Elite athletes worldwide understand the importance of fueling their bodies for peak performance. Surprisingly, many golfers tend to overlook this crucial aspect of preparation, opting for hot dogs and beer instead of quality meals.
While there's nothing wrong with enjoying those treats, experiencing the difference that comes with fueling your body like an athlete can be eye-opening.
Begin your Preparation the Day Before your Round
The previous day can significantly impact your performance, especially for those early tee times.
People have varying tolerances for food, often without realizing it. It's time to connect the dots. Take note of how you feel the morning after dinner. If spicy food or a late-night pint of ice cream leaves you feeling terrible, jot it down. Conversely, if a meal of grilled chicken and vegetables leaves you feeling fantastic, make a note of that too.
I probably don’t need to remind you to take notes on how you feel after drinking alcohol; we all know that doesn't end well the next morning.
However, enjoying yourself doesn’t mean sacrificing your performance. Imagine how much more enjoyable your round of golf would be if you felt great throughout. I'd gladly make that trade-off for junk food, and I encourage you to give it a try.
Hydrating the day before is crucial too, especially if it's going to be hot.
Morning Routine
The morning is another critical time, particularly depending on your tee time. For the sake of this discussion, let's assume a mid-morning tee-off.
Our bodies prefer carbohydrates as an energy source, so a breakfast rich in good carbs and lean proteins is ideal. Too much fat in the morning, like bacon or sausage, can slow you down and leave you feeling sluggish.
I usually go for oatmeal, fruit, turkey, and eggs. My breakfast is substantial but not overly filling, leaving me satisfied but not stuffed before heading to the course.
Snacks on the Course
My rule of thumb on the course is to never feel thirsty or hungry while avoiding feeling overly full or hydrated. I aim to maintain an even keel throughout the round.
I stick to low-fat, high-carb, and high-protein options, along with plenty of water, but I avoid overdoing it.
I typically bring a protein shake, a meat stick, some bread, and a banana. Instead of waiting until the turn to consume a lot of calories, I aim to eat a third and two-thirds of the way through the round. Think somewhere around holes 6 and 12. This strategy helps me avoid feeling hungry or full, preventing performance dips. Remember, in golf, a slight performance decrease could mean a mental or execution error, so it's essential to stay balanced.
This approach mirrors what tour pros follow. You'll often see them eating a sandwich, sometimes half, or pre-portioning a smaller one. Snack bars and hydration supplements are also popular. While nuts are promoted by some, I find them too high in fat for optimal performance, though they can be handy for extended rounds.
No Sales Pitch, Just Advice
I'm not here to sell you nutrition plans or supplements. This blog aims to raise awareness about how your diet affects your mental and physical game.
Once you realize the impact of your dietary choices, it could be the most significant game-changer you'll ever encounter.