Good Eating Habits on the Course

Over the years of amateur golf, the game has provided some great lessons about learning and good habits. For example, it’s one thing to have an umbrella in your bag at all times, but quite another to study the weather report the evening before play.

An umbrella is nice to have, sure, but if thoroughly prepared you’ll have the proper headwear, pants, thermal clothing, etc. You’ll be ready for a poor weather day the day before also, so your mental game will be better suited to handle the conditions. A lot comes down to how much you really care about your game, and learning along the way is important, too.

With age, it feels like each golf season that passes you learn something about yourself. Often, it seems patience becomes more of yourself than anything. The veteran players at your club may have been just early risers in your eyes as a kid, but now you’re watching their wisdom of the game. It’s fun to watch how steady they are as players, and how par can be made a lot of different ways.

One thing that’s becoming more and more interesting along the way is food (and drink) on the course. Don’t get me wrong, it can be a blast to have a cocktail or two during a scramble, or a fundraiser type round. Sometimes it feels like the team atmosphere even benefits from a drink at the turn. A few things that seem to be common among great players in stroke play though, is good habits before, during, and after play. In the interest of playing the best golf we can, it’s the area of nutritional focus that’s something to keep learning.

The habits I see of the majority of solid veteran players are making a mark. Some common habits are: arriving well before a tee time to practice, being well prepared with gear, walking/pushing or carrying the bag on the course, nice appearance (a shirt with collar, tucked), and classy behavior of a lady or gentlemen. Among others, these are some of notice. I rarely see this crowd grabbing a beer or hot dog at the turn, though. There may be a coffee in the morning before the round, but it would be unusual to see a can of soda with them (or energy drink). After paying attention a bit more on eating habits with golf, I’ve noticed some good things happening.

With soda or energy drinks, and even juice for that matter, there’s that sugar rush following soon after. It seems to be much more useful to have a steady amount of energy during the day, versus a spike and crash feeling. The tired feeling is something everyone surely wants to avoid. Water may be boring, but it provides that comfortable feeling of hydration. And instead of a brat or candy bar at the turn, how about some almonds or an apple?

There’s quite a bit of healthy eating material online these days, and prepping meals is a theme. Just like a fitness model would prepare meals for the week ahead, how about doing the same for the golf bag? Maybe some fruit, beef jerky, nuts, or string cheese could be items to bring with for a change.

The point is, maybe there’s some real simple changes to make that could help the golf game. If energy is a bit low at the end of a round, maybe try water instead of that beer or soda during play. Instead of the doughnut in the morning and hot dog at the turn, maybe a banana first, followed by some mixed nuts after nine holes. If you feel better during and after play, that would be great!

The wave now is, pros are exercising more and eating very well. With all the 50s scores lately, there’s no doubt some great golf is being played. Even at our local levels we can aspire to be more like the best players in the world. Bringing some healthy habits to the course may be just the ticket to a better game.

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