Factors Affecting Golf PerformanceRecently there was a short survey published on twitter and facebook regarding the factors affecting golf performance. Here are the results and some comment.
How much do you think that the following factors affect your golf performance during a competitive round of golf? Asking this question I knew that pretty much every golfer appreciates that all four factors are important and affect our performance in one way or another. This shows in the results with the biggest percentages all occurring in the last column. Interestingly however, nearly half of respondents do not feel that their physical condition affects their performance on the golf course. We know that physical condition is a factor in golf in some way as playing a game of golf entails:
A six mile walk Carrying/pushing all of your equipment Swinging at upwards of 80mph seventy or so times However, these factors do not necessarily need to affect golf performance if the golfer takes the following steps: Train the body so you are at a level of fitness that suits your golf game. Take steps to conserve energy in the round like using a trolley or buggy. Take steps to keep energy levels high such as consuming correct food and water. We might find that those golfers who do not feel that this factor affects their performance already take care of one or all of these steps. How seriously do you take the following before and during a round of competitive golf?
Do you prepare yourself for dealing with these factors? Understanding that most golfers accept that their performance is affected by the four factors outlined it is interesting to look at whether any steps are taken to improve performance by addressing those four factors.
Perhaps there is no surprise to find that most golfers improve their golf technique or mechanics or at least be aware of this factor. This is the most obvious characteristic of performance in most golfers eyes. Also I think that it is not a big surprise to see that nutrition/energy levels are seen to be taken care of by most golfers. This is the easiest factor to deal with as packing the bag with water or an energy drink for hydration and bananas and nuts for slow energy release is an easy and effective way of keeping energy levels up through a round of golf. As a note I tend to make it a habit to eat and drink every three holes. I find that otherwise I forget and only realise when I feel hungry or thirsty. However by this time it is too late my energy levels are down and my performance is already affected. Also important is to not drink fizzy, caffeine laden drinks or sugary sweets. With this type or food/drink we get an initial high but crash very quickly which can adversely affect performance. The physical conditioning/fitness aspect we have already investigated earlier. I think that the biggest surprise is to see that most golfers realise that nervousness or concentration is an issue but not many do anything about it. Nerves or concentration can be managed in many different ways and there have been many books written on the subject. Again with a little practice this is a very easy factor to address to improve your chances of playing well. For a few ideas on dealing with first tee nerves see my article here For an introduction on pre-shot routine see my article here |
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