Tip #25: Nutrition for Golf Energy Needs

Like your local grocery store and restaurant, dining rooms on the PGA Tour have changed drastically in the past decade.

Foods that have been around for a long time remain on the menu, but many more choices are available for people who want to eat healthier fare. Fried chicken is countered by low-fat chicken salad, and ice cream sundaes have a counterpart in frozen yogurt.

While athletes in many sports have been advised to eat more nutritious meals for better sports performance, golfers have generally paid little attention to dietary factors.

Perhaps because golf is a slow-moving activity that does not tax the aerobic or anaerobic energy systems, the advantages of healthy eating habits have not been appreciated fully.

On the other hand, traditional postgame 19th-hole indulgences were responsible for many players leaving the golf course in poorer condition than when they started their round.

You undoubtedly are aware that several previously overweight professionals have made major improvements in their tournament standings after losing weight and getting in shape.

All golfers can benefit from better nutrition and proper hydration, however, because these factors play a significant role in energy availability and utilization.

Over the course of a golf game, your nutritional preparation can definitely help or hurt your playing performance.