Does a champion make a sandwich or a sandwich make a champion? Last weekend at the Honda Classic, the latter proved more accurate. It was hard to miss Columbia’s Camilo Villegas eating his pre-packed sandwich on the 7th hole during the final round. Perhaps, we can contribute the victory to the resident chef at the PGA National Resort and Spa.
All kidding aside, this sandwich highlights the fact that – when it comes to preparation – PGA champions leave no stone unturned. This begins with packing your bag.
Apart from golf balls, tees, gloves, rain gear, pitch fork and the other obligatory items, golfers consistently forget one item: healthy snacks and drinks to keep hydrated and focused for 18 holes.
As golf becomes increasingly more competitive at every level, good nutrition and hydration have assumed an important role. To fully maximize all the hours of hard work you put into developing your skills, your body also needs the right kind of fuel. Try to pack a high-protein low carbohydrate snack and remember to eat before you get hungry. If you wait to get hungry on the course, it’s usually too late; your blood sugar is already dropping, causing subsequent difficulty in concentration. Julian Krinsky Master Golf Professional Grant Griffiths recommends that all his golfers, “pack healthy snacks in their bag such as fruit, nuts, chicken sandwiches, water and even protein shakes.” He reminds them constantly, “Stay away from fast foods and always remember the saying from Gary Player ‘Eat Hamburger, Play Hamburger.’”
This weekend is the Puerto Rico Open at Trump International Golf Club in Puerto Rico. Last year’s winner, Michael Bradley, won a purse of $630,000. Stay posted for highlights from the tournament and the lesson of the week.
AP Reuters reports that this could be the actual sandwich consumed.
