Not Just A Sociable Sport But A Health Concious One As Well!
Golf provides a form of moderate to intense physical exercise, which to some may seem an exaggeration. However, when playing 18 holes, this requires you to take ~16,000 steps whilst carrying your golf clubs which can weigh up to 15kg[1]. Even if you opt for a golf cart, you are still reaching 6000 steps[1]. An average game of golf can take around 4 hours which not only helps you achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week but surpass it[2]. So now we can understand the physical exertion that a golfer undergoes, does it actually help with maintaining and benefiting your health?
1.
Firstly, and most importantly, a Swedish study in 2009, found an astonishing figure that playing golf is associated with an increased lifespan of 5 years[3]. In addition, it is mainly associated with improved cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic profiles and wellness[4]. I think many golfers will agree, a major benefit is the green exposure you get whilst playing a round of golf. This is known to help with mental wellbeing and with everyone’s work becoming more reliant on using technology and being indoors, golf is great escape to get your nature fix.
2.
Secondly, the accessibility of the game not only allowing people of all ages to be able to play against each other fairly. It is also a great sporting opportunity for people with a disability. There are many accommodations that can be made along with specialised equipment, but ultimately a stationary ball sport allows it to be accessible[5]. The handicap scoring system as well means many different people can share the same field.
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Finally, there is not only benefits for people playing golf but also for spectators at professional tournaments. For most sports, the spectators are required to sit down for hours on end. However, golf is one of the few sports where the spectators get to roam around the course, with spectators achieving an average of ~11,500 steps[6]. This is above the recommended daily step count; this overall helps to showcase its health-promoting legacy.
Next time someone makes a comment about golf and being healthy, tell them all these fun facts!
If you are curious about playing golf, now is a good a time as any to start playing whether that be at the driving range or just spectating.
If you are keen to improve your golf technique or are recovering from a golf related injury, book in with Will who is our golf rehab specialist.
[1] Luscombe J, Murray AD, Jenkins E, Archibald D. A rapid review to identify physical activity accrued while playing golf. BMJ Open. 2017;7(11):e018993.
[2] Bul l FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2020;54(24):1451-62.
[3] Farahmand B, Broman G, De Faire U, Vågerö D, Ahlbom A. Golf: a game of life and death – reduced mortality in Swedish golf players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2009;19(3):419-24
[4] Murray AD, Daines L, Archibald D, Hawkes RA, Schiphorst C, Kelly P, Grant L, Mutrie N. The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review. Br J Sports Med. 2017 Jan;51(1):12-19. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096625. Epub 2016 Oct 3. PMID: 27697939; PMCID: PMC5256129.
[5] The R&A. Golf and Health 2016-2020. 2020
[6] Murray AD, Turner K, Archibald D, Schiphorst C, Griffin SA, Scott H, et al. An observational study of spectators’ step counts and reasons for attending a professional golf tournament in Scotland. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2017;3(1):e000244.