Quietness or sharpness? Just one drink before teeing off can change your fate.
"That one drink" will affect your score
Mornings at golf are quiet. The green still has morning dew on it. A quick greeting in the clubhouse. As part of that routine, many players have coffee. A ritual to wake up, get your heart pumping, and get pumped. It’s become the “holy grail” of golfers’ mornings. But now that holy grail is being quietly repainted. A few drops of clear liquid — **CBD (cannabidiol)** — are suddenly emerging as a rival to morning drip coffee.
The concentrated power of coffee's "attack"
Coffee provides excellent concentration for instantaneous power. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, temporarily improving reaction speed and attention, and providing strong concentration at the beginning of the game. Many professional players drink strong espresso before a shot. Coffee is certainly effective in terms of a sense of alertness, a sharp swing, and short-term “heat.” However, on the other hand, the effects of caffeine last for a short time, and there is a risk that it will excessively increase the heart rate and promote tension. Especially in the second half of the game, where reading the wind, taking subtle lines, and concentration are tested, “too much concentration” can lead to mistakes.
Experience the CBD's "calming" zone
In contrast, CBD induces a state of concentration accompanied by tranquility.
This plant-derived ingredient does not have the psychoactive effects of THC, but works to balance the body and nerves. It is also approved for use on the PGA Tour, and is actively used by players such as Bubba Watson and Billy Horschel. They all talk about the feeling that they “no longer have to try to concentrate.” Even in pressured situations, their breathing naturally becomes more regular and their minds become clearer. Their hands do not shake and excessive tension disappears. CBD’s ability to “eliminate unnecessary thoughts” is particularly effective in delicate situations such as approaches and putting.
Who's closer to the "zone"?
In sports psychology, it is said that the “zone” is a state that you enter naturally, not through effort. Your swing is unconscious, and you can clearly feel the sound of the wind and the touch of the grass. It can be said to be a “dynamic meditative state.” Coffee can be a “booster” to the zone, but if your nerves are overly excited, it can actually block the entrance. On the other hand, CBD removes internal noise and guides you so that your distracting thoughts are quickly removed. It’s a feeling of slipping into the zone effortlessly. One player said, “When I played after taking CBD, I got birdies one after another without even remembering that I had hit the ball.” This is proof that he was playing without thinking, just by feeling.
What about scientific evidence?
In a study conducted at UCLA and a Canadian university, subjects who took CBD had an increase in alpha waves (a state between relaxation and concentration) and a decrease in stress hormone levels. On the other hand, coffee increases beta waves, shifting the brain into a more “awake combat mode.” In other words, CBD may induce a more suitable “brain wave mode” for golf, a sport that requires a balance between stillness and movement.
Listen to your playing style and your brain
Ultimately, which is the right answer depends on the player’s style. Coffee may be a good choice for players who want to get into the swing of things early in the morning. On the other hand, CBD will be a good choice for those who want to get their score in the second half or who tend to get nervous. The important thing is to know what kind of concentration you need to perform at your best. The zone is not something you can reach by working hard, but something that comes naturally. Is it the heat of caffeine or the serenity of CBD that opens the entrance? Your choice before teeing off may change everything that day.