Can I practise on the course before a medal round?

Not on the course itself. Under Rule 5.2b, in stroke play you must not practise on the course before a round on the day of the competition. You may:

• practise putting or chipping on or near the first teeing area
• practise on any practice area
• practise on or near the putting green of the hole you've just completed, even if you'll replay it that day.

You can practise on the course after you've finished your final round of the day.

Starting on time (Rule 5.3a): you must be at your starting point, ready to play, at your starting time.

There's no penalty if the Committee decides exceptional circumstances stopped you starting on time.

Handicap note (GB&I): the national associations' handicapping guidance says a general play score played before a competition round on the same course and tees would breach this Rule (unless your club authorises it), while one played after the competition round is fine.