March 28, 2025
Talking Golf: How to Prepare for the Upcoming Golf Season
We might just be the luckiest golf community in Prescott—heck, maybe in all of Arizona—to have PGA Professionals like Shawn Scott and Andrew Yang leading our golf program at Talking Rock. Each month, Shawn shares his thoughtful advice, expert tips, and personal insights to help us all play a better, healthier, and happier round of golf. With spring in the air and golf season right around the corner, here’s Shawn’s latest on how you can best prepare to make this season your best one yet.
Talking Golf with Shawn Scott
Warm temperatures are on the horizon, bringing fresh-cut grass, blooming wildflowers, and longer days—all pointing to one glorious fact: the return of golf season. Our favorite time of year.
There’s nothing quite like stepping out on that first warm spring day. But before we dive back into a new season, it’s important to do a little “spring cleaning”—not just for your clubs, but for your entire approach to the game.
This month, I want to talk about how to get ready for the season ahead. There are a few things you might not even be thinking about, but taking the time now to refresh your gear, set good habits, and ease back into play can make all the difference in how you feel—and how you score—throughout the season.
Let’s Start with Gear
Grips
One of the most overlooked details in a golfer’s bag is the condition of your grips. Over time, they wear down, which directly affects how the club feels in your hands. I always recommend checking:
- Are all your grips the same size and type?
- Are you mixing old, worn-down grips with new ones?
If your grips need replacing, now is the time to get a fresh set. If they’re still in decent shape, a warm, damp towel can clean off any built-up grime and restore their tackiness. I just regripped my clubs, and I can tell you—it makes a world of difference.
Shoes
Golf shoes are another critical part of your game. Worn-down soles don’t just lead to sore feet—they can throw off your balance and posture, which affects your swing.
If you’ve been putting off getting a new pair, now’s the time to take a close look. A comfortable, stable pair of shoes is one of the best investments you can make in your game.
Let’s Talk About Practice
One of the most common things I hear from golfers is: “I just don’t have time to practice.” But here’s the thing—you don’t need hours on the range to improve. It’s all about quality over quantity.
If you only have 20 minutes, use that time wisely. Instead of just hitting balls, go in with a plan. For example:
- Focus on one area—short irons, alignment, or tempo.
- Spend 10 minutes on chipping, 10 minutes on putting.
- Use alignment sticks or drills to reinforce good habits.
Even short, focused sessions build consistency and will make you more confident when you’re back on the course.
Stretching: The Key to Longevity in Golf
Over the years, I’ve heard countless golfers say, “My back is killing me!” And I get it.
Back pain was something I struggled with myself. In 2019, it got so bad that I ended up in the emergency room. After six weeks of physical therapy, I learned something important—the key to preventing injuries isn’t just stretching before a round, it’s stretching after, too.
Think about it—when we finish a round, we sit down, grab a drink, and relax. Meanwhile, our muscles are tightening up. Over time, that builds tension that leads to stiffness, discomfort, and eventually, injury.
If you take just five to ten minutes to stretch both before and after your round, it can make all the difference. Trust me—it’s worth it.
Setting Goals for the Season
Every golfer—whether you’re a high or low handicap player—should have a few goals for the season. Think of it like a New Year’s resolution, but for your game.
Setting goals helps keep you motivated and focused. Here are a few ideas:
- Play in all the major events this year.
- Drop your handicap index by two points.
- Make four new golf friends this summer.
- Lower your putts per round to under 32.
- Get properly fitted for a new set of clubs.
- Build a consistent pre-shot routine.
- Stretch more before and after rounds.
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just something measurable that keeps you progressing throughout the season.
The Best Way to Improve? Lessons.
If you really want to step up your game, the best thing you can do is take a lesson from a certified PGA Professional. Lessons aren’t just about fixing your swing—they help with:
- Developing a smart practice routine.
- Understanding course management (a big one for saving strokes!).
- Making sure your equipment is properly fitted for your swing.
One of my favorite ways to work with students is through on-course playing lessons. You’d be surprised how many strokes you can save just by learning how to navigate the course better. If improving is one of your goals this year, consider booking a lesson—I’d love to help.
– Shawn Scott
Ask Shawn Anything
Q: Is there an advantage to buying (clubs) through the club vs buying retail? Specifically, Driver, woods, or wedges?
A: Absolutely. I’m a big believer that the best way to find the right equipment is to demo it outdoors, in real conditions. At Talking Rock, we have nine vendor fitting days scheduled throughout the summer, which offer the perfect opportunity to test out different clubs, shafts, lofts, and lie angles.
All our vendors use Trackman technology to measure critical factors like launch angles, carry distances, spin rates, ball speed, club path, and more. This ensures you get the most precise fit possible—something you just can’t fully replicate indoors.
If you’re thinking about new clubs this year, I’d strongly encourage you to attend one of our fitting days. And when it comes to pricing, we always match major box retailers and can even arrange drop-shipping directly to you.
Do you have a question for Shawn? Ask him here!
