At the Junior Golf Hub, we are so excited to host the AJGA Preview Series this spring! For players starting their AJGA career, the Junior Golf Hub Preview Series is a great place to begin! We’re supporting 15 tournaments this spring, and as you prepare for your own season, here are four quick keys to help you play your best golf.
1: Create a yardage book.
Before playing a competitive round, it might help to determine a specific game plan for each hole. Take your time scouting and mapping the course on which the tournament will take place. Pay attention to the terrain, bunkers, trees, hazards, greens and distances to holes. A yardage book can help you review not only specific yardages but personal notes about past wind directions. This is a way to help you to stick to your game plan and strategy. Knowing the golf course will give you the upper hand on tournament day.
2: Get a good night’s rest.
You can’t expect to play your best in a golf tournament unless your body’s rested and ready to function properly. Sleep improves memory and cognitive function, regulates metabolism levels, improves reaction times, protects against cardiovascular disease, and gives your body the energy it needs to battle through 18 holes. According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, teenagers (ages 13-18) need an average of 9 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep a night, so make sure you go to bed on time the night before a big tournament.
3: Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your golf tournament. Drinking water helps fight fatigue and heat exhaustion by lowering an athlete’s body temperature. Some people say “drink lots of water.” But how much exactly should you drink a day? The optimal amount of water to drink is half your body weight (pounds) in ounces per day. One thing to keep in mind is that other fluids do not count toward your goal of half your body weight in ounces. In fact, other fluids like sports drinks and soda can actually dehydrate the body, because it takes water to actually dilute these high sugar drinks before it is assimilated into the body.
4: Snack with an intention.
To gain that intangible, competitive edge both on the course and off, having strong nutrition will let you play your best. In addition to increased levels of energy, mental focus, and endurance, staying healthy results in longer lasting careers as an athlete. On tournament day, remember to eat nutrient-dense foods and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Fuel the body!
Enjoy the Journey!