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Golf Nutrition: The new kid on the block for golfers

Why should golfers bother with nutrition? A beer and dog is good enough for eighteen holes right?

What’s your body like? John Daly or Tiger Woods? (This question for the guys only!).

Don’t you find it funny how competitors in just about every sport recognize the need for good nutrition for better performance, but most golfers seem to get their nutritional needs at the 19th hole!

It’s likely because golf nutrition has never been seen as a priority since golf has been regarded as a sedate, slow game; as more of a walk than anything else.

After all, if John Daly can win majors, why should you bother with training or nutrition?

You should know better! Are you sedate and slow when you’re whamming that drive 250 yards up the fairway. You’re as explosive as a sprinter coming out of the blocks. Try telling yourself you’re out for a walk when you are on the 15th tee and all your muscles are aching with five rounds still to go.

Like Dylan Says...the times are a changin...

What you must realize is that times are changing. Young professionals like Tiger Woods showed the way. More and more professionals are recognizing the benefits of flexibility and strength training for golf, and the nutrition required to supplement it.

Improve your golf nutrition along with the correct fitness training, and you will find that explosive energy when you need it.

You will find the stamina necessary to keep you going at full power for 18 holes.

Golf nutrition involves eating low fat, lean, high protein foods and starch-free carbohydrates, so a diet in rich in fish, poultry, lean meat, wheat, pasta, green vegetables and fruit is ideal, while you should avoid starchy foods such as potatoes, and white bread. Avoid sugar at all costs. Sugars need energy to burn them up, and you end up with less stamina rather than more.

Eat Less More Frequently!

If you are serious about your golf, you should also examine your eating habits. Golf nutrition is best taken in a larger number of small meals. This has been recognized by training athletes for many years.

Try to eat small meals five or six times a day.

Hydration is also an important part of golf nutrition. Water is ideal, and an important part of golf nutrition, and you should avoid stimulants such as caffeine, which raises your heart rate, burning up what energy you have, and over stimulating muscles with resulting loss of control.

I don’t want to restrict your enjoyment of the game, but no alcohol before or during the game. You will lose coordination and timing.

Leave it for the 18th hole when you can impress your golfing buddies with your newly improved fitness, shape and handicap!

Improve Your Golf

If you're looking to improve your golf game, you may want to take a look at our comprehensive golf training manual. Simple exercises, stretches, tips, programs, and much more!

Mike Pedersen
Golf Performance Coach

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