Hydration Strategies for Hot Weather Golf

We can pretend that they’re drinking water, right?

When the sun decides to turn your golf game into a sweat-fest, staying hydrated becomes as crucial as hitting the fairway. Yes, we're talking about those scorching days when your golf balls seem to sizzle on the fairway and your energy feels like it's evaporating right out of your pores. But don't let the heat beat you to a sweaty submission. Armed with the right hydration strategies, you can keep your cool, maintain your stamina, and maybe even outlast the sun.

Pre-game Hydration: Start on a Full Tank

Think of hydration as part of your pre-game strategy. Just as you wouldn't tee off without your clubs, don't start without ensuring you're well-hydrated. Begin hydrating the night before your game, especially if you anticipate hot weather. This means sipping on water or electrolyte-infused beverages throughout the evening and continuing right up until you hit the first tee. Entering the game well-hydrated sets a solid foundation, making it easier to maintain hydration levels throughout the day.

Water: Your MVP on the Course

While on the course, water should be your constant companion. Think of your water bottle like your favourite club—essential for every hole. The trick isn't just to drink; it's to drink consistently, even before thirst kicks in. By the time you feel thirsty, dehydration has already begun to creep in, subtly affecting your focus, energy, and even your swing. Aim for a few sips every hole to stay ahead of dehydration.
One trick I like to do is to have a sip of my drink as part of my pre-shot routine. I have a tendency to get too excited, and hit without properly thinking about the shot and options ahead. Having a drink to start my pre-shot routine is a great way to stay hydrated and slow myself down.

Sports Drinks: The Electrolyte Replenishers

On those particularly sweltering days, when sweat seems to be your most consistent shot, water might need a little backup. Enter sports drinks, the hero we need to replenish our electrolytes. These beverages can be a golfer's best friend, helping to replace salts and minerals lost through sweat. But use them wisely; consider alternating between water and sports drinks to avoid too much sugar, which can lead to energy crashes.
Easiest way to think about this, is that you should finish you bottle of water, and sports drink of choice, at the same time.

Timing Your Hydration: Not Just When, But How Much

Hydration isn't just about drinking fluids; it's about when and how much you drink. Drinking too much too fast can lead to discomfort and frequent bathroom breaks, while not drinking enough can lead to dehydration. A steady intake—such as a few sips every 15 minutes—can keep you hydrated without overloading your system. Listen to your body and adjust your intake based on your thirst, the intensity of the sun, and how much you're sweating.
As we mentioned earlier, having a sip as part of a pre-shot routine is a good way to stay perfectly hydrated.

The Role of Diet in Hydration

Hydration doesn't come from beverages alone; your diet also plays a crucial role. Foods with high water content, such as fruits (think watermelon, oranges, and berries) and vegetables (like cucumbers and lettuce), can contribute to your overall hydration. Incorporating these foods into your meals or snacks on the day of the game can provide a tasty and effective hydration boost.
On the other end of the spectrum are really salty snacks. These are perfectly fine to have on the course, but just keep in mind that you’ll need a little more water to offset the salt.

The Sunscreen and Hat Combo: An Unlikely Hydration Ally

While sunscreen and hats might not quench your thirst, they play a pivotal role in your hydration strategy. By protecting your skin from the sun's rays, you reduce the energy drain and dehydration caused by sunburn and excessive heat exposure. A broad-brimmed hat can offer shade and lower your body's temperature, while sunscreen protects your skin, keeping you cooler and more comfortable as you play.
Personally I do not like playing in a broad-brimmed hat, as I find it interrupts my peripheral vision. To compensate for this, on hot days I will wear sun sleeves to protect my arms from the sun’s potency, without risking overheating. 

Recognising the Signs of Dehydration

Staying hydrated requires mindfulness, especially when the game gets intense. Be aware of dehydration's early signs, including fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and decreased performance. Ignoring these signs can not only hurt your game but also your health. At the first sign of dehydration, take a pause, hydrate, and seek shade between shots if able.

Hydration Strategies for Different Age Groups

Hydration needs can vary by age. Younger golfers might have higher sweat rates and need more frequent hydration reminders. Senior golfers, on the other hand, may have a diminished thirst response, making it crucial to schedule regular hydration breaks, regardless of thirst. Tailoring your hydration strategy to your age and physical needs can ensure you stay at the top of your game.
Another factor that we see affect older golfers, is complication from medications. Some medications can include side-effects that may affect your hydration level or perception of hydration.

After the Game: Rehydration Is Key

Once you've sunk your final putt and the game is done, your hydration efforts should continue. Post-game rehydration is crucial for recovery, especially after a long day under the sun. Continue drinking water and consider a post-game meal with salty snacks or a sports drink to replenish electrolytes if you've sweated profusely.
Now, this doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to enjoy a celebratory drink in the clubhouse with your playing partners after the game, just be sure to have a water or two as well. 

Creating a Personal Hydration Plan

Just like your golf game, your hydration strategy can benefit from a personalised approach. Consider factors like your sweat rate, the day's temperature, and your overall health. Experiment with different hydration techniques during your practice rounds to find what works best for you. And remember, the goal is to enjoy the game without battling the heat.
Naturally we all do this already, but you can really optimise this with specific thought placed into a few of the factors we have gone through in this post. 

Final Thoughts

Playing golf is a marathon, and like all marathon’s, hydration is vital. Whether it be temperature, age, or drink preference, your own individual hydration strategy is important to factor into your next game.
We hope that this blog has been helpful to give you a full understanding of how important hydration is for all golfers. If you have any specific questions about hydration on the golf course, feel free to email us and we’ll do our best to answer.