I was on number nine green when I heard a group of buddies getting ready to go out and play. They were laughing, loud and still full of optimism about shooting lower golf scores than they normally shoot. They could not wait to get to the first tee. As do most players, they were hoping for a good round. How often does your outcome of your round, match what you hoped for?
Below are five easy tips for you to implement into your golf day that could easily lower your golf scores and improve the outcome of your round the very next time you play golf.
Put the proper fuel in your body before you leave home.
Most golfers don't give a second thought to what they put in their body prior to a round. Players either don't eat at all before they leave home, or they down something at the course that is not going to give them the long-term energy they need. So whether it is lunch or breakfast before you leave you need to consume a complex carbohydrate and a good protein source .
This combination of protein and complex carbohydrates will provide the best use of your energy for the long haul for you to lower your golf scores.
An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a couple of eggs with a piece of fruit or juice. For lunch, a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece of fruit. Use a lot of lettuce on the sandwich and avoid mayonnaise or butter. If you need some flavor use some mustard or pickles.
Properly warm up your body before you hit your first ball.
We have all done it at one time or another. We show up five minutes before their tee time, hack a few balls and head to the first tee. Typically this does end up with a good start. Your body is just not ready to get a golf club moving 70-100+mph without a proper warm up.
A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes before your tee time. First do some movement-oriented stretches to prepare your body to perform. Exercises like arm circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some half swings with a pitching wedge. After that, you're ready to hit some three-quarter and full swing wedges. You'll find with this approach your swings on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence and lead to lower golf scores.
Drink lots of water even before you leave your house.
Especially in the summer, it is difficult to determine exactly how much water you need to consume to stay properly hydrated. Some players in extreme heat consume up to a gallon of water before they get to the course. You need to find the right amount for you. This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and hydrate your muscles for optimal performance.
Do not take this lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and concentration and fatigue later in the round. And remember, alcohol and caffeine will not hydrate you. In fact, they will assist in dehydrating you. Once play begins, you should be drinking water every hole.
Don't wait until you get tight to stretch on the course.
You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your joints while you are on the golf course. Especially, the cooler it is during your round. Too many golfers, young and old, are complaining of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round. What is amazing is that with all that complaining they do, they are doing nothing about it.
Why? You must think of your body as a machine. If the machine starts to break down, it must be fixed. Stretch all areas while you're playing that have a tendency to become tight for you. You'll see a big difference in your swing mechanics late in the round which will help you lower your golf scores.
Snack while you play.
This does not mean a dog and a beer or a full meal at the turn. This means bringing fruit and nutrition bars to eat every four to six holes. Spreading your fuel or proper nutrients out every four to six holes, your energy levels stay balanced and you will avoid those mental lapses late in the round. How many times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the round?
Some of these tips you may have been aware, and some not. But do all of them and your score will show it. The above routine should be done every time you play. This is called pre-game preparation and performance maintenance. You're an athlete (believe it or not), so treat your body like one and you'll be winning all the money. Just make sure to send me a percentage. But seriously - stick to it and the sky's the limit for you to lower your golf scores.
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