Golf gets a bad rap. Some complain it’s an old man’s game, others proclaim it’s not a “real” sport, and others think it’s simply an excuse to drink beer and yell at inanimate objects. Those people are called non-golfers.
The true enthusiast knows what a mentally and physically demanding sport it is. But even the most die-hard enthusiasts may not realize just how healthy golf is for every part of you.
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18 reasons to get in 18 holes
Here are just some of the health benefits you get from playing golf:
1. Steps
You don’t have to be a proficient golfer to get your steps in. In fact, the worse you are, the more steps you’ll take chasing your ball.
The average golfer gets in over 12,000 steps (5 miles) during a round of golf. And that’s not even taking into consideration the fact that you’re likely pushing a golf cart up and down sloping terrain.
From weight loss to heart health, this kind of moderate-intensity exercise does a body good. Even if you take a powered cart, you’ll likely get in over 3,000 steps. But don’t do that.
2. Muscular contraction
This has to be the single most misunderstood area of the game of golf. An elegant well-executed golf swing only appears leisurely. In reality, it’s equivalent to high-intensity weight training.
The golf swing fires just about every muscle in both the upper body and lower body including the pecs, lats, shoulders, core muscles, forearms, hamstrings and glutes.
This kind of full-body workout functions as both aerobic fitness and strength training.
3. Provides mental well-being and sharpens problem-solving skills
Unlike, say, watching golf, playing golf gives you a great opportunity to gather your thoughts, strategize and solve problems. And on the golf course there’s no shortage of potential problems.
4. Stress relief
Sunshine? Perfectly manicured grass? Sounds of nature? Fresh air? Check, check, check and check. But it’s not just picturesque. Golf’s mental health benefits are real, and a great way to reduce stress and blood pressure while enhancing well-being. Healthy golfers are happy golfers.
5. Vitamin D
A day in the sun gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D, key for bone health, immune function, and overall health.
6. Coordination
Every aspect of the game, from driving the ball, pitching, chipping and even putting, challenges your hand-eye coordination and balance.
7. Better sleep
Golf is exhausting. Whether that’s because you walked 5 miles, took over 100 swipes at the ball or spent the day cursing, the energy expenditure rivals that of just about any other sport. One thing golfers can agree on is that there’s nothing easier than passing out after a day on the links.
8. Instills inner confidence
Those who say nothing’s more intimidating than public speaking have never stood over a golf ball. Whether you’re a first time golfer or one of the better players in your group, you’ll gain confidence in watching your proficiency go up and your handicap go down over time.
9. Longevity
Yes, sports science has proven that people who regularly golf live longer. Maybe it’s the social aspect of the game. Maybe the physical. Who cares? You’re golfing. And the more you golf, the more time you’ll be on this earth to play more golf. Here’s my dad at 82 going strong.
10. Weight control
You can easily burn over 2,000 calories walking a round of 18. Add a couple of buckets of range balls and a few dozen practice swings and the number goes up to 2,500. Just don’t eat too many bratwursts at the turn.
11. Improvement of vision
Really? Yes really. Tracking a little dimpled sphere around for 5 hours can help in visual acuity and depth perception.
12. Reduces pain
Done wrong, golf can certainly cause pain. But done right, it’s proven to improve circulation and flexibility, alleviating chronic joint and muscle pain. Especially in older golfers.
13. Improves social skills
Whether you’re out with a group or paired up with strangers, you’ll generally find yourself chatting with others which not only makes you a better conversationalist but is also known to release the happy hormone – dopamine.
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14. Fight seasonal depression
Whether you’re a preteen or an octogenarian, the more you golf, the more sun you get, the lower your risk factors for seasonal depression or SAD. Sounds like a good thing to me.
15. Gives you a sense of order and routine
Whether you’ve lost your job, experienced a break-up, or are facing any other life change, practicing and playing golf is a good way to provide a sense of routine, order, and purpose.
16. Character development
No sport challenges your patience, integrity and respect for others like golf. If you can remain a lady or gentleman on the course you can remain one anywhere.
17. Improved flexibility and posture
The rotational aspect of the swing can help improve flexibility and mobility in the spine. This can reduce stiffness and enhance spinal alignment, which is crucial for maintaining good posture.
The 19th hole
Yes, the experience after the experience can be the most rewarding of all. After 18 holes of golf, the pressure is off giving you a peaceful moment to reflect on it all. A perfect time to have a drink to your physical and mental health.
What are you waiting for? Dust off the clubs and get swinging!