While perfecting your swing and building physical strength are undeniably important, Dr. Troy Van Biezen, Performance Coach to World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and GolfForever Director of Performance, emphasizes that true golf performance extends far beyond the practice range or the gym. Often overlooked, the pillars of proper hydration, nutrition, and recovery are equally critical for sustained peak performance, especially for golfers of all ages.
Why It’s More Than Just Your Swing
“Your body is your ultimate piece of equipment,” Dr. Van Biezen often tells his clients, from PGA TOUR champions to dedicated amateurs. Just as you wouldn’t expect a high-performance car to run without the right fuel and maintenance, your body needs consistent support to perform optimally through 18 holes and beyond.
One of the most immediate and impactful areas Dr. Van Biezen addresses with golfers is hydration. It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about maintaining physical and cognitive function. “Three percent dehydration can significantly impact decision-making, reflexes, and even clubhead speed,” he notes. The subtle effects of dehydration, such as a slight dip in focus or a feeling of sluggishness, can quickly translate into missed putts, errant shots, and increased fatigue, especially during a five-hour round played in the sun.
Pre-hydration is key. Dr. Van Biezen advises proactive measures: “Drink water before you go to bed, drink when you wake up.” Waiting until you feel thirsty on the course means you’re already behind. For consistent performance, he suggests a simple rule of thumb: “Every third hole, you’re drinking a bottle of water.” Adding electrolytes, like those in his co-founded company LivPur, can further support muscle function and prevent cramping, crucial for maintaining power throughout the round. He’s seen even top PGA TOUR pros neglect this fundamental aspect, only to suffer the consequences later in their round.
Nutrition plays an equally vital role. Fueling your body with the right nutrients provides sustained energy and supports recovery. “You’ve got to eat,” Dr. Van Biezen insists, recommending smart snacks like bananas or protein bars during the round. He highlights the stark contrast between how tour players approached their bodies decades ago and now: “I remember guys getting off the golf course, having a smoke, having dinner, having a couple of beers, and leaving.” Today, it’s a meticulously planned regimen.
Recovery, the often-forgotten piece of the puzzle, is where the body rebuilds and adapts. After the stresses of a golf round, or intense training, proper recovery techniques are vital to prevent injury and prepare for the next challenge. For professional golfers, this might involve soft tissue work, cryotherapy, or post-round workouts to flush the system. For the everyday golfer, it means incorporating gentle stretches, proper rest, and consistent hydration and nutrition to help muscles recover.
Dr. Van Biezen points out that even without access to a full-blown gym or high-tech recovery tools, GolfForever members can significantly improve these aspects. The app provides cool down stretches and yoga options, aiding in gentle recovery.
Inside the Routine of a Champion
The shift in professional golf, spearheaded by athletes who prioritize their bodies, serves as a powerful testament to this holistic approach. “Scottie Scheffler has a routine from the time he gets up until the time he goes to bed every single day,” Dr. Van Biezen reveals, detailing how Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, plays an important role in supporting his diet and nutrition, as do many of the TOUR player wives — it’s a team effort outside and inside the home. This comprehensive care, encompassing physical preparation, hydration, and nutrition, ensures that players can maintain their physical and mental sharpness, especially during the demanding final holes of a tournament.
Train Smarter, Play Longer
For GolfForever members, it’s not just about hitting the ball farther, though that’s often a welcome side effect of a healthier, more prepared body. Ultimately, it’s about fostering longevity in your game, minimizing injury, and ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sport for decades.
