Food for Thought: The Impact of Nutrition on Your Game.
If you’re looking to make the most of your golf game, eating right while
you’re out on the green is more important than you may think.If you’re reading this it’s a safe bet you’re either: a) a keen golfer, or b) someone who wants
to take it up. Either way, we’re going to take it as read that you’re not one of those people
who think it’s just a ‘hobby’ and not a sport. Those of us in the know, know that it’s actually
With that in mind, we’re going to take it one step further and share some nutritional
observations and suggestions from experts that just might help you up your game and lower
Eating for the Occasion
Ok, so we all know that the more energy you start with, the better to get you around the full
18 holes. However, sports nutritionists say that what you should be snacking on in between
holes is just as vital. In fact, bearing in mind that a round can last up to five hours, it could be
even more important. Here’s a brief breakdown of how and what you should be eating to
to take it up. Either way, we’re going to take it as read that you’re not one of those people
who think it’s just a ‘hobby’ and not a sport. Those of us in the know, know that it’s actually
far more energetic than many people might think.
observations and suggestions from experts that just might help you up your game and lower
your handicap.
Ok, so we all know that the more energy you start with, the better to get you around the full
18 holes. However, sports nutritionists say that what you should be snacking on in between
holes is just as vital. In fact, bearing in mind that a round can last up to five hours, it could be
even more important. Here’s a brief breakdown of how and what you should be eating to
make sure your body is playing at its optimum level.
The Morning
Let’s back it up a bit to the night before. To be honest, this mostly concerns the issue of what
to avoid and it’s pretty easy:
to avoid and it’s pretty easy:
Don’t eat or drink two hours prior to going to bed
Don’t indulge in any alcohol.
Don’t indulge in any alcohol.
In the morning, the first (and possibly most important) thing is get and stay hydrated. Golf is
just as much a mental game as a physical one and even just a slight level of dehydration
depletes your mental capacity by up to 10%. So drink up early and continue to drink water
and/or electrolyte solutions throughout the day.
just as much a mental game as a physical one and even just a slight level of dehydration
depletes your mental capacity by up to 10%. So drink up early and continue to drink water
and/or electrolyte solutions throughout the day.
In terms of food, you’re going to need energy, so it’s a good idea to load up on those all-
important carbohydrates – but make sure they’re good carbs, not starchy ones like (sorry)
donuts and pastries. Focus on whole-wheat carbs accompanied by a good serving of protein
as well. Some ideas are:
important carbohydrates – but make sure they’re good carbs, not starchy ones like (sorry)
donuts and pastries. Focus on whole-wheat carbs accompanied by a good serving of protein
as well. Some ideas are:
Whole wheat toast and scrambled eggs
Fruit and yoghurt
Vegetable omelette
Grilled chicken and vegetables (yes, for breakfast)
Steel-cut oats with nuts
Fruit and yoghurt
Vegetable omelette
Grilled chicken and vegetables (yes, for breakfast)
Steel-cut oats with nuts
