Features
11th November 2026
The Golf & Health Project
Golfers tend to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We bring together the best research on why, look honestly at the risks too, and link to the source behind every claim.
GOLFERS
LIVE
5 YEARS LONGER
Farahmand, 2009
How much to play, why it does you good, and how to stay safe out there.
Start here →
Toolkits, infographics and briefings for PGAs, federations, clubs and coaches.
Put the evidence to work →
Why golf belongs in public health and physical activity plans, with the evidence to back it.
Read the briefing →
The key papers, systematic reviews and the latest studies from around the world, in one place.
See the research →
The short version
Walking, swinging and spending time with friends add up. Turn the cards over to see what the research has found.
WE DON’T SKIP THE RISKS. Sun and injuries are the big two, so we share the latest evidence and advice on both.
Quick quiz
Regular golfers live longer than people who don't play. By how much?
Spot on. A study of 300,000 golfers in Sweden found golfers live around five years longer, whatever their age, gender or income. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
Good guess, but it's more than that. Have another go.
Golf is one of the few sports you can play from childhood into your nineties, on your own or with friends, walking or in a buggy. The health benefits come along for the ride.
International Consensus on Golf & Health
In 2018, researchers, public health bodies and golf’s governing organisations sat down and agreed what we know about golf and health, and what players, clubs and governments can do to get more from the game. It was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
For golfers
150
minutes of moderate activity a week is the target. Walk when you can, warm up first, and pack the sun cream.
For the golf industry
Welcome more women and girls, broaden diversity, and add walking routes, healthy food and defibrillators.
For policy makers
Promote it across all ages, genders and income groups, and support golf for people with disabilities.
WALK THE COURSE. IT ALL COUNTS.
Quick answers
Short, straight answers with the research behind them. Want more detail? Explore the evidence.
Yes. Golfers tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than non-golfers. Golf combines walking, muscle activity and time with other people, which together are linked to better health. Source: Murray et al., 2016.
A study of 300,000 Swedish golfers found they lived around five years longer than non-golfers, regardless of age, gender or income. Source: Farahmand, 2009.
Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. A round of golf is moderate-intensity activity, so a round or two a week, walking where you can, goes a long way. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Regular physical activity like golf is linked to a lower risk of anxiety, depression and dementia, and golf adds time outdoors and with friends. Source: Murray et al., 2016.
The main ones are sun exposure and injuries, mostly to the back, wrist and elbow. Wear sun cream and a hat, and warm up before you play. More on the risks.
Latest research & news
