Most golfers think the round starts on the first tee, but in reality, it starts well before that.

Before you even hit a shot, you’re making decisions. What kind of round are you playing? Are you keeping score? Are you playing a match? How competitive is this going to be? And for a lot of golfers, this is where things already start to feel a little off.

In this episode of the Birdie Board Podcast, Corey walks through a real early-season round where he tried something different: a true practice round with no scorekeeping. Instead of playing the course as-is, he focused on intentionally practicing different types of shots, from repositioning in the fairway to changing tee boxes for better yardages.

What came out of that experience was a bigger realization. The way you approach the beginning of your round, both mentally and physically, has a huge impact on how the entire day plays out.

This episode breaks down two key areas that most golfers overlook. First, the challenge of setting up a round that actually feels right for your group. Whether you're playing casually with friends or trying to keep things fair with different skill levels, that initial setup matters more than people think.

Second, Corey shares a simple and practical pre-round routine that helps you feel ready without overthinking your swing. From quick stretching to a structured range warmup and putting routine, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s getting your body loose, your mind in the right place, and your expectations set for the round.

If you’ve ever felt rushed, unprepared, or slightly off before the first hole, this episode will help you rethink how you start your rounds so everything feels smoother from the beginning.

Golf Is Better With Friends

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