Welcome to season two of Tee Thursday. As we did last season, we’ll take time each week to delve into the topics golfers of every level need to know. Join us for pro tips on everything from improving swings to bettering our head space, course reviews, product suggestions and more. Here’s to birdies, bonus rounds and beautiful days.

I’m all about preparation when it comes to any sport. For me, taking the time to set myself up – from equipment needs to practice plans to figuring out where and when to play – aren’t just a smart way to set me up for the season, it’s fun. Anticipation is a good thing. Golf is no exception.

Courses are open and some days aren’t too chilly, so here are some great ways to set yourself up for the best season ever.

Check your gear: Clubs first. Take the time to properly clean your clubs (it makes a difference, my scratch golfer son-in-law tells me!), and while you are at it, empty out your entire golf bag to clean and rearrange it, making sure that not only have you tossed any old PB & J’s that may have hung out in there all winter (golf bags are like lunch boxes that way), it will give you time to be sure you have all the tees, balls, markers, pencils and more you like to have during the season – as well as having them in a spot you remember.

An added step for me – since I’m newer to golf and still building my game – is to visit my club fitter, talk about what’s working and not working so well with my club selection, and possibly add to my quiver.

Go through your attire as well. Make sure your golf shoes are still in good shape and that you have the right light and heavy jackets and rain gear for those marginal days. Store them well at home so you can easily grab them at the last moment when needed.

Draft your season practice plan: If you want to get better – or stay good – at golf, practice is what it’s all about. Look at Rory McElroy being the last person on the driving range each Masters day and you realize that no one is above putting in the practice time.

It’s a good idea to find a regular spot to practice at; one that’s accessible, comfortable and close to home (so you’re sure to use it regularly). This season, I picked up a practice range membership at Pine Hills in Plymouth. It’s just a few minutes from home and, with its two excellent putting areas, chipping area and large, well-maintained driving range, I know I’ll be sure to get out there regularly.

For me — and for most learning the sport – at least twice a week at the range is a good plan.

Additionally, consider at least a tune-up lesson with your favorite pro. If you’ve not yet chosen an area to focus on improving this season, they can help you dial in on what you should focus on.

Choose that focus area: For me, this year is going to be all about the short game, the place I (and most) need the most work. I’m dedicating myself to investing in more lessons, since I’m still working on mechanics, and lots of time at that practice chipping area. I don’t have specific goals (yet), just the goal of stepping up to my short game with the same confidence I do at tee shots and long fairway drives.

But don’t forget the other stuff: That by no means says I won’t be practicing those things I’m more confident with. Even the shots I feel decent taking on demand and deserve practice and attention. And since I have room for improvement there, I feel even more confidence with those shots as the season progresses.

Find places to play: If, like me, you’re not a private club member, read up on regional courses and make plans to play around this season. At the same time, choose a regular spot or two (or three) to play regularly. You’ll not only make golf friends that way, you’ll have a chance to replay holes and focus on improving that way. I’m delighted to have joined the ladies league at Crosswinds in Plymouth, which will fill the regular spot needs. I’ll be playing all over on other days as well.

Join up: It’s easy to find ways to all the best information and people in golf. Locally, if you’ve not joined Mass Golf (https://www.massgolf.org) just do it. Mass Golf not only sends out on-point newsletters with playing tips, tournament information and deals, they also organize all kinds of great outings for members to enjoy. You can play private clubs, enter tournaments and join in on clinic and lesson days. Your membership will also connect you to the USGA GHIN to keep a handicap – a good thing for every level golfer to do.

I’ve already played quite a few rounds and visiting my practice range many times. What’s better than a fresh new season? All we have ahead of us is fun. Fun and improvement; that’s my goal. Tee up: here we go.