(NC)-Golf season is just around the corner and whether you're a veteran to the game or stepping up to the tee for the first time, pre-game preparation is the key to a solid - and safe - season-opening round.

"People are so anxious to get out on the course, they often don't take the time beforehand to properly prepare themselves," says Barry Wallis, on-staff golf professional with Callaway Golf Canada. "Suddenly, a strained muscle or sore back keeps them off the course for weeks afterward."

Before playing your first full round, Wallis suggests hitting the range with a bucket of balls - but just one bucket.

"The last thing you want to do is hit three buckets of balls (with 80 balls in the average bucket)," he says. "I'm as anxious as anyone to get out there, but a slow start is a good start to the golf season."

Wallis also warns against grabbing the driver first, no matter how tempting it may be. Instead, the long-time professional recommends leading off with half wedges, then full wedges, then work your way up from a nine-iron to driver.

Once you've made it to the first tee, be sure to stretch - good advice for every round and not just your first of the year, says Wallis.

Pre-game stretching helps loosen muscles to prepare your body for the task at hand; it improves your driving distance and swing power, and will help to minimize any stiffness you might experience the next day. Here are three easy, on-the-course stretches to get you game ready.

Back Rotation

Standing with your golf club behind your back and across your shoulders, slowly rotate your upper body to one side as far as comfortably able, keeping your hips square and feet flat on the ground. Hold for 10 seconds then slowly rotate in the opposite direction and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times.

Trunk Side Bend

Holding your golf club at each end, above your head, slowly lean to one side. Hold for 10 seconds, then slowly lean to the other side and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times.

Hip Abduction

Holding onto a golf cart, cross the leg closest to the cart behind you. Keeping your back leg straight, slowing lean hip toward cart. Hold for 10 seconds, switch sides and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times.

Credit: www.newscanada.com