The 2024 Golf Performance Guide: Golf Fitness & Alcohol? It’s Complicated.

THE 2024 GOLF PERFORMANCE GUIDE

30-MINUTE GOLF WORKOUT | GOLF’S MENTAL GAME 

Research and studies have found the impact alcohol has on golf fitness is as varied as the impact the drug has on all levels of society

By Jim Bebbington

Golf and alcohol may seem to be meant to be enjoyed together, but many players and some courses are trying to keep alcohol consumption in its lane – enjoyed without interfering, or out of their golf games altogether.

Research and studies have found the impact alcohol has on golf fitness is as varied as the impact the drug has on all levels of society. The sport’s promoters point to golf’s benefits of health and outdoor fitness, but its culture includes cart girls and alcohol promotions at nearly every course restaurant.

(How complex is the relationship? Look no further than this magazine’s table of contents – we are offering in one section this article on the fitness impact of alcohol consumption, and in another cocktail recipes and a guide to the best sunset views for a post-round drink.)

In his 2020 book ‘Drink: The New Science of Alcohol and Health’ U.K. professor David Nutt explored the science and impact of alcohol consumption and notes that sports and alcohol are intertwined.

“Exercisers are more likely to be moderate drinkers and vice versa,” he writes. “What’s not known is why: Is it due to team sports or a go-hard-or-go-home living ethos? Or maybe some people exercise because they feel guilty about drinking.”

But the trade-off for golf is real.

The science shows drinking alcohol leads directly to dehydration. “Alcohol leads to fluctuations in blood sugar, a drop in muscle strength, and, of course, being tired,” Nutt writes. “It can also disrupt hormone levels – including the growth hormone, which you need for muscle gains.”

And yet it can also help boost confidence, and in some people – darts champions, for instance – it has repeatedly been shown to improve aim, Nutt writes. For some, it’s not enough to keep alcohol use in check when they golf. They need to avoid it altogether.

One Denver golfer turned to Reddit.com/golf last summer in hopes of finding a sober golf league. He was not alone.

“My vision is a group of like-minded people, sober/in recovery from alcohol or other substances, who would plan a golf outing 1-2x/month,” he posted. “Would be nice to build support lines this way, as well as getting out to golf with new people.”

Five people responded quickly that they too were interested. One Colorado golf operator said his course has recently experimented with ‘de-emphasizing’ the presence of alcohol early in the day. That meant fewer references to alcoholic drinks in the breakfast café, and not promoting alcohol until later in the day. The pace of play early in the day immediately improved, he said.

Nearly 20 people too are members of a ‘Denver Sober Golf Group’ who come together via MeetUp.Com to plan group outings and their own tournaments.

A survey of nearly 900 German amateur golfers done in 2021 found 40 percent said they drink alcohol while golfing, but when they play in tournaments the percentage rose to nearly 50 percent.

 

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Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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