Competitive Golf: How Longer Courses Are Changing Athletes and Their Approach to the Game

Abstract

Nutritional guidance for competitive golfers to improve performance is limited. Recommendations and study conclusions from older research used smaller golf courses compared to today and require a reevaluation of energy expenditure. This review identifies aerobic fitness, in addition to strength, as a key determinant of success. A novel nutritional approach that incorporates carbohydrate supplementation to support aerobic fitness without sacrificing the ability to build strength is presented since longer courses require more stamina. Strategies for training, competition, and recovery are outlined based on different skill levels. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for carbohydrates, protein, and hydration intake are tailored specifically for competitive golf based on this approach. Putting requires precise movement and can be affected by fatigue. Nutritional studies in golf and similar sports that require focused movements are presented, exhibiting an improvement with adequate hydration and carbohydrate status and caffeine use. Competitive golf poses unique challenges to an athlete and commonly used ergogenic supplements that can improve performance in a variety of circumstances during training, competition, and while traveling are reviewed.

Nutritional Considerations for Elite Golf: A Narrative Review

“…This study of 14,108 participants showed that individuals with levels <30 ng/mL had a 58% higher chance of getting an acute respiratory infection [30]. Due to an elite golfer's schedule and travel demands, it may be a consideration to assess their baseline vitamin D level and supplement vitamin D, if required, to ensure levels are >30 ng/mL, especially during tournaments and travel where sunlight exposure may be limited [13].…”

“…Golf is viewed as a skill-based sport, in which the refinement of ball striking and putting skills has been given more emphasis than the development of physical fitness [11][12][13]. However, as mentioned previously, the course length and distances to the holes are increasing, and strength training may need to be prioritised to maximise strokes gained off the tee [13,14]. Total driving distance has been considered as either the first or second most important predictor of competitive success [13].…”

“…However, as mentioned previously, the course length and distances to the holes are increasing, and strength training may need to be prioritised to maximise strokes gained off the tee [13,14]. Total driving distance has been considered as either the first or second most important predictor of competitive success [13]. Aerobic fitness should not be ignored however, as evidence suggest that athletes perform better at submaximal workloads when aerobic training regimes are developed [15].…”

“…Continuous feeding of carbohydrates can help alleviate the decline in blood glucose concentrations and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system which can enhance exercise performance [21,32]. Since the golf swing utilises both slow and fast twitch fibres and different energy systems between anaerobic and aerobic needs, it reinforces the importance of ingesting carbohydrates during competition [13].…”

“…Travelling in unfamiliar environments can also directly affect an individual's immune system and integrity [13]. Adequate vitamin D levels have been shown to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) [54].…”