Golf-specific stretches and core strengthening. The TPI site has lots of examples. I also use an orange whip to help set my tempo for good weight transfer. Even when laying off for 2 weeks from actual play, this helps me.

First of all, thank you for your service Scotty R. Don makes a good point about stretching, but I think a range session, even a brief one is inevitable, especially after not playing for a while. Being from New England, I don't touch my clubs from late November until March. The first thing I do is the day before I go to the range, I take 2 irons and just stretch and swing slowly to loosen up the golf muscles.At the range for the first time, I'll only hit wedges and mid irons.

Thank you for your service.

I agree that a range session will be needed and that your thought of not just pounding thru a bucket is also correct. Some stretching and some easy swings with your irons and you'll be right back at it. Just think smooth tempo and free and easy. Save the 300 yard drives for the next time!
Thank you for all you do in keeping us safe.

Thank you for your service. I agree with the others that a range session should probably happen so that you know what to work on. As Don said, do stretching to get back the muscle flexibility. But what is most important is to keep your expectations simple. I had shoulder surgery a couple of years ago and once the doctor gave me the okay I just decided that I would let whatever happens happen, and after a few rounds I figured out what I needed to work and and then spent some serious range time on those things. Good luck and thanks again for your service.

Sometimes a break from the game is just what the Doctor ordered. I have found that touch is the first thing that suffers from a break. Grab you 120 club and hit shoots from 90-120 with the same stick. Grove a relaxed swing on the range. Do the same with all your irons overlapping distances.

Yes, if it's been a while for me, I try to practice in reverse. Start with putting, then chipping, then a bunch of half and full wedges to get the tempo down. The first couple of rounds back will likely require your best short game as the full shots will be inconsistent. Main thing, you're back and playing again. Have fun!

I like what Dale had to say, you can't go from 0 to 100 right away. Start on the green then some chips and pitches. Get back into the game from close range and that will definitely help any type of long game troubles. Best of luck man, enjoy being out there playing the game again!

After stretching, I would start on the putting green and work my way up from there. Wedges, irons, then woods.

Thanks everyone! Sorry I haven't replied, got caught up with work.

So an update to this discussion, I had a good foam rolling session prior to hitting the range and I only took a few clubs with me (left the driver at the house). Started with a bunch of half swings focusing on solid contact and then worked back into my full swing.

Don O. I will look into the orange whip, I have head of a few people using this.
Dale V. I appreciate the ideas, I am going to use your tips and work backwards, I think for all golfers the short game is the first to go and we can gain/loose a lot of strokes around the green.

Again thanks everyone for reaching out!

Somebody explain this....I played 3 times this past year, zero practice between the rounds and not much before the first. I shot 73, 72 and 68 in the three rounds with the 68 just last week. I've always been able to still shoot low even without any practice at all. I don't normally shoot that low consistently, but I always shoot 80 or less. These rounds were special, hitting a hole in one in the second round. It's registered. I think I know why I was able to do it and it all had to do with my mental strength and positive approach to each round. It's the most important part of the game. Most of you won't believe me and that's okay. I know how good I can be.

Hi Scotty
Thank you very much for your service.

I usually only play from April thru September. First thing I do in early April is go to range with idea of setting up a basic grip-stance-posture-alignment-ball position session. Once I feel comfortable with that, mainly wedge work getting a feel for my swing again. Then off to the chipping green for a little work there. Finish up on the putting green.

Next session I work deeper into the bag. Eventually I feel good enough thru the bag for a round.

During the season, if I feel the train is falling off the tracks, back to the range to get back to basics again.
Hope that helps.

When playing in your first few rounds back , just try not to have too many expectations, just try and feel your way back into it

Have not been off that long, but have not played since Nov 6th, due to back issues. Heading to the range in the morning to work on tempo with nine iron and short game. Will head over to the putting green to work on chipping and putting. May hit a few hybrids and a drive or two. See how it goes on Friday. Have money match with some buddies at 8am......nothing like jumping back in the deep end.....Dr released me to play a few days ago, but gave it some extra time......golf is like riding a bike, it comes back, I just work on the tempo, alignment and when hitting shots on the range, work on distances.....pounding balls without a purpose does nothing for your game.........welcome back to the game and thanks for your service....cheers (veterans helping veterans)