Nothing is more discouraging to an enjoyable game of golf than letting first-tee jitters destroy your first shot. The key obviously is to relax. Yet for many golfers, a relaxed start of the game is often difficult to achieve.

Start your warm-up routine by putting for 5 or 10 minutes. Try to start every round by hitting a bucket on the practice range. Start with easy wedges and work up to your driver.

If there is no practice range, push a tee into the ground away from the teeing area and warm up by swinging over the tee. Swing with a couple of irons to limber up.

Always 'waggle' the club to start the swing sequence.

Think of relaxing your shoulders and forearms on the first tee. Start with a smooth, rhythmical swing well within your power. Start it 'low and slow'.