How to manage your energy on a long golf course

Over an 18-hole round, knowing how to manage your energy can make a real difference to both your performance and your enjoyment of the game. Nutrition, hydration and pace of play all play a part in preparing for a full round.

Find your rhythm from the first few holes

It is easy to get carried away by the good feeling of the opening holes and walk faster than necessary. You might also find yourself trying to make up time between shots or approaching every hole with too much intensity. That initial effort can catch up with you when there are still several holes left to play.

Find a comfortable pace and stick to it. There is no need to rush between shots or hurry through your pre-shot routine. Walking at a steady pace and making the most of natural breaks in play will help you conserve energy for the closing holes.

It is also worth considering how much time you spend over each shot. An overly long routine can create tension and disrupt your rhythm. Prepare your shot, make a decision and play without unnecessarily prolonging the process.

What to pack in your golf bag to keep your energy up

A round can last several hours. During that time, particularly if you walk the course, it is worth having something to eat within easy reach. A banana, a handful of nuts or a cereal bar are practical options that are easy to carry and eat without interrupting play.

Don’t wait until you feel hungry to eat. Having small amounts of food throughout the round is generally more comfortable than eating a large amount once you start feeling tired. Heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and make moving around the course less comfortable.

Choose foods you know agree with you when exercising. You can also prepare your golf bag before leaving home, so you are not relying on finding something to eat halfway through the round. The idea is to have something available when you need it and avoid letting hunger affect your final holes.

Keep water close at hand

Playing in Mallorca during the summer months means paying particular attention to hydration. Sun exposure and high temperatures increase fluid loss, and tiredness can be accompanied by headaches, dizziness or reduced concentration.

Carry enough water and drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. On particularly hot days, avoid the hottest hours and look for shaded spots where you can take a break. The amount of fluid you need will depend on the temperature, the length of your round and the physical effort involved.

If the round is especially long or conditions are demanding, replenishing electrolytes may also be worth considering. In any case, preparation starts before you reach the course: arriving well hydrated makes it easier to get through the first few hours of play.

Walking, using a buggy and managing your effort

The distance between shots, changes in elevation and the characteristics of the terrain all affect how physically demanding a round can be. Your choice of transport also makes a difference. Walking all 18 holes requires sustained physical activity, while using a buggy allows you to save energy for other parts of the game.

If you prefer to walk, suitable footwear and a steady pace will help reduce fatigue. With a buggy, you can use the journey between shots to rest, although you will still need to walk between your ball, the vehicle and your next shot.

The choice will depend on your fitness, the conditions on the day and your playing preferences. At Golf Alcanada, you can check the buggy and trolley rental rates before booking. This is a useful way to plan your round around the level of physical effort you are comfortable with.

When tiredness starts to affect your game

At a certain point, fatigue becomes more than just a physical issue. It can become harder to judge distances, stay focused or decide which shot to play. Your swing mechanics may also suffer, particularly if you try to compensate for tiredness by hitting the ball harder.

In these situations, keeping your decisions simple is usually a good approach. Choose shots you feel comfortable playing, avoid unnecessary risks and take a few seconds to regain your focus before preparing for the next shot. There is little point in trying to make up for a previous mistake with a complicated shot.

Give your mind a break between shots, too. You don’t need to keep checking your scorecard or analysing every mistake. A short pause, a conversation with your playing partners or a few minutes without thinking about your next shot can help you refocus.

The final holes matter too

Accumulated fatigue becomes particularly noticeable towards the end of the round. Maintaining your posture, controlling your balance and repeating your swing can require more effort than at the start. This is a good time to pay attention to your pace, keep drinking water and avoid letting haste affect your final shots.

If you have maintained regular habits throughout the round, you will be in a better position when you reach this stage. The difference may come down to something as simple as having eaten at the right time, avoiding an unnecessarily fast start or taking a break when you needed one.

You don’t have to stick to exactly the same strategy throughout the day, either. If you notice that tiredness is affecting your game, adjust your goals and choose shots you feel confident playing. Making a sensible decision on the 16th hole can be far more valuable than trying to recover your score with a high-risk shot.

A day of golf at Alcanada

If you are planning a full round in Mallorca, the Golf Alcanada course offers 18 holes and a range of services to help you organise your visit. You can check the available rates and offers, choose your preferred playing option and arrange the details of your round in advance.

You can also make use of the practice facilities, which include long-game areas, putting greens, short-game areas and practice bunkers, as well as Toptracer technology. If you would like to work on specific aspects of your technique, the Alcanada Golf Academy offers personalised lessons for different playing levels, delivered by PGA-certified professionals.

Plan your day, find a pace you can maintain and give yourself time to enjoy all 18 holes. The aim is to reach the final green already looking forward to your next round.