The Brisbane GC Pennant rounds aren't until later in the year, but several clubs are already running pre-season training days.

Pennant is the competition that fills the calendar from autumn through winter and the one most clubs use to test their stronger players against the rest. The format is straightforward. Clubs field teams of three or four, weekend rounds rotate between host clubs, and the ladder sorts itself out across the season.

The preparation, for the clubs that take it seriously, is less straightforward. Windsor recently held a training day focused on the shots that decide tight matches. East Brisbane's Gala Day this month pulled a strong field and gave a sense of the form heading into the season. Other clubs are running their own pre-season sessions in pairs or small groups.

What the pre-season looks like, in practice, is the same group of regulars turning up earlier than they need to, running through drills the coaches set, and playing each other on rotation. It's not glamorous. The clubs that do it consistently keep their pennant ladders honest.

Pennant fixtures will be confirmed by CAQ closer to the season. Clubs interested in fielding a team, particularly clubs that haven't entered pennants before, should get in touch with the CAQ office through the website.