Demi van Stappershoef is an international student-athlete pursuing advanced education in sport management and fitness. Originally from the Netherlands, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Business from Keiser University and is currently completing her Master’s in Sport Management and Operations at Keiser University. A dedicated athlete with an international competitive background, she brings a unique European perspective to sports performance and business operations.
Demi van Stapperhoef on the importance of using caffeine as a competitive advantage in golf:
Caffeine is a widely studied ergogenic aid in sports known to enhance alertness, delay fatigue and enhance both physical and cognitive performance. It is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance, with approximately 74 percent of elite athletes using it before or during competition. However, the consumption of caffeine and its relevance to golf is only beginning to receive focused scientific attention. Golf presents a unique blend of physiological and psychological demands. How does caffeine affect performance in a sport where power, accuracy and mental focus are equally important? While there is little research on this subject, there is growing evidence that caffeine may improve the mental and physical qualities necessary to play golf at one’s best when used effectively. Currently, golfers train their swing, their strategy and their equipment, but ignore one of the simplest performance tools available — caffeine. As new research emerges, it may be time to rethink what’s in a golfer’s cup. After all, caffeine influences performance and mental focus in ways that go far beyond providing a quick surge of energy or simply feeling more awake. Its effects begin at the level of the central nervous system. As adenosine builds up throughout the day, it signals the body to slow down, resulting in feeling more tired. As adenosine accumulates in the brain, it results in feeling tired, less focused and mentally sluggish. Caffeine, which has a similar molecular structure to adenosine, binds to adenosine receptors after ingestion and prevents those fatigue signals from taking effect. When this happens, levels of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin remain higher, which results in improved mood, focus and overall alertness for most individuals. For many athletes, this edge is critical. For golfers, it can be game-changing.
Demi van Stapperhoef on the business impact of using caffeine as a competitive advantage in golf:
These neural changes translate into practical, measurable performance benefits. In fact, according to the Position Stand of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), caffeine can lower perceived effort by roughly five percent, which may account for nearly a third of the improvement in overall performance. This may sound small, but over the course of a long, physically and mentally demanding workout, it can help one maintain better technique, stronger decision-making and more consistent effort. For golfers, this could mean higher accuracy while putting, maintenance of swing mechanics late in the round or choosing a club with confidence even when exhausted. Caffeine’s influence on precision becomes particularly relevant on the greens. In one particular study, golfers who consumed a small amount of caffeine with carbohydrates made more putts from two and five meters during the final six holes, at the exact time when focus usually drops. Those late-round putts are often the difference between a top 10 finish and taking home the trophy.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please demivanstappershoef@gmail.com.
