How much water do you need during a round of golf? A guide for 18 holes and heatstroke prevention for golf in Thailand

How much water do you need while playing golf?
When playing golf,
Have you ever wondered:
"How many bottles of water should I bring?"
"Is one 500ml bottle enough?"
"How much should I drink when golfing in Thailand?"
Golf is often not considered an intense sport, but an 18-hole round typically takes 4-5 hours.
Furthermore, given Thailand's hot and humid environment, hydration becomes even more crucial than playing in Japan.

What kind of fluid is lost from the body during golf?
The human body sweats to regulate its temperature.
During golf, you continuously sweat due to:
- Extended walking
- Swinging motions
- Strong sunlight
- Hot environments
In Thailand especially, temperatures are high year-round, and it's not uncommon for days to exceed 35°C during the hot season (March-May).
Even if you don't feel thirsty during play, your body is gradually losing fluids.

Estimated water intake for 18 holes
The necessary amount of water varies greatly depending on:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Age
- Physique
- Sweat rate
Therefore, it's impossible to determine a single amount, but it is generally recommended to hydrate multiple times during a round.
For golf in Thailand, it is safer to prioritize more hydration than you would in Japan.
Many golfers prepare several 500ml bottles and drink frequently throughout their game.
Why is 'chugging water' not good?
Many people realize in the latter half of the round,
"I haven't drunk much, come to think of it."
However, it is more important to hydrate frequently with small amounts rather than drinking a large quantity at once.
Especially since golf is a long-duration sport, it's crucial to hydrate strategically:
- Before starting
- During the round
- During lunch
- After the round
It's important to hydrate strategically.

Recommended hydration timing for golf in Thailand
Before starting
Make sure to hydrate well before starting play.
Every 3-4 holes
The key is to drink small amounts before you feel thirsty.
During lunch
Hydrate in preparation for the back nine.
After the round
Don't forget to replenish the lost fluids.
Is water alone enough? Do you also need sports drinks?
As mentioned in the previous article, water and sports drinks each have their own characteristics.
The important thing is not
"which is absolutely better,"
but rather
"whether you can continue to hydrate without difficulty."
In Thai golf, fatigue due to heat is also a major factor, so it's important to choose a drink that suits you.
Choosing easy-to-drink water is also important
For long rounds, ease of drinking is also an important factor.
Some people say:
"I drink less in the latter half of the round."
"Drinking water feels like a burden."
ONSENSUI99 (Hot Spring Water 99) is natural alkaline hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L, characterized by its mellow taste.
It is natural water that is easy to incorporate as drinking water during long outdoor activities such as golf and walking.
Other things to keep in mind besides hydration for golf in Thailand
In Thailand's hot environment, heat countermeasures are also crucial, such as:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cooling towel
- Change of clothes
By combining these with hydration, you can enjoy your round more comfortably.

Summary
The amount of water needed during golf varies from person to person.
However, these points are common:
- Drink before you get thirsty.
- Hydrate frequently with small amounts.
- Be more mindful of hydration in Thailand than in Japan.
To enjoy a comfortable 18 holes, why not consider hydration as part of your golf preparation?
FAQ
Is one 500ml bottle enough for golf?
It depends on the temperature and your sweat rate, but for golf in Thailand, it's recommended to bring more than enough.
When should I drink during golf?
It's best to hydrate every 3-4 holes, before you feel thirsty.
Which is better, water or sports drinks?
Both have their own characteristics. It's important to choose what you can drink continuously with ease.
Should I drink more in Thailand than in Japan when golfing?
Thailand is hot and humid, so it's important to be more mindful of hydration than in Japan.

