Take time during the off-season to get your equipment in shape. Start with changing your grips. Most Tour players I know change their grips at least twice a month. I don’t know any amateurs who change them twice a year. So put fresh grips on now, whether they need it or not (and chances are they do). This gives you a chance to start holding the club tension-free. If your grips get too slippery, you will tend to increase the tension in your hands and arms, which will deter a free armswing.

Also, get some fresh gloves to start the season. Throw away all the old, hard, shiny ones. This further gives you a chance to maintain control of the club and clubface.

Check the lofts and lies on your irons. Say what? That’s right. Even today’s investment cast clubs of harder steel can be altered, especially if you’re a frequent player or incessant practicer. This is particularly true if you’ve been using them on hard mats at a driving range. So have them checked on your pro’s loft and lie machine and have him bend them back to the correct settings if necessary. Then make a record of those settings on paper and keep it in a safe place. If you play and/or practice a lot, it’s a good idea to have your clubs checked again in mid-summer.

Take a look at your shoes. Today’s non-metal spikes can wear down pretty quickly and should be replaced to avoid slipping. And keep checking those grips.