To tweak a line from the Bay State’s own Meghan Trainor, when it comes to setting yourself up for a great golf round, it’s all about that prep, ‘bout that prep; no trouble.

Now that I take my game seriously, I no longer toss my clubs into the car and zip to the course last-minute, just in time to tee off. Rather, I plan ahead, think through my upcoming round and take steps to set myself up for my best chance at success.

It takes time, but I’m finding it’s worth it. Teaching pros agree, saying it’s not just about stretching out muscles and warming up your swing (which is important); it’s about easing into a positive, ready and confident mindset.

And we all know one thing is for sure: Golf is very much a game of the mind.

Here are some steps I take to be ready for a round.

The day(s) before: Once I’ve chosen a course and set a tee time, I do some research to get to know the course as best I can before I arrive.

I study the scorecard (most, if not all, are available online). How many super long holes will I face? Par 3s? And what kind of doglegs, hazards and other things might I see out there? Knowing ahead of time that on, say, hole 3 I’ll need to lay up is good information to know.

Some clubs have great hole-by-hole descriptions that I like to read through and screenshot onto my phone (in case signals are weak out on the course. I learned the hard way: Never count on being able to access the internet out there). A great example and a way I wish every club would set guests up is the course description details on the Ocean Edge golf (www.oceanedge.com) website.

You can also download the free Hole19 app (www.hole19golf.com) that shows you overviews and gives details of most golf courses.

I also read a few online reviews of the course to be ready. Recently I played a club that reviewers warned took a long time to play. By knowing, when it did, it didn’t distress me or even bother me. It helps to know what you’ll experience out there.

Another step I take the night before (or the day of if it’s not an early tee time) is to both clean my clubs (it really does make a difference), and go through my golf bag to not only make sure I have all the things I need, but that it’s organized enough that I can quickly access those things. Enough balls and tees, sunscreen and bug spray, fresh towels, a water bottle to fill, a few small snacks, a rain jacket and glove always need to be handy. I don’t know how my bag gets crazy messy, but organizing it makes for better play when the time comes. It’s the little things.

The day of: I’ve been obsessively checking the weather so I do that one last time to make sure I bring along any layers or weather protection I may need. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Well, there’s some bad weather but being prepared helps.

I always arrive at the golf course early; 45 minutes to an hour before my tee time. If that seems obsessive, for me, it’s not. I see so many folks rushing to the first tee, looking frazzled. For me – and for the human brain in general – easing into something that takes focus, skill and athleticism is the best bet.

I check in and get my bearings: Is there water on the course? Which holes (so I can be sure to be prepared if not). Is there a beverage cart that day? Where are the restrooms, pro shop etc?

Once I get a feel for the place, I warm up not just my swing, but my short game and putting. Most every course has a putting green, and taking some time there can set a good tone for your day.

If there’s a driving range, I try to hit a few balls with each club, starting with my seven iron, going up to driver and then back down to my wedges. If there is no driving range, I find an out of the way spot and simply swing. Even without the ball, muscle memory can kick in well with some practice swings.

Right before I tee off, I review the course information I’ve gleaned and saved.

Then, for 10 minutes, I just breathe deep and soak it all in. I’m not a deep-thinking “intention setter,” but I’m trying to become one. In this time, I think about my goals for the day and encourage myself to focus on those.

But most of all, I shift into fun mode. Golf is, in the end, supposed to be fun. So I look around at the scenery, breathe in the fresh air and remember how lucky I am to be out playing golf on this day.

Embracing that means I’ve already won.