Now that plan for summer is in full swing and the weather is finally starting to turn around, you’re probably thinking about what your friends will be doing this summer. If you want to show them a good time while enjoying the great outdoors, one of your best options is a golf tournament. A lot of people have been cutting out things like movies and dinner nights for a while, so why not go out on the green with your friends and try something new?

If you’re thinking about hosting or participating in your first tournament, there are some things that you’ll need to work out. If you want to prepare properly and avoid any issues later down the line, it’s best to come up with a plan now. Here are the 7 steps you will need to take to prepare for your golf tournament:

Get adequate sleep and exercise

Since you’re hosting the event, you’ll likely be meeting with a ton of people to coordinate everything. This means that you’ll probably have to go out and meet up with folks at all hours, which can make staying healthy very difficult. According to Golf Insider UK, you should try and stay as healthy and active as possible by getting to bed early and making sure you’re getting lots of exercises. To remain energized throughout the day, try going for a walk or jog in the morning. This way, you can stay active and ready to go!

Practice golf without the club

Part of preparing for a tournament is getting used to using your swing without a club. For a lot of people, this can be a very frustrating experience because it’s difficult trying to find an appropriate substitute for the golf club. However, there are other items that you can use as practice tools. For instance, it is recommended to use a thicker and heavier camera or even a water bottle with aluminum foil wrapped around it. Try taking your practice swings with these items to perfect your form before you head out on the green!

Research golf tournaments near you

Before you plan your event, it’s best to figure out exactly what type of tournament you want to bring your friends to. For some people, this might mean a charity event where the prize is a donation made in their name. If that’s not something that interests your friends or if it doesn’t fit into the type of party atmosphere that you’re hoping to create, you can do something like a best-dressed tournament or even an invitation-only event.

Take up golfing lessons

If you’re like most people, then chances are that your golfing skills aren’t exactly up to par. To help improve your game, it might be best to take up a lesson or two with an instructor. This way, you can learn the basics of the sport before attending any major tournaments and you’ll be able to make new friends in the process. If you’re already good at the sport, then consider taking up a pro-level class to hone your skills even further.

Make sure you have the proper golfing equipment

Not having the right equipment is sure to ruin any golf experience. With that being said, it’s important to make sure you have everything before hosting or signing up for a tournament. To avoid logistical problems, you should get started on your equipment list at least six weeks in advance of your event so you can get used to using any new items. Some of the items you might need include Golf clubs, a golf bag that has plenty of space, and easy access to your clubs. It is also smart to bring some sun protection with you, including waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

Check the forecast

When preparing for the golf tournament, it’s important to check the weather forecast for the day. To avoid any surprise changes in temperature or precipitation, you should consult multiple weather reports before making a decision about canceling or rescheduling your event.  If you’re hosting, then ask your participants to bring umbrellas in case of rain. However, if the chances are low that it will be raining during your event, then you can ask everyone to refrain from bringing the umbrella since it’ll only take up space.

Have Fun

If you’re already going to spend a good amount of money on hosting the golf tournament or attending it with your friends, then you should make sure that the whole event is fun. With that being said, be sure to book a nice catered lunch for your group and ask everyone to come equipped with a handful of jokes or witty remarks. This way, you can be certain that everyone will have a good time no matter the outcome of the golf tournament.

Preparing for a golf tournament can be a daunting task, but by following these simple steps you’ll be able to avoid any major problems. Additionally, having a plan in place will help remove some of your stress and allow you to enjoy the actual event itself no matter what happens.