What you eat before, during a golf round is a very important aspect to help you play better and maintain your level of play during the whole round especially if you are playing 18-hole round and walking, in this article we will try to help you understand the correct way to eat for a better round of golf.
Eating before competition
Golfers can expect to play a round of golf for up to 5 hours, so it is important to eat a nutritious meal prior to starting the round to maintain steady blood sugar and energy levels to prevent fatigue throughout the round.
Every golfer is different in their way of eating, but a pre-round meal should contain some carbohydrate for fuel as well as some fluids for hydration. A small amount of protein in the meal is also useful, as it can help to prevent hunger over a potentially long round of golf.
Depending on the tee-off time, players will also have an additional small snack prior to the game. This is often something light that is rich in carbohydrate but relatively low in fat and fiber, so it is easy to digest.
Eating and drinking during a round
As a round of golf can last for several hours it is necessary to replace fluid and carbohydrate throughout the round. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated, meaning your performance will already be suffering. Sip water regularly to avoid falling into this common trap.
It is also common that because of the timing of a round, that a golfer may miss a meal (e.g., lunch). Therefore, it is important to replace these nutrients during and after the round. Having a small healthy snack every 4-6 holes can be helpful for topping up energy levels and maintaining concentration.
Good snacks to have in a golf bag include: Fresh fruit, Simple sandwiches, Dried fruit & nut mixes.
During an 18-hole round, you can eat your snacks or sandwiches after the 4th, the 8th and 12th to keep the energy flaw and help maintain the level of energy in your body.
