Now that you’ve played a few rounds to scratch your golfing itch, take a break and get yourself and your equipment ready for the season.

Replace your spikes. The ones on your shoes now are worn down to nubs. Better yet, maybe you need a new pair of golf shoes. Are the the ones you have now really that comfortable anymore?

Get new grips on your clubs. When the grips get smooth, you start holding on tighter, introducing tension and causing all sorts of swing problems.

Get some lessons. That swing that worked so great last fall is a little rusty. Get a putting and chipping lesson, too. You’ll get a few adjustments that will make a world of difference.

Buy a wide-brimmed hat that actually does, instead of pretending to, keep the sun off your face and neck.

Get that new driver. Just kidding. Learn to get the driver you have in the fairway and use the $399 to pay for golf lessons.

Purchase and read Better Recreational Golf, (www.bettergolfbook.com) by yours truly. Applying the information in this book will help you shoot lower scores.