Let’s be real—golf isn’t just a game. It’s a grind.
You’re out there for four-plus hours, trekking over six miles, swinging like a maniac, and mentally battling everything from bunkers to birdies to that one guy in your group who won’t stop talking during your backswing.
So how do you survive—and maybe even thrive—through all 18 holes?
Let’s break it down physically, mentally, and emotionally. (And yes, there’s a touch of innuendo. It’s golf. Let’s not pretend we’re above it.)
1. Pace Yourself — It’s Not a Sprint (It’s Fore-play)
The first five holes feel like a honeymoon.
By the turn, your back starts chirping.
By Hole 14, you’re questioning your life choices.
Here’s the move: swing smooth early on. Don’t go full Bryson on the first tee. Give your body time to warm up and find a rhythm. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Fuel Like a Pro (Not a Pub Regular)
If your golf diet consists of two beers and a sausage roll, you’re heading for a crash—and not the good kind.
Smart snacks make a big difference:
- Bananas (for the potassium)
- Trail mix or granola bars
- Hydration tabs in your water bottle
Skip the energy drinks and multiple coffees. They’ll spike your focus, then leave you jittery and sprinting to the loo by Hole 7. You want steady energy, not chaos.
3. Dress for Endurance
Eighteen holes means changing weather, uneven terrain, and shifting moods.
You’ll need:
- Layers (especially if you’re playing in Ireland)
- Moisture-wicking everything
- A spare pair of socks—because nothing kills back-nine confidence like a damp heel
And throw in sunscreen. Sunburn sneaking up on the 17th is a miserable way to end a round.
4. Win the Mental Game (Also Known as: Don’t Lose the Plot)
Golf is 90% mental and, let’s be honest, the rest isn’t far off.
Keep your head straight with a few key habits:
- Let bad holes go—they happen
- Use a simple pre-shot routine to reset
- Celebrate the small wins—a good chip or long putt keeps momentum up
- And remember: bogeys are boring, but birdies make you feel ten feet tall
5. Have the Right Gear
There’s a big difference between getting through a round and actually enjoying it. Your gear matters.
- A rangefinder removes the guesswork
- Bring a backup glove—no one likes slippage
- Keep a towel handy for sweat, rain, or emotional moments
- A decent hat can double as sun protection and a fix for hat hair
6. Hydrate or Fade Away
One word: water.
Not pints. Not energy drinks. Just actual water.
If you wait until you’re thirsty, it’s already too late. Dehydration leads to tired legs, foggy thinking, and bad decisions—like trying to carry a 230-yard pond with your three wood “just this once.”
7. Stretch, Move, Shake It Off
Don’t jump out of the car and start swinging like it’s the long drive championship. You’ll regret it by the fourth hole.
Stretch a little. Take a few easy swings. Walk between shots.
Tension creeping in? Shake it out. Literally. Loosen your arms. Bounce on your toes. Reset and carry on.
8. Finish Strong — Don’t Limp Home
Hole 16 hits hard. Everyone’s fading. This is the moment where a decent round can unravel—or be rescued.
Breathe.
Focus on one shot at a time.
Visualise what you want to do.
And if you need a bit of motivation, picture the pint and toastie waiting in the clubhouse.
The Real Win? Lasting the Whole Round
Lasting all 18 comes down to small choices made throughout the round—how you swing, what you eat, what you carry, and how you think. Keep your body fuelled, your mind clear, and your attitude light. Whether your scorecard’s a thing of beauty or a bit of a mess, getting through the round feeling good is a win every time.
