BENEFITS
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). So whether you’re young or old; a scratch golfer or have never picked up a club before, there are now even more reasons to head to your nearest course!
- Physical benefits include: improved cardiovascular risk-factor profiles; improved blood-glucose levels; and increased life expectancy
- Psychological benefits include: improved self-esteem, improved confidence, and reduced anxiety
- Golf also provides a great opportunity for developing interpersonal skills, emotional control, and enhancing social connections
Golf & Its Effect on Health – BJSM Podcast
Steffan Griffin of the British Journal of Sports Medicine speaks to Dr Andrew Murray – SEM consultant & adventurer (amongst other things!), who is currently undertaking a PhD looking into ‘Golf and Health’. We talk about how the Golf and Health project was born, and some of the notable findings from his recently published scoping review. This is a must-listen for any SEM professional/student, not only due to some of the clinical pearls, but due to the fact that this is a shining light of what other sports could also be doing!
International Golf Study to Research Health and Wellbeing Impacts On Golfers With Disabilities
1st June 2023
Golfers with disabilities invited to take part in a new academic study looking at golf's effect on quality of life and life satisfaction...
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RESEARCH: Golf Outperforms Nordic Walking in Improving Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults, Study Finds
8th February 2023
Researchers in Finland find acute bouts of aerobic exercise improved cardiovascular health in older adults more than Nordic walking and walking...
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‘Golf On Prescription’ Pilot Launched in Fife, Scotland
19th January 2023
A pioneering health initiative has been piloted in Fife with golf ‘prescribed’ for individuals to encourage a more active lifestyle...
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References
The Relationships Between Golf and Health: A Scoping Review
Murray AD, Daines L, Archibald D, et al, The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review
Br J Sports Med Published Online First: 03 October 2016. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096625