Author of the image: Mats Soomre
Today we’re introducing you to one of the Da Vinci restaurant regulars, golf pro Mark Suursalu. Although Mark is best known as a professional golfer, he also has a passion for good, healthy food. We asked Mark about the relationship between food and golf, his food preferences and what brings him to Da Vinci restaurants every day when he’s back home.
Mark often spends half a day on the golf course: one round of golf lasts around 5 hours, and is preceded by at least an hour’s warm-up. Mark says that in addition to competing on the course, he needs to plan his meals so that his energy levels don’t drop during the competition. Often, when he’s on the golf course, he doesn’t start thinking about food until a couple of rounds before the end. “Sometimes you’re playing really well and then just before the end your stomach gets empty, which affects your concentration,” he explains. So Mark always checks before the start of the day to make sure he has enough food to last until the end. “I’ve learnt that I’d rather carry a little more than less, a golf bag is plenty.”
A good breakfast is a good way to prepare for a long day on the pitch, he says. “That’s where I don’t hold back,” admits Mark, “because sometimes you have to wait a long time for lunch.” Sometimes golf competitions start in the afternoon. Then he often eats pasta for lunch to keep his stomach full for longer. When he goes out, Mark packs nuts, fruit and snack bars. “There are no specific snacks allowed for competitors, but you can have a snack in between.” One of the most common snacks on the course, he says, is bananas, which are often served at the start. “Lately, I’ve also started eating dates. It’s a good way to keep your hands on the golf club,” Mark laughs.
For the last three years, Mark has been visiting Estonia to eat at Da Vinci restaurants between competitions. According to Mark, during the training period he has developed quite a regular daily routine. Usually he starts his day in the gym, from where he goes to Rocca al Mare or Kristiine Da Vinci restaurant for breakfast after training. With a full stomach, he sets off towards the golf course. Sometimes, after a round of golf, Mark also manages to eat dinner at Da Vinci or take it home from the restaurant.
Mark’s friendship with Da Vinci was strengthened a few years ago when one of the owners of the Da Vinci restaurant chain, a golfer, often spotted Mark dining at the restaurants. “To reach the top of the golfing world, which Mark undoubtedly aspires to, you have to put in a lot of effort and investment, as all competitions are paid,” explains Rain Uusküla, one of the owners of the Da Vinci restaurant chain. “As we play golf ourselves, we decided to support Mark with free meals at Da Vinci. This way, Mark doesn’t have to worry about eating in between practice sessions while he’s in Estonia.”
When dining at Da Vinci’s restaurants, Mark’s favourite is chicken fillet with vegetables and a tomato and rocket salad. During the summer, Mark also enjoys Da Vinci pistachio ice cream. “Fortunately, Da Vinci’s menu is wide enough that you never get bored of any one dish, even if you visit the restaurants often,” Mark says. When asked about Mark’s food preferences in general, he says he’s happy to eat anything. However, he places a strong emphasis on eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day. “A colourful plate would be good,” he sums up his food preferences.
We wish Mark a steady hand of golf and an accurate ball flight in the future and hope to see him back in Da Vinci restaurants soon!
