Do you ever wonder what the players are eating during a tournament? It varies among the players depending on what they like, but most of them do eat in the official player dining room at each tournament. The food selections in player dining also vary from tournament to tournament because each venue is responsible for providing the food for the LPGA players, caddies, and staff. Food is available for breakfast and lunch throughout the practice rounds and official tournament days. There are also snacks and beverages in the player locker room and at various holes along the course. In general, players prefer plain grilled meats and fish; rice, pasta, potatoes without any heavy sauces; steamed or roasted vegetables; brothy soups; and fruit. Here are some of the players’ favorite things to eat and why I suggest them. 

Omelet Station:

Why players like it: They can get eggs freshly cooked the way they like them: omelet with assorted vegetables and meats, scrambled, fried, or egg whites only. While it takes a little extra time than scooping from a pan of scrambled eggs in a buffet line, they know the ingredients are fresh and made to order.

Why I suggest it: The players control the ingredients, including how much butter, oil, and salt is added. They can determine what goes into the preparation of their food, and they can watch as it is cooked so they can make sure it is to their specifications. It is also a great way to consume more vegetables each day.

Salad Bar:

Why the players like it: It is a common challenge among players to get in enough vegetables every day when eating on the road. Restaurants don’t often have a good variety or prepare them the way the players like.

Why I suggest it: A salad bar full of leafy greens, fresh vegetables, lean meats, legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds helps them get necessary nutrients for staying healthy and not feeling weighed down by a heavy meal before they play.

Sandwich Station/Peanut Butter and Jelly Station:

Why players like it: When they are limited for time, players can quickly make a sandwich and take it on the go. They also control the ingredients, so the sandwich is prepared exactly how they want it.

Why I suggest it: When a tee time eliminates the opportunity for lunch in the middle of the day, I often suggest that players take a sandwich out on the course with them. When they play through lunch time, and it has been hours since they ate breakfast, snacks might not be enough to provide players the energy they need. On a hot day, deli sandwiches can spoil quickly, so peanut butter is a great option.

On Course Snacks:

Why players like them: Snacks players like to eat on the course include bananas, apples, granola bars, protein bars, nuts, and trail mix. They like bars with natural ingredients and that don’t have too much sugar.

Why I like them: I always suggest players take their own snacks out on the course with them, but sometimes they don’t take enough. Having healthy snacks available on the course that contain both protein and carbohydrates can help provide them with a good balance of nutrients to maintain physical and mental energy.