Coffee before the round, a drink at the turn and a beer at the 19th hole are common golf rituals. But caffeine and alcohol both affect your body in ways that can help or hurt your golf. Here's what to know.
This article is general information. Follow medical advice regarding caffeine and alcohol for your own health.
Caffeine
Potential benefits
- Alertness for early tee times.
- Focus later in long rounds.
Potential downsides
- Jitters and shaky hands, bad news for putting. Read how to hole more short putts.
- Faster tempo. Read golf tempo and rhythm.
- Disrupted sleep if taken late. Read golf and sleep.
Tips
- Stick to your usual amount.
- Avoid big doses before competitions if you're sensitive.
Alcohol
Effects on golf
- Coordination and timing suffer.
- Judgement: riskier decisions. Read risk and reward in golf.
- Balance on slopes and in bunkers.
- Dehydration, especially in heat. Read hot weather golf.
Safety
- Never drive a car or golf cart after drinking. Read golf cart etiquette.
- Follow course rules about alcohol.
- Watch for heat illness: alcohol makes it more likely.
Hydration
Alternate with water and follow what to eat and drink on the golf course.
The 19th hole
Golf's social side is part of its charm. Enjoy a drink after the round, responsibly. Read golf traditions and customs.
Timing caffeine around a round
- Before the round: a moderate amount of caffeine 30–60 minutes before teeing off may improve alertness for some golfers.
- During the round: small amounts can help in the second half of a long round, but large doses can bring jitters.
- Late tee times: caffeine in the afternoon can affect sleep that night. Read golf and sleep.
- Know your tolerance: golfers who don't usually drink caffeine are more sensitive to its effects.
Caffeine, nerves and putting
Caffeine can increase heart rate and tremor in some people. That's rarely an issue for full swings but can be noticeable on short putts and delicate chips. If you suffer from first-tee nerves or the yips, experiment with less caffeine before important rounds. Read first-tee nerves and putting yips.
Alcohol and performance
Even small amounts of alcohol can affect:
- Coordination and timing, including tempo and contact.
- Judgement, such as club selection and risk-taking.
- Balance, especially on sloping lies.
- Heat tolerance, since alcohol contributes to dehydration.
Some golfers feel a drink "relaxes" them, but the effect on fine motor control usually outweighs it. In competitions, many golfers save alcohol for after the round.
Golf carts and safety
Alcohol and carts don't mix. Many cart accidents involve speed, sharp turns or slopes, and alcohol increases the risk. Follow course rules and never drive a cart, or a car, after drinking. Read golf cart etiquette and golf course safety.
Better drinks for the course
| Drink | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water | The best choice; sip regularly |
| Electrolyte drinks | Useful in heat or long rounds |
| Diluted fruit juice | Gentle energy |
| Coffee or tea | In moderation, earlier in the day |
| Alcohol | Best saved for the 19th hole, in moderation |
Read what to eat and drink on the golf course.
Frequently asked questions
Does coffee help golf?
Moderate caffeine can help alertness, but too much can cause jitters.
Does alcohol affect your golf swing?
Yes, it impairs coordination, balance and judgement.
Can I drive a golf cart after drinking?
You shouldn't. It's unsafe and often against course rules.
What should I drink during a round?
Mainly water, with electrolytes in heat.
Does caffeine make you hit the ball further?
There's no reliable evidence that it adds distance for golfers. Its main effect is on alertness.
Is it OK to have a beer during a round?
Many casual golfers do. Know the course rules, drink water too, stay within your limits and never drive afterwards.
The bottom line
Use caffeine sensibly, keep alcohol for after the round if you want to play well, hydrate with water and never drive after drinking. For more, read golf course safety.