Simple tips to feel and perform better for golfers and non-golfers alike
POV: You’re a golfer who has spent the winter working on your game - lessons, simulator, and maybe even snowbird golf. Now that spring is here, you’re hoping your game finally comes together. The only problem? You did the same thing last year and you’re not exactly a scratch golfer.
Whether you’ve practiced all winter or haven’t touched a club since Labor Day, you’re about to learn some tricks that will help you play better golf and feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Not a golfer? Keep reading - many of these tips can apply to you too.
1.Give your equipment a once-over. Before your first round, show your golf bag some first-day-of-school energy. Take a look at your clubs - are they clean? Do they need new grips? Make sure they’re ready for play. Next, spring clean your bag - toss out the wrappers/broken tees/five-year-old granola bars, and stock it with balls, tees, sunscreen,Drink ZYN stick packs, snacks, and Band-Aids. An organized bag helps you feel like you’ve got your act together. And as we all know, feeling confident on the course is half the battle.
2. Next, assess your golf wardrobe. Sure, retro is in, but are you pushing it? Maybe it’s time for a refresh. Start by tossing or donating golf gear that doesn’t fit or has seen better days. Maybe even ditch those uncomfortable shoes and get a new pair. Then do a little shopping - there are great golf gear deals online or at local discount stores. Bottom line, by looking “like a golfer” you’re more likely to perform “like a golfer.”
3. Next, let’s get physical. Let’s start with some strength training. Don’t worry, you don’t have to bench press crazy amounts, just add a little weight to your workout routine. Some golfers ask instructors to analyze their swings and suggest a complimentary weight routine, but you could also get ideas from YouTube. Most experts, including the American Heart Association, recommend incorporating light weight training two days per week. Lifting light weights can help you build strength and bone density, so you can hit the ball farther and build lean muscle.
In addition, don’t forget to get your steps in. A general consensus among health professionals is that 7,000 - 10,000 steps a day are recommended for adults. Don’t worry if you don’t have time for 10,000, just do something,as a round of golf requires a fair amount of walking (even if you take a cart). Regardless of how you work out, remember it’s always good to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
4. Don’t forget to stretch! Imagine there are two golfers, Tom and Joe. Tom peels into the parking lot five minutes before tee-time, high tails it to meet his foursome and hits his first shot cold. Joe, on the other hand, builds extra time into his schedule and gets to the course early so he can stretch and hit a few balls before teeing off. Who do you think will feel better and hit the ball better? If you guessed Joe, you’re starting to catch on. Be like Joe and get yourself to the course early so you can warm up properly.
5. Get your Z’s. Can getting more sleep lead to better golf? The answer is yes. Good sleep helps everything. According to the Sleep Foundation, quality sleep is essential to help the body stay healthy and our brains function properly. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can be tough to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories. Since golf is both a mental and a physical game, it’s fair to say that good sleep hygiene and good golf go hand in hand.
6. Visualize success. When it comes to success in golf, the mental game is half the battle, and one way to win that battle is through positive visualizations. The pros do it - Tiger Woods gets in the zone by visualizing every stroke and swing before hitting the ball. Professional golfer Nick Faldo says, “Visualization is the most powerful thing we have.” Try it yourself - visualize exactly where you’d like your ball to land, think positive thoughts, and focus on a great outcome.
7. Focus on greens (as in veggies) and other healthy foods. We all know that a solid diet is good for your body and helps you perform your best. So, make sure to eat a variety of healthy, anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, veggies, and protein-rich foods. And, skip the chips and candy bars at the golf course and stock your bag with healthy snacks. The LPGA’s official nutrition consultant, Siobhan Donofrio recommends snacks like fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, protein bars, and beef or turkey jerky. The trick is to look for a combination of protein and carbs, with low sugar and healthy fats.
8. Just as important as fueling your body with food is staying hydrated. Drink ZYN Turmeric Electrolyte Drinksare loaded with turmeric, Vitamins D & C and Zinc to help reduce inflammation, increase immunity, and help with recovery. Simply stated, ZYN offers hydration with benefits. The ingredients found in Drink ZYN, help boost immunity, replace electrolytes, and reduce inflammation in the body. This combination helps fuel your body and power you through your round, even on the hottest of days. Plus, ZYN stick packs are conveniently sized to slip into the pocket of your golf bag (or shorts!), and our cans fit nicely into your bag or cart drink holder.
By dialing in these tricks, you’ll set yourself up for great golf and great life habits. The payoff? A calmer, more organized you who’s ready to take on the fairways and life!
Cheers to a great season of golf!
References
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
https://lpgawomensnetwork.com/the-best-pre-and-post-round-snacks-and-more-for-your-golf-game/
Abbey Algiers is a writer who specializes in golf, wellness, travel, and Spain, sometimes all at the same time. She writes for various publications and has a weekly lifestyle Substack called What I'd Rather Be Talking About. When she's not writing, she can be found golfing, running, doing yoga, or traveling to Spain - so it's obvious she's still trying to figure out the work-life balance thing. She and her husband Eric live in Oconomowoc, WI and are proud early adopters and daily drinkers of ZYN.
