You Golf the Way You Eat

About a year ago, I asked what you eat at the turn. In my research for that post, I discovered that eating at the turn is only half the battle. It's also about what you eat before your round (and the snacks between holes) too. Like most nutritionists say about all sports; Eating well leads to playing well.

But is this really true for golf?

Physically fit golfers are a rather new anomaly on the pro tour. Remember a few decades ago? Think about Jack Nicklaus, who until he trimmed-down for the 1970 season, was the subject of "fat" jokes. Or more recently, John Daly. I think those guys proved you don't have to be in top shape to play great golf.

OK, I know what you're thinking: "But those guys are far and few between - most golfers are thin." Perhaps, but let's forget about the pros for a minute and concentrate on the average weekend hack. Many of us stop at Dunkin' Donuts or McDonald's to grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich before our round.

Well, according to the vast majority of nutritionists out there, chowing on a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich before your round is disastrous. It may give you an initial boost of energy but by the back nine, you'll be dragging ass. I have to admit, I'm usually pretty tired for the last three holes...perhaps it's that Egg McMuffin coming back to haunt me. Or, perhaps it's because for the last 3 hours I've played 15 holes of golf!

Anyway, let's get back to whether eating "right" before and during a round matters or not. Consider the title of this post: "You Golf the Way You Eat." Well, I have fun eating and I have fun golfing. So I guess that statement is true.

OK, I know what you're thinking again: "That's not what that statement means!" No? Hmmm. I'm not sure what else it can mean. For me, I golf to relax...To unwind and have some fun. Why ruin it with a special golf diet?

Now I'm not telling everyone to eat comfort foods while playing golf...But I am saying: Do what makes you happy. Who cares if that hot dog and beer at the turn costs you a couple strokes on the last two holes? Unless I'm playing for money, I'd gladly give up the strokes for the dog and brew.

Now, I realize not everyone is like me. But if you're an average hacker and are forcing yourself to eat a specific way in hopes of lowering your score...consider this: You're not going to make the PGA tour. Ever. Not gonna happen. Not a chance. Pigs will fly first. Hell will freeze over and the sky will fall before you make a living playing professional golf.

But, I digress.

See? I bet that beer and hot dog are looking better already.

Despite the fact that Stinky Golfer Greg writes for this popular golf blog, he is in no way, shape or form qualified to be giving nutritional advice. Always check with your physician before altering your diet.

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