Pls advise me about performance

[Sai-Jin]

So I know that I start to get rather tired starting around the 13th / 14th hole .

I can't seem to swing at my full performance anymore, unless I start eating and getting more energy.

I was told by a pro that rather than swinging and crushing all my drives and irons, it'd be best if I swing at 80% through out the round

consistently.  The one thing that makes my shot worse is the fatigue on my left leg and hip mainly.

If Erik and other more experienced golfers can give me a routine / tip, it'd be appreciated.

PS: I have to admit that I'm stubborn and too proud to not swing at 100% . . . perhaps I need to learn.

[phillyk]

Well, it can depend on age.  But, in any case, a good way to start is exercise more.  Take a jog every other day or so.  Keep your body loose and in the best shape that you can keep it.  Get dumbbells and do exercises with those every other day.

I'm like you though.  I hate not being able to swing 100% when I'm getting to the end of my round. But, that only really happens in the beginning of summer, because once summer comes, I'm literally playing and exercising every day along with working.  By doing so, I can play 36 holes in one day carrying my clubs and not be tired.  You just have to play or exercise often and eventually you'll be able to play a full 18 holes and not get tired.

[Tifosinumerouno]

I think you in part answered your own question. I'd bring something in my golf bag to snack on or grab something when you make the turn. Your body needs fuel to operate correctly.

[Sai-Jin]

Do you guys know if Gatorade can replace some of the food intake?

[Zeph]

Crazy thought perhaps, but if food and drink give you energy, how about taking some in after nine holes? I usually got a sandwich or something in my bag that I eat at halfways. I may also have a chocolate I eat later in the round. Always carry lots of water through the round.

[Sean Dainty]

Having food throughout the round is extremely important - especially if it is hot out (water will keep you hydrated, but you also need to keep up your energy). What I find most effective is to eat a banana (Tiger Woods does this every round) and/or trail mix. Since there is little sugar in these, you won't have a crash period and your energy will remain throughout the round. Hope that helps!

[mattttt25]

Exercise and shed some pounds.  I was in no way fat, but the last several years I didn't regularly exercise.  I always joked that a round of golf should only be 15 holes, as that was when I got tired.  I felt it with other activities as well.  I had enough this year.  Since the holidays, I've worked out 5-6 days a week and dropped 12 pounds so far.  I feel a thousand times better.  I've only played two rounds this year, but I never felt tired and was ready for another 18 when done.  The exercise is definitely paying off for golf and other activities.

[Sai-Jin]

Banana for some reason gives me a bit of stomach issues if I eat it during the round and by itself.

But I'll try the trail mix + gatorade this time. As long as it's low in fat.

[GaijinGolfer]

A peanut butter sandwich is a good idea if a bananna gives you an upset stomach.

[Sai-Jin]

  TitleistWI said:

Originally Posted by TitleistWI

A peanut butter sandwich is a good idea if a bananna gives you an upset stomach.

Hmmm.... that's actually a good idea. cheap and easy to make and carry around.

Just don't do the jam right? =P

[Tomboys]

  Sai-Jin said:

Originally Posted by Sai-Jin

So I know that I start to get rather tired starting around the 13th / 14th hole .

I can't seem to swing at my full performance anymore, unless I start eating and getting more energy.

I was told by a pro that rather than swinging and crushing all my drives and irons, it'd be best if I swing at 80% through out the round

consistently.  The one thing that makes my shot worse is the fatigue on my left leg and hip mainly.

If Erik and other more experienced golfers can give me a routine / tip, it'd be appreciated.

PS: I have to admit that I'm stubborn and too proud to not swing at 100% . . . perhaps I need to learn.

I can't say for sure, but IMO, the reason why the pro told you to reduce your swing down to 80% wasn't necessarily to reduce the in-round fatigue you're experiencing--albeit it can be helpful.  Rather, because very few golfers, if any, achieve consistent and optimal ballstriking when swinging at 100% on every shot.  Now, I'm not saying that 80% is the "correct" level to be swinging at.  Each individual is different.  So, that figure could be 90% or it could be 70%; it really depends on the person.  But, overall, at 100% on every shot?  Probably costing you more strokes than you're saving.  However, if you're that one special golfer that experiences his absolute best and most consistent ballstriking at 100% on every shot, then I tip my hat to you and say well done.

[Sai-Jin]

THanks for the tip. I think you are right, I guess to be more clear on my end, it feels like I'm swinging 100% almost all the time, but it depends on my stamina level.

I do miss my shots when I swing at full speed, when I'm tired and that's usually the clue for me to slow down more.

So I'm just looking for a consistent level of power / speed to swing from start to finish.

[BostonSully]

  Sai-Jin said:

Originally Posted by Sai-Jin

Do you guys know if Gatorade can replace some of the food intake?

Yes Gatorade + Water + Powerbar/energy bar (If your too good for the classic hotdog). Is enough to replenish eloctrolytes and rehydrate and provide carbs for energy. As far as actualy muscle fatigue goes, you need to strengthen your legs. Ride a Recumbent Stationary bike for 30-40 mins 2-3x a week upping the resistance near the end of the ride. Also strectch your legs out completely 3-4X a week. Look up Quad/Calf/Groin/Hamstring stretching excersizes and do those (just be careful not to overdo it and never stretch cold spend a few minutes on the bike first)

This should condition your legs enough to barely even notice the exertion of golf.

[Tomboys]

  Sai-Jin said:

Originally Posted by Sai-Jin

THanks for the tip. I think you are right, I guess to be more clear on my end, it feels like I'm swinging 100% almost all the time, but it depends on my stamina level.

I do miss my shots when I swing at full speed, when I'm tired and that's usually the clue for me to slow down more.

So I'm just looking for a consistent level of power / speed to swing from start to finish.

I understand where you're coming from.  I was a lot like you in that I used to "gun" every (full) shot because I equated "high-effort" with "high club-head speed" thereby giving me the "best" results.  I played like this for years and after each round (especially, the next day), I'd take a bunch of Advil for the muscle and joint pain I felt.  It wasn't until I went to an instructor who suggested that I back off my swing just a bit to see how much it affected my ballstriking.  So, I tried it.  Sure enough, while I lost a few yards on my best shots, I ended up being much more consistent with my ballstriking and my average distance actually went up because I hit the ball closer to the center of the clubface more often.  I couldn't believe the difference.  TBH, I'm not good enough to tell you if I'm swinging at 92% or 83% of my ability, all I do know is that it's not at 100% anymore.

Now, whenever I'm faced with a shot that has very little margin for error such as a tee shot that requires a long forced carry or a long and straight FW going for the green in two on a par 5, I try to relax and focus more on swinging smooth(er) rather than swinging hard(er).  Overall, I've found that by changing my mindset, I tend to be more successful with these shots and I'm able to play (relatively) pain-free.  So, the price (giving up a few yards) was definitely worth the payoff (better consistency and less physical pain).

[Sai-Jin]

That's a solid statement, thanks for sharing your experience...

I'm going to see about doing it smoother... I have to find the right timing for it since I'm not used to it.