Staying hydrated on the golf course is crucial to our performance both mentally and physically.
Being properly hydrated can give us an edge over the competition and also help us to feel better during and after a round.
Get The Most Out Of Your Game!
The two major components of hydration are water and electrolytes. Water keeps our
temperature normal, lubricates and cushions our joints and allows us to use oxygen and
nutrients for energy. Electrolytes are minerals that are electrically charged when dissolved in water and their purpose is to balance the amount of water in your cells and to conduct electricity throughout the body. These minerals are the reason that our nerves work, our muscles contract and our heart pumps.
Why Is Hydration Important For Golf?
Even mild levels of dehydration can begin to cause decreases in explosive performance and endurance. For us, this means seeing decreases in clubhead speed and more fatigue throughout a round.
Dehydration can affect not only your physical performance while playing but your mental performance as well. Things like spatial awareness, attention and psychomotor skills can all be negatively impacted by even mild levels of dehydration. With attention and the ability to stay focused at such a high premium on the golf course we can look to hydration as an easy way to help us stay in the game at a higher level for longer.
What Can I Do About It?
It is important that your fluid intake begin the day and night before your round. Starting your round off in a well-hydrated state is of utmost importance because there is lag time between when the fluids are consumed and when the cells of your body are fully hydrated. Water needs vary widely among individuals, climates and activity levels and it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much a given person will need. The best way to know if you are hydrated for your round is to look at the color of your urine the night before- If it’s a pale yellow to clear color you know you are well-hydrated.
Once we are on course and moving, this is when we will start to sweat and lose body fluids. Drinking water regularly between holes or a sip between shots is a great way to keep yourself on track. Sports drinks are not completely necessary as the levels of electrolytes contained are generally more than you really need and they contain plenty of excess sugars or artificial sweeteners which can be damaging to our health. That said, if the climate is especially hot and/or humid and sweat loss is happening rapidly a mixture of half water half sports drink can be beneficial to replace the extra sweat. Adding a pinch of salt or electrolyte mix to your water is also a good trick to replace some of those lost electrolytes while you’re out there.
Hydration is one of many ways we can give ourselves a boost out on the golf course. If you’re looking for that extra edge to feel and play better book a complimentary call with us today to find out how we can get the most out of your game!
Author-
Dillon Hines
Golf Performance Coach
Disclaimer: This blog content is for general educational information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References available upon request.
