Why Golf is good for your health

By Christina Ricci, LPGA, Author and Instructor/Journey for More Pars

1 DISEASE PREVENTION
There are a wide-range of physical benefits associated with golf. By undertaking physical activity such as golf, the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers Is significantly reduced. Golf is known to improve risk factors for diseases, including blood-glucose levels, cholesterol, and body composition
2 GOLFERS LIVE LONGER
Simply put, golfers live longer, have better overall physical health, and gain wellness/ mental health benefits. These associations are likely due to the golden combination of walking, muscular activity, and social interaction (amongst other factors).
3 QUALITY OF LIFE
Golf helps improve balance, function and strength – leading to an improved quality of life and enhanced health outcomes. Other benefits include improved cardiovascular risk-factor profiles; improved blood-glucose levels; and increased life expectancy
4 SPECTATING
Spectators at golf events have been reported to walk significantly further than the 7500 to 10,000 steps recommended daily for health– meaning that you could be getting all of these benefits from a day at the golf!

1 PSYCHOLOGICAL
Golf goes beyond physical. Golf provides mental wellbeing benefits, research highlights that golf can help individuals improve their confidence, self-esteem and anxiety levels. The game improves confidence and boosts self-esteem, all of which contribute to improved mental wellbeing
2 REDUCES ANXIETY
Healthy mind, healthy body. Regular golf can improve moods and reduce anxiety.
3 NATURE CONNECTION
One of the major draws of golf is its setting. Golfers of all ages enjoy the outdoor experience with nature.
4 EMOTIONAL GROWTH
Golf also provides a great opportunity for developing interpersonal skills, emotional control, and enhancing social connections

1 GOLF IS SOCIAL
The social element of golf is well-renowned – providing individuals with an opportunity to spend time with friends in great surroundings.
2 BRIDGES THE GAP
Golf has been shown to enhance interaction between different generations, and has been proven to provide opportunities to enhance social connections.
3 GOOD FOR BUSINESS
Golf is great for building relationships in business.It provides executives with an opportunity to spend quality time with potential or active clients. Playing golf in business delivers bigger bottom lines.
4 FAMILY FUN
Golf is a game that can be played at any age and any level, making it one of the few sports that is all-inclusive. Learning to play golf as a family is a unique opportunity for families to spend quality time together, outside in nature.

** Learn more about this ongoing research at www.golfandhealth.org

Share this article