Staying Focused
Are you distracted? Are you waiting for an important phone call? Have you not had anything to eat for 16 holes?
Our focus is something that influences your golf game more than we might think. With smart phones and wrist watches that buzz and beep every 30 seconds, it can be hard to stay focused on the task at hand. Getting angry at one’s self is something that may feel beneficial, but, it usually does more harm than good. What we want to try and emulate is the focus and attitude we bring to our practice. Deep breathing and taking a second to clear our head from outside distractions can help keep our round consistent rather than a classic golf game of pars and triple bogies.
Having a Pre-Shot Routine and a clear plan on what you are trying to do on the golf course will help us control our disposition. A clear disposition will translate into more consistency on the golf course leading to lower scores.
The foods that we eat can also influence our mood and focus. Eating a proper diet before and during your round can keep you even keel and stable.
For the meal before your round it is recommended to eat something rich in carbohydrates. Fats and proteins should be consumed in smaller amounts as they take longer to digest. We are also looking for something familiar. Eating something you have never had before could cause issues that we do not want to deal with on the golf course.
Carbohydrates during the round are also recommended. You are able to use that energy faster than proteins and fats. Try to eat something every hour on the golf course to promote consistent levels.
Hydration is something that is important, not only when it’s hot, but, even on a cool cloudy day. Try to drink anywhere from .5-1.5 cups of water every hole, or as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable.
Suggestion: Add a pinch of salt to the water! For us to absorb all the water we are drinking, we need to have a proper balance of electrolytes. Just a pinch can help your body absorb the water it needs.