When you go out to golf you're hoping for a good round. How often does your outcome match what you hoped for? Do you usually shoot the scores you had envisioned before you teed off? If not, do you ever evaluate where and how you could have saved strokes and avoided those blow-up holes?

I've got 5 easy tips for you to implement immediately that will shave 4-6 or even more strokes off your score the next time you play. Give them a try and see what happens.

Put the proper fuel in your body before you leave home.
Most golfers don't give it a second thought. They either don't eat at all before they leave home, or they eat something that is not going to give them the longterm energy they're hoping for. So whether it's lunch or breakfast before you leave you need to consume a complex carbohydrate and a good protein source. This combination will provide the best use of your energy for the long haul.

An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a couple of eggs with a piece of fruit or juice. For lunch, a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece of fruit. Lots of lettuce on the sandwich and try to avoid mayonnaise or butter.

Properly warm up your body before you hit your first ball.
I see so many golfers show up five minutes before their tee time, hack a few balls and head to the first tee. Those golfers are headed for a double bogey right off the bat - but they're just getting "warmed up," right?

A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes before your tee time. First do some movement-oriented stretches to prepare your body to perform. Things like arm circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some half swings with a 7-iron. After that, you're ready to hit some wedges. You'll find with this approach your hits on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence.

Drink lots of water even before you leave your house.
Try to consume up to a gallon of water before you get to the course. This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and hydrate your muscles for optimal performance. Don't take this lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and concentration and fatigue later in the round. And remember, that's before you even get to the course. Once there, you should be drinking water every hole.

Don't wait until you get tight to stretch on the course.
You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your joints while you play. I see and hear too many golfers complaining of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round. What amazes me is that with all that complaining they do nothing about it. Why? Think of your body as a machine. If the machine starts to break down – fix it. Stretch those areas while you're playing. You'll see a big difference in your swing mechanics late in the round.

Snack while you play.
No, I don't mean a full meal at the turn with a beer. I mean bringing fruit and nutrition bars to eat every 4-6 holes. When you supply your body with the proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and you will avoid those mental lapses late in the round. How many times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the round? Treat your body like a Ferrari, not a Ford Pinto.

Some of these tips you may have been aware, and some not. But do all of them and your score will show it. The above routine should be done every time you play. This is called pre-game preparation and performance maintenance. You're an athlete (believe it or not), so treat your body like one and you'll be winning all the money. Just make sure to send me a percentage. But seriously - stick to it and the sky's the limit.

About Mike Pedersen
Mike Pedersen is a nationally known golf fitness expert and founder of the Power Performance Program™ at Golf-Trainer.com. Mike has published four e-books about golf fitness and is a frequent contributor to golf publications.