Simple Golfing Performance Tips For Amateurs

Posted on March 7th, 2010 by Roderick Dunne

All professional golfers of the modern era have a staff of nutritionists, physiotherapists, mentors and their caddy working to make the most of the golfer’s capabilities on the course. The professional training regimen attempts to increase energy levels, strength and flexibility of the player. Amateurs do not have the disposable free time to complete the same level of off-course training, but they could still use the following key on-course performance approaches that the professionals use.

Hydration

If you watch professional golfers on the course you will witness them drinking water throughout the 18 holes. The key point to staying hydrated is to take sips of water while golfing. Once you start feeling thirsty it has become too late as this is a sign that your body is performing in a sub-optimum manner.

You can choose to use other drinks that are high in sugars or caffeine but you should be aware that this causes peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels potentially causing similar peaks and troughs in the way you play (over hitting greens on one hole, short driving/putting on the next).

Nutrition

Putting good quality fuel in your car makes it run better. Likewise, the nutritional content of the food you consume prior to/during golfing affects energy levels and performance while golfing. Professionals usually take several small meals a day to maintain consistent energy levels. A favorite choice for the pro golfers would be a small pasta/chicken fillet meal before golfing.

While on the course, the caddy will ensure the energy levels will stay topped up with bananas or other fruit (bananas are favored for their slow energy release).

Stretches

Professional golfers use various stretching techniques and exercises such as Pilates and Yoga to improve their overall flexibility. In particular, staying flexible in the core muscle area (tummy and lower back) is essential to keeping the backswing consistent and reducing the risk of injury.

For the average golfer performing some simple stretches (lower back, legs & calves) prior to a round of golf will help warm the muscles up and reduce the risk of the back/legs stiffening up toward the end of a round.

Awareness

These on-course performance techniques are not ground breaking. However, by becoming actively aware of what your body is telling you while golfing you give yourself the chance to remedy it the next time you head out for a round.

Being thirsty or becoming tired during a round are signs that you are not getting the water and food your body requires. Suffering body aches or pulling muscles are signs that your muscles are being over exerted and would benefit from some stretching exercises.

Practising your golf swing at the range is one way of perfecting your game, but you should also aim to improve your golfing performance through nutrition, hydration and stretches.

Looking for more golfing tips? Stop by Stephen’s site where you can discover the Perfect Golf Swing ebook. Each ebook comes with free extras covering golfing tips