[DrKirkNoliss]

Have any of you ever played in a Golf Marathon event? I am about to take part in my first on April 9th. It will be a lot of holes in one day (I'm shooting for 72 realistically) but I was wondering if you had any advice how to prepare for something like this. 12 hours of nothing but golf... and some food and drink sprinkled in. I'll be doing a lot of stretching leading up to the event I'm sure.

The event is being put on by an Atlanta based foundation called, The James 1:27 Foundation. It was started by a friend of mine and a fellow Clemson Grad a few years ago. They partner with orphanages in Haiti and the Phillipines to help provide support. It is a really neat event. If you would be interested in playing, or helping out the foundation you can learn more at the following link... james127golfmarathon.com/jgadd . If you feel led to dontate please do so using the "Donate" button on the right side of this page, but it is not expected.

I really just need some advice on how to prepare. I have never played more then 18 holes in a day, and only played on back-to-back days twice. (sad, I know).


Thank you

[maxfreemann]

Stay Hydrated,Keep lots of pedialyte in your cart, it's pretty much flavorless like water but it's packed with electrolytes. Keep high carb snacks on hand, avoid sweet snacks so you don't get a sugar rush and then the crash. Bring extra socks, change them out every 9 holes so your feet don't get punished. Bring tape for any blisters that pop up, tape areas that are likely to blister to avoid them. Lots of rest and high carb meal prior to starting.

[ecosportpol_ru]

Stay Hydrated,Keep lots of pedialyte in your cart, it's pretty much flavorless like water but it's packed with electrolytes. Keep high carb snacks on hand, avoid sweet snacks so you don't get a sugar rush and then the crash. Bring extra socks, change them out every 9 holes so your feet don't get punished. Bring tape for any blisters that pop up, tape areas that are likely to blister to avoid them. Lots of rest and high carb meal prior to starting.

Lots of great advise here. Like Lt. Dan Taylor said, take care of your feet. A blister can make life awful miserable from the ground up. So changing out socks would be a good call. I know if it was me going into this, my course survival kit would be stocked with your favorite pain relief or headache medicine (I use Excedrin, because its the only thing I have found that can kick migraines), clean socks, sunscreen, several energy bars (avoid candy bars and the sugar), several packets of Amino Vital (playing 72 holes, I would recommend 16oz of the stuff for every 9 holes, bringing you up to 8 packets), medical tape to wrap fingers and wherever you get tore up at. Eating foods that take longer to digest, 24 hours and leading up to the tournament would be great. Pasta for dinner the night before, oatmeal for breakfast the day of? And pace yourself. It's a marathon. Maybe hit drivers at 70% starting out, and crank it up as you go along. Good luck.

[chadnezzrr]

Like the others have mentioned, stay hydrated and make sure you have plenty of snacks to eat if you need them. Nothing worse than to be starving with 6 holes to play. It zaps your energy and your play will suffer.

I agree with JeffReed on taking care of your feet. I'll take it one further and suggest you bring at least 3 different sets of clothes and multiple shoes and socks. Change your shoes, socks, and shirt after each 18 and your shorts/pants at some point if needed. You would be surprised how fresh you will feel starting a new round with a fresh, clean shirt and fresh shoes and socks.

[DrKirkNoliss]

Thanks for all the great advice. A lot of this is stuff I had not thought about. The idea to bring a change of clothes or two is great... and I had not even thought about my feet. I will be sure to take all of this advice and use it. Keep it coming if there is anything else someone can think of. I'm pretty excited to play. It should be a fun time. It's a better way to kick a week off then spending a Monday in the office.

[maxfreemann]

Might want to consider wearing some comfortable walking shoes or cross trainers instead of golf shoes, maybe even some flip-flops for between rounds to let your feet air out. 72 holes is a long time to keep your feet enclosed in shoes

[SAUNDERSAN]

Also make sure to drink plenty of water the next day. You might not realize it, but your body will be dehydrated the next day. Don't let the "hangover" linger further into the week.

[EtellaObtaite]

Also make sure to drink plenty of water the next day. You might not realize it, but your body will be dehydrated the next day. Don't let the "hangover" linger further into the week.

From military experience, I can say that you most definitely want to be drinking water prior to the event. Not just one day prior.. I mean.. start drinking the recommended amount as far out as you can.

Water intake: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

The Mayo Clinic suggests that 3 liters a day for an average, healthy male is sufficient. To me, that is a lot of trips to the bathroom. The article mentions the 8 glasses of water a day suggestion (1 glass = 8 ounces), and while it is not the full recommended amount, it could still be a great improvement over your current intake. Also, remember that foods offer water as well.

To echo the responses on this post and in the great words of my past Drill Sergeants: "Foot Powder and Water."

[opelonafqe]

I checked out the event flyer... Golf Carts & 3 foot gimmies! You'll be fine... Unless you get a really hot day, early April shouldn't be too hard on you...

Only having experienced 54 hole days & 90 hole weekends a couple of times, once during July around Louisville, KY, eating hot dogs & drinking adult beverages, it wasn't the day I was playing but the days after... Very sore hands & forearms...

Have fun & good luck!

[bikersfan]

Lots of great advise so far. If its April and one of your first times out a great sunscreen and lotion will make the experience a lot more enjoyable as well.