As an athlete who played on the Ladies European Tour, every tournament is a chance to showcase your skills and compete at the highest level. But what many may not see is the extensive preparation that goes into each event. At Marie Birdie, we believe in not only providing stylish and functional clothing for the course but also in sharing the stories and insights from the world of women's golf.
TRAINING:
The road to success starts long before the tournament begins. It begins with rigorous training sessions aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. From weightlifting to yoga, every aspect of physical fitness is essential to ensure peak performance on the course.
FOOD:
Nutrition plays a crucial role in fueling the body for the demands of professional golf. A balanced diet consisting of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables helps me maintain energy levels throughout long days on the course.
REST:
Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Adequate sleep allows the body to repair and recharge, ensuring that I’m mentally and physically prepared to tackle the challenges of tournament play.
TRAVEL:
The life of a professional golfer often involves frequent travel to tournaments around the world. Managing jet lag, adjusting to different climates, and ensuring that equipment arrives safely are all part of the logistical challenges that players face. For domestic events, I aim to arrive 2-3 days prior to the tournament to acclimate to the climate, get accustomed to the green speeds, settle into the hotel, and transition into tournament mode. When traveling overseas, I extend my arrival time to 4-5 days ahead to allow for adjustments to new foods, time changes, potential elevation differences, and immersion into a different culture. This extra time helps me feel more prepared and comfortable when it's time to compete.
ROUTINE:
Establishing a pre-tournament routine helps me feel comfortable and confident on the course. Whether it's a specific warm-up routine, visualization exercises, or mental preparation techniques, having a consistent routine helps me stay focused under pressure.
MY PERSONAL ROUTINE:
Before any event, I have a personal preparation routine that helps me get into the right mindset for competition. It all starts with waking up early and going for a short walk to clear my mind. After a refreshing shower, I take a few minutes to meditate, centering myself and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. During the drive to the course, I mentally prepare myself for the challenges ahead, visualizing success and affirming my confidence. Upon arrival, I begin with stretching exercises to loosen up my muscles before heading to the driving range. There, I start with pitch shots to establish rhythm before progressing to hitting my irons and driver. After some time on the range, I return to pitch shots to fine-tune my short game. Finally, I spend a few minutes on the putting green, going over my yardage book and mentally replaying upcoming holes to visualize my strategy. This routine helps me feel confident and focused, setting the stage for success on the course.
PUTTING IN THE WORK:
Ultimately, success on the Ladies European Tour, or any tour is not just about talent—it's about the dedication and commitment to putting in the work day in and day out. The hours spent on the driving range, the discipline to stick to a training regimen, and the mental toughness to overcome setbacks—all of these factors contribute to the making or breaking of a performance on any given week.
MARIE BIRDIE
At Marie Birdie, we celebrate the journey of preparation and the dedication it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you're a professional golfer or a weekend warrior, we're here to support you every step of the way. So here's to putting in the work and chasing your dreams, both on and off the course.