One question I get a lot is: What do you eat during a tournament week?
I love a good routine, and people who spend a lot of time with me can answer this question pretty quickly!
When you’re competing, the last thing you want is to overthink your meals or experiment with foods your body isn’t used to. I stick to simple, nutritious foods that I know make me feel my best.
Airbnbs Over Hotels
Hotels have gotten so expensive over the past few years, which is why I’ve become a huge fan of staying in Airbnbs whenever possible.
I also stay with host families at some tournaments (probably about 30% of the season), and I’m always incredibly grateful for their hospitality and they have become like second family to me.
Whether it’s an Airbnb or a host family, having access to a kitchen is a game changer. After spending all day at the golf course, there’s something comforting about making a simple meal instead of ordering takeout for the fifth day in a row.
Although… I’ll admit, nothing quite beats Thai takeout after a long day on the golf course.
The Grocery Delivery Hack I Use Every Week
One of my favorite travel perks is the complimentary Walmart+ membership that comes with the American Express Platinum Card.
It includes free grocery delivery, and I use it constantly during tournament weeks. If I’m not sure exactly when I’ll arrive, I’ll schedule a pickup order instead. This can be done with other grocery stores as well but you may have to pay for delivery/pickup if you don’t submit the order early enough.
A quick note for military families: many premium credit card annual fees are waived for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. That can make cards like the Amex Platinum especially valuable because of the travel and shopping benefits.
My Tournament Week Staples
These are the foods that almost always end up in my cart:
Pasture-raised eggs (I usually buy Vital Farms or Happy Egg — I love a bright yellow yolk)
Egg whites
Fairlife 2% milk
Good Culture cottage cheese
FAGE 5% Greek yogurt
Blueberries
Mango with Tajín
Sourdough bread
Avocados
Roma tomatoes
Bananas
Oaxaca cheese
KIND Breakfast protein bars (almond butter)
Chicken, salmon, or steak (usually ribeye)
Potatoes
Baby broccoli
Burrata
Honey
My Go-To Breakfast
Most mornings, I’ll make:
Two whole eggs with added egg whites, cottage cheese & oaxaca cheese
Toasted sourdough with olive oil, avocado, and tomato on top
Simple, filling, and packed with protein.
Easy Tournament Dinner
After a long day on the course, I keep dinner very straightforward:
Steak, chicken, or salmon
Roasted potatoes
Roasted baby broccoli
Burrata, tomato, and avocado salad
That’s it.
Nothing fancy. Just foods I genuinely enjoy and that help me feel energized and ready to compete the next day. I eat at home a couple days of the week and the rest will be easy and satisfying dinners such as thai food, sushi, indian, Chipotle, korean, or whatever else is available in the city we play in. I do love to explore new restaurants with friends so that normally happens a couple nights a week as well.
My Philosophy on Tournament Nutrition
It is not always easy to find healthy options when I’m on the road, tired, and hungry. I try my best and leave it at that. Having the option to make some meals in a kitchen is a huge plus and will make me feel a lot better than always relying on restaurant meals.
It’s less about following a perfect plan and more about having a few reliable staples you know your body responds well to. Part of the fun of traveling is also trying new places and it’s even better when you can do it with good friends!
What are your go-to meals when you’re traveling?
𖹭 Matilda