by Jessica A. Tucker

Created on: June 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2009

On a hot summer's day, a blustery stormy afternoon, or simply a day you're not feeling fully up to par, there are several reasons a golfer may struggle with fighting feelings of fatigue on the golf course. What is important is how these feelings are dealt with.

As in life, the best way to fight fatigue is to start your day off properly with a good night's sleep. Proper rest is highly underestimated in the age of multitasking and twenty-four hour work days. The night before a big round of golf, I always try to get a good eight to ten hours of sleep under my belt, plenty of liquids and a nice wholesome dinner in my belly before bed. Also similar to life, any extra emotional or mental stress a golfer may be enduring, golf or non-golf related, plays a big part in fatigue levels.

Another key point in fighting fatigue on the golf course is keeping properly hydrated... with the correct liquids. Beer, coolers, pop, and sugary energy drinks are not the answer. In the forty degree summer swelter, water is of the utmost importance. Good old fashioned H2O and electrolyte-rich PowerAde type drinks will keep you properly hydrated and hopefully one step ahead of that extra push of energy you always seem to need to muster up on the sixteen tee box. A nice cold glass of water always pushes me through a flare of fatigue better than anything else.

Proper nutrition is also important when considering staying alert on the course. Healthy foods such as fruits, veggies and nuts are essential. Oranges are a perfect, Vitamin C rich snack, found to help with alertness and rejuvenation. Trail mix and jerky products can assist in energy boosts which will also help you get through those luring eighteen holes. Before that Sunday morning round of golf, I find it also helps to enjoy a nice bacon and egg breakfast in the clubhouse before hitting the first tee, to curb any on course hunger pains. My all-time favorite has to be a BELTCH (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar on a Kaiser) with a side of hash browns.

So, to eliminate any struggle with fatigue you may encounter on the golf course; eat a yummy dinner, hit the sack early, scarf down a big greasy breakfast before you go and pick up enough liquids to keep you happy for the round. If you find it necessary to indulge in some wobbly pops on the course, just make sure you are drinking the same in water and have a designated driver for your way home; because these pops will most definitely intensify the onset of fatigue during a hot, summer's day round of golf.

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