Picture this.It’s a bright Saturday morning. You’ve escaped weekend office calls, avoided social obligations, and reached your happy place — the golf course.
The clubs are shining, the tee time’s perfect, and your playing group is already discussing post-game butter chicken plans. But just as you line up for the 9th hole, it hits you. The sun feels stronger, your head feels heavier, and suddenly, you’re wondering if “fore” was a warning or your body crying for help.
If you’re over 40, recovering from COVID, and golfing in peak Indian heat, it’s time to rethink your game.
The Game Remains the Same, But Your Body Doesn’t
Let’s be honest. Most golfers in their 40s still believe they’ve got the stamina of a 28-year-old on the PGA Tour. But the reality is different.
COVID recovery has quietly changed the fitness levels of many golfers. Even those with mild or no symptoms often report lower endurance, fatigue, and a sensitivity to heat. Add in North India’s dry heat or the coastal humidity of Chennai and Mumbai, and it becomes a serious challenge for the body.
Based on medical observations, there has been a noticeable rise in heat-related issues among golfers above the age of 40. Post-COVID, many individuals experience reduced lung capacity, lingering fatigue, and increased sensitivity to heat. When combined with extended exposure to high temperatures during an 18-hole round, especially under the harsh Indian sun, the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke becomes significantly higher.
Why the Heat Feels More Brutal Now
- COVID kept us indoors. Many lost their routine fitness and have only recently returned to the game.
- After 40, the body’s ability to regulate heat naturally declines. Sweating slows down, and hydration becomes more critical.
- Dehydration kicks in quicker than you realize.
- Blood pressure and diabetes medications can increase heat sensitivity and reduce stamina.
Golf is unique. You’re walking, focusing, swinging, and staying outdoors for up to 4 hours. Unlike cricket or football, there’s no substitution or half-time.
Golfer Diaries: Heat Struggles Are Real
A few golfers in Delhi NCR shared their recent experiences:
- “I thought I was hallucinating on the 14th. Turns out it was just my caddie fanning me with a scorecard.”
- “My friend collapsed near the 16th green. We still made him finish the hole before calling the doctor.”
- “I wore a cooling towel. My wife thought I was filming for a wildlife survival show.”
Golf is fun, but Indian summers are not to be taken lightly.
What Golfers Over 40 Should Do Before Hitting the Course
Here’s a checklist every 40-plus golfer should follow, especially post-COVID:
Before You Tee Off
- Drink at least 500 ml of water 30 minutes before your round.
- Avoid alcohol the previous night. It dehydrates you faster.
- Have a light, energy-giving breakfast. A banana with toast or oats works well.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a cap or hat to protect your head.
On the Course
- Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing in light colors.
- Take short breaks every 3 holes. Sit in the shade when possible.
- Keep sipping fluids throughout the round. Electrolyte drinks, coconut water, or lime water are ideal.
- Watch for signs like dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, or confusion. Stop playing if you feel unwell.
After the Round
- Cool down in an air-conditioned space, not under a cold shower immediately.
- Continue hydrating. Water first, not beer.
- Avoid any high-effort tasks for the next couple of hours.
Tee Earlier, Play Smarter
Consider booking early morning tee times before 8 AM to avoid the worst heat of the day. If you feel fatigued, opt for a 9-hole round instead of a full 18. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
This game is about longevity. Play smart now to stay in the game longer.
A Final Word
Golf is a sport for life, but only if you respect your body and the conditions around you. If you’re over 40 and have had COVID, your body is telling you to be careful. And it’s better to listen to it than to be sidelined with a heat stroke.
Next time you step out to play in the scorching sun, ask yourself — do I want a birdie or a hospital bed?
Play Safe. Play Big.
Simply book a smarter round right now.
Share this with Your Foursome
If your golf buddy still shows up with zero water, drinks soda on the course, and brags about walking 18 holes without sunscreen, it’s time to forward this article to him.
Stay hydrated. Play early. Swing responsibly.
