Why Do You Get Tired After Playing Golf in Thailand? The Amount of Fluid Lost Over 18 Holes and the Importance of Hydration

Why do you feel tired after golfing in Thailand?

After golfing in Thailand, have you ever experienced:

"I was more tired than playing in Japan."
"I couldn't concentrate in the latter half of the game."
"I was exhausted after the round."

Thailand is one of the world's leading golf destinations and is very popular among Japanese golfers. However, due to its significantly different climate from Japan, the physical toll it takes on your body also changes.

One easily overlooked aspect is hydration.

Even among Japanese golfers residing in Thailand, it's not uncommon to hear comments like, "I was fine in the first half, but suddenly felt tired in the second half," or "I felt much more fatigued after the round than I expected."

What's different about golfing in Thailand compared to Japan?

The charm of Thailand is that you can enjoy golf all year round.

However, unlike the comfortable golfing environment in Japan during spring and autumn, Thailand has distinct characteristics:

• High temperatures
• High humidity
• Strong UV radiation

Especially during the hot season (March to May), temperatures often exceed 35℃, and you may feel the heat even in the shade.

Moreover, even during the dry season, temperatures can be similar to early summer in Japan, which can be hotter than expected for visitors from Japan.

How much water is lost over 18 holes?

The amount of perspiration varies greatly depending on age, physique, temperature, humidity, and activity level.

It is generally known that prolonged sports in a hot environment lead to significant sweating.

Golf is often not considered an intense sport, but an 18-hole round typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.

During this time, your body continuously loses water due to:

• Walking
• Swinging
• Exposure to UV rays
• High-temperature environment

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of hydration even if you don't feel thirsty during play.

The Impact of Dehydration on Golf Performance

Golf is a sport that demands concentration.

Dehydration can lead to:

• Reduced concentration
• Impaired judgment
• Increased fatigue
• Decreased performance

Especially in the latter half of a round, if you feel:

"I can't make putts."
"My shots are inconsistent."
"I'm more tired than I thought."

It's possible that heat and dehydration are contributing factors.

Recommended Hydration Timings for Golfing in Thailand

The basic rule for hydration is to drink:

"before you feel thirsty,"

rather than:

"after you feel thirsty."

Here are the recommended timings:

Before the Round

Hydrate at least 30 minutes before your tee time.

During the Round

Aim to replenish fluids little by little every 3-4 holes.

During Lunch

Be mindful of hydrating in preparation for the back nine.

After the Round

It's also important to replenish any lost fluids.

Heatstroke Prevention Items to Bring for Golf in Thailand

To play comfortably, heatstroke prevention is essential.

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Cooling towel
• Change of clothes
• Drinking water

Especially in Thailand, you tend to sweat a lot, so having a change of clothes ready will keep you comfortable after the round.

Golfing in Thailand: Seasonal Overview

Dry Season (November - February)

This season is relatively comfortable and popular for golf trips.

Hot Season (March - May)

It's the hottest time of the year, so hydration and heat counter-measures are especially crucial.

Rainy Season (June - October)

While squalls can occur, it's often possible to play in the mornings on many days.

Due to high humidity, be mindful of fluid loss from perspiration.

Choosing easily drinkable water is also important

Since you'll be hydrating for long periods during golf, choosing water that's easy to drink is also important.

ONSENSUI99 (Hot Spring Water 99) is natural alkaline hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

It's ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L, characterized by its smooth taste.

It's natural water that's easy to incorporate not only into daily hydration but also as drinking water during outdoor activities like golf and walking.

Summary

Golfing in Thailand offers the appeal of year-round enjoyment, but due to its different climate from Japan, it consumes more physical energy and fluids than you might expect.

To enjoy a comfortable round, it's important to be mindful of:

• Heat countermeasures
• UV protection
• Planned hydration

Why not consider hydration as much a part of your golf preparation as your clubs and apparel?