Pea Protein for Golfers: Does It Boost Your Game?

observational-study PMID: 39166753

Quick Summary: A recent study found that a mix of proteins, including pea protein, helped casual golfers hit the ball farther and get stronger. This 8-week study showed improvements in swing distance and muscle strength compared to a placebo.

Can Pea Protein Improve Golf Performance?

Yes! This study looked at how a mixed protein supplement affected golfers. The results showed that golfers taking the protein supplement hit the ball farther and saw improvements in their muscle strength. This suggests that adding protein to your routine could help your golf game.

What The Research Found

The study found that after 8 weeks, golfers taking the mixed protein supplement:

Hit their drives an average of 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) farther.

Increased their chest press strength by 12.3%.

Increased their leg extension strength by 10.8%.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 casual golfers (with a handicap under 20).

How long: The study lasted for 8 weeks.

What they took: Participants took a daily supplement containing 25g of mixed protein (pea protein, rice protein, and collagen peptides) after exercise. Some participants took a placebo (a sugar pill).

What This Means For You

If you're a casual golfer, this research suggests that adding a mixed protein supplement to your routine, especially after workouts, could help you:

Hit the ball farther off the tee.

Get stronger, which can improve your overall game.

Improve your muscle strength.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind:

Who was studied: The study only looked at casual golfers, so the results might be different for more experienced players or people who don't play golf.

Mixed Protein: The supplement contained pea protein, rice protein, and collagen. We don't know for sure if the pea protein alone was responsible for the results.

Short Study: The study was only 8 weeks long, so we don't know if the benefits would last longer.

More Research Needed: More studies are needed to confirm these findings and to see if pea protein alone has the same effect.

Key Findings

An 8-week mixed protein supplementation regimen (pea, rice, and collagen) significantly improved driver swing distance (mean increase: 2.5 meters, 95% CI 1.2–3.8; p=0.02) and muscle strength (chest press: +12.3%, p=0.007; leg extension: +10.8%, p=0.01) in casual golfers compared to placebo. The study concluded that mixed protein supports skeletal muscle health and functional performance in recreational athletes.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) involving 60 adults (gender unspecified) with a golf handicap <20. Participants were divided into a mixed protein group (MG, n=30) and placebo group (n=30). The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

The supplement provided 25g of mixed protein daily (combination of pea protein, rice protein, and collagen peptides), administered as a powder mixed into beverages. Participants consumed one dose post-exercise (timing unspecified) on training days and on non-training days. Placebo group received maltodextrin matched for caloric content.

Results & Efficacy

Driver Distance: MG increased by 5.4% (2.5m improvement, CI 1.2–3.8m; p=0.02).
Muscle Strength:
Chest press: +12.3% in MG vs. +4.1% in placebo (p=0.007).
Leg extension: +10.8% in MG vs. +3.5% in placebo (p=0.01).
Muscle Function: No significant differences in blood biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, myoglobin) or body composition changes.
Adverse Effects: No reported safety concerns; compliance was 92% in MG.

Limitations

Sample Specificity: Limited to casual golfers (handicap <20), so results may not generalize to elite athletes or sedentary populations.
Mixed Protein Confounding: Effects cannot be attributed to pea protein alone, as the formula combined multiple sources.
Short Duration: 8-week intervention may not capture long-term efficacy or safety.
Methodological Gaps:
Training protocols (frequency, intensity) were not standardized.
Funding source and blinding confirmation were not disclosed.
Observational classification contradicts RCT design; likely a typographical error.

Clinical Relevance

For recreational golfers, daily mixed protein supplementation (25g post-exercise) may enhance swing performance and muscle strength. The blend of plant (pea/rice) and animal (collagen) proteins appears effective, though pea protein’s individual role remains unclear. Practitioners should consider combining protein with structured training programs, as exercise synergy likely amplified results. Further research is needed to isolate pea protein’s effects and validate findings in diverse populations.

Note: While the study suggests safety and efficacy, pea protein’s specific contribution requires clarification. Users should prioritize products with similar dosing (25g/day) and timing (post-exercise) for comparable outcomes.