John Hughes Golf Tips 9.20
KEEP YOUR BODY FUELED AND HYDRATED
Ever look at your scores and notice those last 4-5 holes sticking out like sore thumbs with higher scores than the other holes? Chances are, your brain and body ran out of gas and you never did anything about it.
I learned at an early age that as your body fatigues, the technique it uses breaks down. I’m not a medical professional, but I coach many medical professionals. And their wisdom over the years has stamped a “no brain-er” choice in my mind. Always drink plenty of water and eat snacks and sandwiches that fuel the body properly.
If you’re looking for consistency, why not look at what your brain and body need to consistently function? Augmenting sports drinks at a half and half basis with water every two or three holes is a great habit to form when playing. This eliminates the possibility of a sugar spike to your blood while ensuring you’re drinking at an interval and rate that will make anyone evacuate their bladder during a round of golf, in the hottest conditions.
As foods to eat, every golfer has their own idea of what works and doesn’t. And everyone’s taste is different. Snacks and foods high in pro-tein, low in sugars, with a good balance of complex carbohydrates allow the body to metabolize energy at a consistent rate. Jerky, nuts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fruits are good examples. Smaller portions at a regular rate on the course is much better for your body than filling up with the wrong foods once at the turn.
