How to prepare for the tournament season

By Ryan Young, Special to Inside Golf

We’re right in the heart of the golf season here in Western Washington, and with a full slate of upcoming tournaments—both for juniors and adults—it’s the perfect time to start fine-tuning your preparation. One of the most overlooked tools in competitive golf is also one of the simplest: taking notes during your practice rounds.

When you head out to walk a course in advance of an event, treat it like a dress rehearsal—not just a casual round. The information you collect during this time can help you make smarter decisions when the stakes are higher. Start by noting the weather conditions during your round.

For instance, if your practice round is played on a mild 72-degree day with little wind, but tournament day greets you with 55 degrees and a steady 10–15 mph breeze, you’ll need to adjust your strategy accordingly. Knowing how your ball reacted in calm versus windy conditions gives you a distinct edge.

Next, track which clubs you hit off the tee and your intended targets for each hole. A great trick I often use is flipping the scorecard sideways and organizing notes by column. Use the bottom of each column to write down tee shot info—club used, target line, or danger zones. The middle section is ideal for layup areas, fairway bunkers, or quirky features that might affect club selection. Up top, jot notes on the green complexes—where the slopes are, which side to miss on, or areas to avoid at all costs.

Also, circle which tee boxes you played from. This is especially important if you suspect tournament organizers might move you to a different set of tees on game day. Knowing this in advance can save you from being caught off guard and helps you mentally prepare for those small, but critical, changes.

Finally, make a note of any swing thoughts or mental checkpoints you want to carry into the competition. For example, I often write a reminder to check my tempo as I start the back nine – since I know I have a tendency to speed up as the round progresses. For the final three holes, I like to set a goal of playing them even par or better. It’s a simple mental cue that helps keep me present and focused right through the finish.

Good note-taking isn’t just about memory—it’s about mindfulness. The more intentional you are during your practice rounds, the more confident and composed you’ll feel when it counts.

    For more preparation tips or behind-the-scenes looks at my own process, follow me on Instagram, @RyanYoungGolf or stop by the Chambers Bay Academy to say hello: www.chambersbaygolf.com/academy.