Updated on April 17th, 2023 at 06:13 pm

As a golf professional, I’ve come to understand nutrition’s crucial role in supporting top-level performance on the course. From maintaining energy levels to optimizing recovery, the right dietary choices can significantly affect how you play and feel throughout your round.

That said, here’s what you need to know about proper nutrition to boost your performance.

Fueling up: What to eat before your round

Starting your day with the right meal is essential for setting the stage for a successful round of golf. A well-rounded breakfast that balances carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats will provide the energy you need to power through your game. Here are some suggestions for a pre-round breakfast to improve athletic performance:

image of toast bread with raspberry strawberry and juice - AEC Info

  • Whole grain toast or oatmeal with almond butter and berries: This combination offers slow-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep you full and fueled throughout your round.
  • Greek yogurt with granola and fruit: The yogurt provides protein, while the granola and fruit offer carbohydrates and natural sugars for quick energy.
  • An omelet with spinach, tomatoes, and avocado: This is a nutrient-dense meal that’ll provide a blend of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Note: When you eat is as important as what you eat so you should strive to have your breakfast 1 or 2 hours before you hit the course. This gives your body enough time to digest and absorb the nutrients.

Mid-round nutrition: Staying energized on the course

Maintaining your energy levels during a round of golf is essential to keep your focus and performance up. Most rounds of golf last 4-6 hours, so it’s important to carry easily digestible yet nutrient-dense snacks. Here are some options to keep you fueled on the course:

image of healthy sandwich - AEC Info

  • Trail mix: Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits offer healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to sustain energy levels throughout the round. Even better, pick a mix that has minimal processed sugars.
  • Fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, and oranges are portable and easy to eat on the course, offering a quick source of natural sugars and carbohydrates.
  • Protein bars: Opt for bars with minimal added sugars and a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to stabilize energy levels.
  • Sandwiches: Prepare a whole-grain sandwich with lean proteins like turkey or chicken and some vegetables for a balanced, easy-to-carry meal.

Adequate hydration (about 7-10 ounces of water after every 10-15 minutes) throughout your round will help prevent fatigue and maintain focus.

Post-round recovery: Refueling for optimal recovery

After each round, have a well-balanced diet to replenish your tired body with the nutrients necessary for recovery and overall health. A balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats will help restore energy levels and repair muscle damage. Here are some post-round meal ideas:

  • Grilled chicken or fish with quinoa and roasted vegetables: This meal provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and an array of vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
  • Whole-grain pasta with lean meat sauce and a side salad: The pasta offers carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, the lean meat provides protein for muscle repair, and the salad adds a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall health.
  • Rice bowls with beans, vegetables, and avocado: This vegetarian option offers a mix of plant-based protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support recovery and overall wellness.

image of glass of water - AEC Info

Remember to rehydrate after your round. Replacing any lost fluids is essential for optimal recovery and maintaining overall health. While water is always a good option, it’s not the best when you’ve been sweating for 4 – 6 hours. I found electrolyte-rich sports drinks to have better results as they help replenish sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals.

The bottom line: Nutrition matters in golf performance

Like any other sport, golf demands a strategic nutrition approach to maximize performance and overall health. Following a good nutrition plan puts you in control of your energy levels and recovery.

We should point out that everyone’s body is different, so you might have to experiment with different meals and foods to get one that gives you the best results.