New Course

[chip]

Any suggestions or advice for playing a course for the first time?

[drglew]

If it's a nicer course, they often have yardage books for purchase in the proshop--an absolute must. Hopefully you'll be paired with someone who's played there before--their advice can be helpful as well about general course management, especially if there are blind or hidden hazards.

[uttexas]

Look it up on the internet. Some course websites have excellent hole-by-hole photos, maps, and descriptions.

[sean_miller]

Look it up on the internet. Some course websites have excellent hole-by-hole photos, maps, and descriptions.

I agree with this one.

@ the OP. Even a simple scorecard and map can be valuable for planning club selection off the tees. Make some notes to yourself - a really safe option and a more heroic option with a go-to longer club if it's really working well that day. If there are tips from the pro (somewhat common) you can put those in a little notebook (like an expired datebook - I'm using one from 2006). Here's a tip (works for me - take it for what it's worth). On some short par 4s, I choose a club to tee off based 1.) on the landing area and 2.) based on a club I'll need on an upcoming long par 3. I imagine the par 4 fairway is the par 3 green and visualize firing at the pin. TMI?

[Fat Slice]

Outdrive everyone else so you can see where/how they send their second shots.