Here are some steps to follow:

1. Remember that you are there to practice the course and get a feel for the golf course. You are not there to practice your swing that is meant for the driving range. If you are too focused on you, you will not pay attention to the golf course.
2. Keeping score is optional, not necessary. If it makes you feel more confident to know your score, then do it. If not, then don’t keep score.
3. Pay attention to the shape of the holes, those holes where you may not need to hit driver and places where you may need to lay up. For example, if you are on a hole that you see water or a bunker, pay attention to where your drive is, if you can reach those obstacles with your drive you may want to lay up with a 5 wood. Write down notes on what side of the fairway you would like to place your ball. For example if the hole is a dogleg left you may want to hit it on the left side, so find a good target to aim at.
4. Throw a ball or two in a bunker and pay attention to the sand and if it is hard or soft.
5. Par three’s. When you play them, hit a club you think will go to the middle of the green and hit one that will go to the back of the green. Take note of which clubs you hit on the par three’s. This is very important and will ensure you are not guessing when you play them.
6. The most important thing to take away from a practice round is the greens and the green speed. So PUTT, CHIP, PUTT, CHIP, PUTT, PUTT. On a few holes, drop a couple of balls and pay attention to the speed. Are the greens fast, slow or medium? Also on a 3-4 holes during the round, chip and pitch a few balls. Pay attention to the shots you need to practice for the week, like high pitches, bump and runs, pitch and runs, etc. Then you will be prepared.

Following these steps will help you familiarize yourself and be comfortable with the golf course. It will tell you how to prepare in the upcoming week and to be more confident for the tournament. When you begin the match, don’t worry about how you play, just hit fairways and the middle of the greens. And putt for feel.