For your first tournament, check the entry conditions, the format of play and the documents required. Choose an event suited to your experience, and ask how the round will run before the day you tee off.
The format, the tees and the times
Look at the course, the number of holes, the tees in use and the level accepted. Check which membership card is required and how your handicap will be taken into account.
Ask where to find your tee time and when you need to check in at reception. You should also know the cancellation terms and how changes in the weather are handled.
The scorecard and the bag
Check your personal details and the playing information shown on the card. Ask what the marker does and how to hand in your scores.
Pack what you need in your bag and check your outfit against the rules. If you are playing with hired equipment, book it and leave yourself time to get used to it.
A rules question during the round
Before you play, ask who to contact if you have a rules question. Raise a problem as soon as it comes up, so that you know the procedure before you act.
After the round, check the scores hole by hole with your marker, then hand in your card as the competition instructs. Our article on how to keep score explains the basics of stroke play and Stableford.