Hydration Options for Summer Golf
The best options for golfers to quench thirst in high heat
Summer is just around the corner. Like many golf fanatics, you may be taking to the course even if it’s walking-only (due to COVID-19) heat indexes upwards of 100 degrees F.
Staying hydrated on any Central Texas golf course in late-May through October isn’t easy, especially if walking is the only option and limited water refill options are available due to social distancing.
Vacuum-sealed water containers are the best options for keeping your water cooler and more plentiful, relative to your 12 oz Ozark bottle.
Here’s my best picks of water vessels for quenching thirst on the golf course.
How much should I drink?
According to OSHA, people should drink 4 cups of water every hour (about 1 liter) when the heat index is moderate or high (between 91–115 degrees F). That’s going to be 4–4.5 liters in a typical round of golf.
This won’t be easy with social distancing measures in effect, so be sure to keep a stash of water in your car (or somewhere else) that you can access mid-round if no jugs or cart girls are accessible.
Carry-Bag Hydration: Camelbak Chute Mag 40 oz
This is the most difficult, when temps approach 90s. Lugging around a bag with 14 clubs, for 18 holes, doesn’t leave much cargo space for for fluids. As long as you can refill every hour or so, the Camelbak Chute Mag 40 oz bottle ($40) is the best option considering size, weight and cap. You’re still going to need to refill with jug water, from your car stash or at the clubhouse.
This bottle fits inside my largest carry-bag pocket and the smaller, twist-off cap makes it quick and easy to take a swig while walking (unlike the YETIs, with their bigger openings).
Cart Hydration: Camelbak Carry Cap 64 oz + Horizon 30 oz Tumbler
Got a cart? Load up. Not only will the shade and breezy drive keep you cooler (and a bit less sweaty), but make sure you have enough water with you for the whole round (or at least until you make the turn).
I like the Camelbak Carry Cap 64 oz bottle ($50) as the backup water resorvoir with the Horizon 30 oz Tumbler ($30) as my primary cupholder occupant.
YETI and Hydro Flask — what about the others?
Being an Austinite, I’ve been a YETI brand fan for years. But their generally heavier weight, higher cost and wide-mouth opening have deterred me.
It’s important to remember that while you’re walking (such as carrying a bag), you need something that’ll easily dispense water without splashing your face. YETIs Ramblers don’t offer this unless you add the pricey, heavy, bulky Rambler Bottle Chug Cap. No thanks.
Hydro Flasks are also popular with the wide-mouth opening crowd. While they do offer a Standard Mouth bottle ($35), it maxes out at only 24 oz, which will leave you thirsty just after a couple holes. They also make 40 oz Wide Mouth w/ Straw Lid bottle ($55) which would make dispensing easier, but also becomes leaky.
Let’s not forget about the Tumblers, the water carrier for your cart’s cupholder to take quick sips between shots. These are pretty comparable between all the brands, but Camelbak generally offers the best weight and value.
Hydrant — improve your water for high heat
It’s no secret that you’re going to lose sodium, potassium, calcium and other electrolytes while seating profusely from the fairway. There are sports drinks for that (obviously), but we know they can contain all sorts of calories, chemicals and coloring.
That’s why I’m a big fan of Hydrant —the online brand of rapid hydration powder packets that pack the right blend of quality and taste great. I add one of these per liter.
