

Play to your handicap and don't get upset when you hit a bad shot. Everyone hits bad shots ? the trick is to keep your concentration and to make the next shot better.

Whether you have 6 months or 6 days until your big golf break, you'd be amazed at the improvements these tips can make in lowering your golf handicap!