We have reached the dog days of summer! Do not give up playing golf just because it is hot. I have a few tips that can help you play your best golf even in the hottest of conditions. First of all, you know it’s going to be hot so you have got to start preparing your body to hold up for 18 holes of golf in 90+ degree temperatures. If you are going to play a round make sure to spend the day before and the night before your round drinking as much water as possible. At least 2 16 oz cups of water before bed should get your hydration started. When you wake up you want to immediately start drinking water, another 2 16 oz cups should help you get hydrated before your round. Do not stop there. You ought to drink constantly when you are on the course. Your body is 60% H2O so you need to keep fueling your body when on the course. You will be sweating out a lot of fluids so you need to replenish them while you play and perform or else you will run out of steam on the back 9 and lose a good round. PGA tour players drink 16-24 oz of water every 3-4 holes! That’s 4 large glasses of water during a round of 18 holes. Most courses have place to fill up about every 6 holes. When you stop at a water cooler/fountain fill up you cup and drink some while you are there. If you are properly hydrated it will help keep you cooler on the course and your brain/body will function better. Also, drink plenty of water when you finish you don’t want to get dehydrated after the round either. A few other tips that can help get your body and mind ready for a 4 hour round in the heat are; to make sure you are eating healthy foods. Try to avoid processed foods and fried foods. Fruits and veges are always a plus. Make sure you are eating while on the course. Carry some nuts/dried fruit in your golf bag and munch on something in between holes. Lastly, make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. The average adult needs to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep. To get the most out of your game when the conditions get tough it requires more than just hitting balls on the range. IF you would like some tips on getting yourself in shape to play your best golf of your life please let me know.