Golf tournaments are a real marathon – Rounds last for many hours and require concentration and endurance. Proper nutrition plays a very important role in maintaining good form and concentration on the golf course.
I already know this because I have seen several times how irregular eating during a tournament affects not only my game but also my well-being..👇
I had a headache like that once because I didn't pay attention to what I was eating, and that's when I knew I had to make sure it didn't happen again. 😉 😉
So how do I eat and what do I do to feel good during a tournament?
Here are some of my proven tips!
1. Good preparation the day before the tournament
One of the many things my dad (and he's a great runner and triathlete 👌) taught me is that it's worth having a solid meal the day before the tournament/start. What does that mean? It's worth eating whole grain pasta, rice, groats combined with lean meat or fish and vegetables.
For me, these are the perfect options and I feel great after them.
You should also avoid heavy and fatty foods that may slow down the body which is easy to notice if you have a hard time getting up in the morning.
2. Breakfast before the tournament
The morning meal should be filling, because it's 'fuel for the whole day' - as my mom says ;), but easily digestible. My favorite breakfasts are:
– oatmeal with warm fruit and a spoonful of peanut butter,
– whole-grain toast with egg or
– smoothie based on yogurt and banana
I avoid sweet breakfast cereals, which provides a temporary boost of energy, but quickly leads to fatigue.
3. Snacks during the round
It took me a while, but I finally understood how important it is and I can see the difference.
During the tournament, we are often so focused on the game that we forget to provide ourselves with energy, which is what food gives us. When we have caddies, they take care of us and remind us to eat something, but often you play alone and then you have to rely only on yourself.
One way I remember to grab a snack regularly is to make a note in CaddieMaps. I have every second or third hole written down to eat and drink (a motivational note will fit there too 😉 ) It's hard to miss if you use CaddieMaps throughout the tournament.
It works for me every time 👌
It's worth having it with you during the tournament healthy snacks, which will help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide a constant supply of energy:
– Sandwiches made of whole grain bread with peanut butter or your favorite cold cuts – filling, providing energy.
– Bananas – light, easy to eat, and rich in potassium, which prevents muscle cramps (they are almost always in starter packs, and for good reason 🙂 Remember that 18 holes is also quite a lot of kilometers in the legs. (+- 10km)
– Protein bars, healthy snacks with muesli or fruit sauces (Like OWOLOVO sweet sauces) – a quick dose of energy without sudden spikes in sugar levels.
My favorites below:
Even though I love ice-cream, which are often available during tournaments, unfortunately I leave it as reward after the round is over. Why? They cause this a temporary energy boost that quickly leads to fatigue and lack of concentration and that's when I most often lost points.
4. Hydration
This is probably obvious, but I'll mention it. Drinking water regularly is absolutely necessary. Dehydration also leads to fatigue and decreased concentration. It is a good idea to always have a bottle of water and an isotonic drink with you to replenish electrolytes, especially on hot days or in places where it is always hot. Avoid sweetened carbonated drinks or energy drinks., which cause sudden spikes and drops in energy. You absolutely do not want that.
By taking care of good meals, especially before and during the tournament, I noticed that I can improve my endurance, concentration, and performance.
I hope this post will help you avoid the nutritional mistakes I made during tournaments.
EN 
PL