I think there are always two schools of thought on this subject.  I play most of the time to have an enjoyable round and not concern myself over my score.  I like doing this when playing with friends or enjoying a nine-hole round of golf at the end of the day.  Then there are the times that I play with other professionals and colleagues where my competitive nature comes out and I want to play great golf.  What do I do to prepare for each one of these rounds?
 

When I go to play golf for fun there is not much preparation for my game.  I make sure I have plenty of golf balls, my equipment is clean and I have what I need to go out and play.  I will always warm up before the round just to get loose.  I will putt a few on the green to get a feel for the speed of the greens.  I will rarely practice days before to get ready for a fun round of golf.
 

But, when I am going to play with other professionals, I get game ready.  I will practice well in advance of the round.  I will consult with Rita Reasons, my coach, on my golf swing and have her watch me practice my routine, and hone in on my fundamentals.  I will even play a practice round to get my competitive juices flowing.  I want to feel some pressure that will be similar to the game I am getting ready to play.
 

Whether you play for fun or play to do your very best, everyone wants to be respectable with their game.  Just remember preparation is the key to everything.  Even if you are playing golf for fun, get your game and your mind ready to enjoy the type of game you want to play.