So, we’re closing in on the end of the golf season, at least as we know it here in the Great Northwest. On the assumption you’ve decided not to sell your clubs on Ebay and give up the game, I’m assuming most of you will once again store your clubs away in the closet or garage, and give the game another chance this next spring.

The off season in golf is kind of like the off season in baseball. No matter how bad your favorite team played during the season, there is always the hope that the next season will be the one where they win the World Series.

Your memory of the bad shots of the past season will dull, while you dream and anticipate that the first tee shot of the spring will bring a new magic to your game, yet unseen.

Well, I’ve got news. It ain’t gonna happen, at least not without a little off-season effort on your part. Just like baseball teams, if you want to achieve those dreams for next season, you need to be willing to do some training in the off season to improve your conditioning and skills for the coming year. If a baseball team is not willing to make a few trades, or their players are not serious enough to invest time in the off season to improve their skills and conditioning, then realistically, they are not likely going to be playing in the World Series next October.

Playing golf in the off season can actually be a great experience. The courses are less crowded, so walking on when the weather presents an opportunity is usually not a problem, and green fees are considerably reduced, making it a great value. However, to make the best of it, you need to be properly prepared to play in some marginal conditions.

First and foremost, make sure you have quality rain gear. With the new tech, stretch fabrics on the market today you no longer have to feel like the Michelin Man trying to swing a golf club. Resist the temptation to buy the cheap stuff, you will soon regret it.

Next, invest in new grips on your clubs and a pair of quality rain gloves. It will make the off season golf experience that much better. Again, advances in technology have made the club slipping out of your hands a thing of the past. Also, don’t forget the little details, new spikes in your shoes and some hand warmers in your bag.

Once you’re prepared for off season play, you will need to come up with a game plan for improvement. You might want to use the off season to work on your physical conditioning and flexibility. Maybe investigate a gym membership (one with a knowledgeable staff can help design a program to fit your needs), or at least commit to doing a bit more walking, cycling or swimming, so you can actually play a full 18 holes without getting tired.

Also, in a bit of shameless, self-promotion, you should look into getting some quality instruction. The off season is actually the perfect time of year to work on improving your swing. Most golfers are usually reluctant to make changes in their swings during the summer months because their time horizon for improvement is too short. Making successful swing changes is rarely a short term event and the off season provides the time needed to make changes without the self-induced pressure of being able to perform well in the short term because of an upcoming outing or competition.

Finally, don’t forget your short game. Improving your short game is the fastest way to better scores. Be honest about your short game and get some help if you have trouble with distance control or making consistent ball contact. I give hundreds of lessons a year and, when asked, nearly every one of them thinks they have a good short game. In reality, about one in 100 actually does. If you’re not working on swing changes, you should be devoting at least 80 percent of your off-season practice time to your putting and chipping (50 percent if you are working on swing changes).

Get out and give golf a try in the off season. By the way, anybody know how the Mariners are doing?

• John Sanford is a PGA Professional at Mount Si Golf Course. To learn more, visit www.startgolfingnow.com.