Nutritional Considerations for Elite Golf: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Golf performance traditionally prioritizes technical skills and physical conditioning.
• The significant energy demands and time commitment in golf necessitate adequate nutritional support.
• Existing research has largely overlooked the impact of nutrition on golf performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and consolidate current research on nutrition strategies for golf performance.
• To identify gaps in the literature regarding nutrition for golfers.
• To explore the role of nutrition in supporting elite golfers, including travel and supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on nutrition and golf.
• Analysis of energy demands and physiological requirements for golfers.
• Consideration of pre-game, during-game, and post-game nutrition, including hydration.
• Examination of travel impacts and dietary supplement use in elite golf.

Main Results:

• Golfers expend significant energy, requiring strategic fueling and hydration.
• Nutrition plays a key role in energy provision, recovery, and illness prevention for athletes.
• Elite golfers face unique challenges due to travel, impacting performance and health.
• Dietary supplements may offer performance benefits but require careful consideration.

Conclusions:

• Nutrition is an underappreciated yet critical factor for optimizing golf performance.
• Comprehensive nutritional strategies, including hydration and supplementation, are essential for elite golfers.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of nutrition on golf, particularly for traveling athletes.