By DAMON KLEPCZYNSKI
For the Courier-Post

Spring may or may not finally be upon us. Regardless of how long the winter season tries to hold on, one thing is for certain -- cabin fever is at an all-time high with area golfers and we're all anxious to start the season.

The first round of the year always seems to be the best in our heads before the actual round and turns out to be the worst after we play. Why?

Remembering how decent our swings were at the close of last season often provides us with unrealistic goals for our first rounds this year. If you don't expect some loose drives or iron swings and some shaky putting strokes your first few times out, you're kidding yourself.

All of us expect the best out of our golf game, but underestimating the difficulty of the game is not the answer.

Curb those expectations of playing with inseason form and try not to leave the course dejected. Focus on the things that went well and continually practice the things that didn't.

Book a tee time, maybe a night or two at the driving range or putting green, and enjoy. It's a long season and it's just beginning.

Play well.

Damon Klepczynski is the head golf professional at Scotland Run Golf Club. His professional staff provides individual and group instruction. He can be reached at (856) 863-3737, ext. 102 or www.scotlandrun.com.