My PSA might sound like a no-brainer, yet as my season is beginning it is important to remember to say protected on the golf course. Our recent bout of very hot weather makes this PSA very important. Point of note: this is an article from previous posts. Hydration is a critical health requirement when playing golf and it is easy to overlook carrying water when playing. Personally, I always carry one litre of water as a minimum because I have felt the affects of dehydration on the golf course and it is not fun. Ensuring we are physically ready for playing golf in the heat will transfer to lower golf scores most of the time.

Most golf courses offer a plethora of beverage options. Sometimes, it is a challenge to choose the correct drink that will keep us at our peak performance. Personally, I avoid anything carbonated while playing; that includes alcohol. To be fair, I have enjoyed a cold beer on a hot day when playing, but that was happens once every few years. I believe that if I am there to play golf, I should set myself up for success by staying hydrated.

Choosing what to drink on the golf course is a personal decision. I do not care on way or another what others choose to consume, but as for me, I like water most. It is my personal choice and it works for me.

“Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Decrease in urination
• Dark yellow- or amber-colored urine
• Decreased skin elasticity
• Dry mouth and mucous membranes (lips, gums, nostrils)
• Low blood pressure

The amount of fluid a person needs a day varies depending on several factors, including their age and weight. A simple guideline for radiation therapy patients is that an adult under the age of 65 needs 30 milliliters of fluid per pound of weight, while a person over the age of 65 needs 25 to 30 milliliters of fluid per pound of weight.” (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

As the warmer temperatures start to become the norm, staying hydrated on the golf course is very important. I plan to play more golf in the afternoons this season, so the PSA is very important to my golf game. This is only one health related aspect we will be talking about as the season unfolds, but for now stay hydrated and keep safe.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!