One of the most important differences you can make is ensuring that you don't start 'cold'. When you watch golf, you will see all the preparations that the top players take, warming up their muscles with a range of exercises to maximize performance right from the off.

In many cases the pros will work through their range of clubs to get a good 'feel' for them on the day. You might not have quite that luxury and a few focused swings, in the right, way might just get you nicely readied for your round. Better, if you can is to take a little time over each type of club, even if you can't give them all a spin.

Here is a step-by-step approach to getting ready properly for your round.

1. In the beginning it's about preparation. Whilst it might be great to fit a round of golf in at the end of your day, you are going to need to be very careful not to ruin a fun end to your day, by being stressed out through the rush.

2. So, by getting to the golf course in good time, that means you can be prepared mentally as well as physically. You can get the paperwork done, get changed and have your clubs in good order without rush.

3. If you are in a competition, where you really want to do well, take a few minutes to have a few deep breaths and relax yourself, letting the cares and worries of the rest of your day gently drift away. If you can arrive an hour before the start you will have time to get a few practice swings in, as well as a sensible warm up routine.

4. Try starting on the putting practice green, to help retain the sense of calm that you've already prepared in yourself. Slowly easing yourself into smoothly focused concentration, you will soon settle in and then ready yourself for the bigger hitting.

5. Next up is the short irons. Like putting, they are more about delicacy and subtle actions, requiring close concentration and not quite as much physical effort of the woods and long irons.

By practicing with a variety of situations, you will build a good idea of how the ball is responding to the green and shorter fairway grass. Similarly, when practicing from the rough, you can generate a good mental map of how that is affecting how the ball will perform when in play.

6. Finally, take some time getting your bigger clubs into play. Focus on whatever technique you like, but do it and take it seriously. Take a good 15 minutes building up your muscle warmth and swing memory to ensure that you can replicate it, shot after shot, through your round.

Taking the time to prepare yourself and warm up properly, is well worth the effort. Your scores will improve and, most importantly of all, you will make sure that the time you've invested in your golf is what you wanted, fun, enjoyable and above all successful!