Research alert - Golf & Health

Research Alert: Golf for Health Social Prescribing Scheme Wins Backing from Patients, Clinicians and Clubs

24th April 2026

New research suggests that golf-based social prescribing can be enjoyable, welcoming and health-supporting for participants...

A group of children sitting together on an outdoor court

New UK Research Reveals Alarming Gaps in Sun Safety and Protection for Children

14th May 2025

UK study finds 72% of coaches, leaders & teachers have never received training on sun or heat protection..

RESEARCH: Not Just a Game – New Spanish Study Uncovers Mental Health Risks Among Some Golfers

10th March 2025

Study finds 6.7% of Spanish golfers face mental health challenges—higher in women, older adults, and morning players...

RESEARCH: Australian Golfers, Especially Those With Osteoarthritis, Experience Less Psychological Distress

18th November 2023

Golfers had lower levels of psychological distress and better general health than the general population, and this relationship was strongest in individuals...

RESEARCH: New Research On Australian Golfers & Skin Cancer Prevalence Released

18th November 2023

Playing golf in Australia is associated with a higher age-specific lifetime prevalence of skin cancer compared with the general population...

Four golfers walking down a fairway carrying their bags

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...

Abertay University – Golf and Physical Health: Systematic Review Summary

6th September 2022

Abertay and York St John University's systematic review published in 'Sports Medicine'...

New Research Highlights the Benefits, Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation Among Disabled People

27th May 2022

A recent research paper co-written by Tony Bennett illustrates the benefits, the barriers and the facilitators to golf participation amongst disabled people...

Study Demonstrates Golf’s Positive Effect for Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

10th April 2022

A study has found that golf was more positively impactful than Tai Chi on patients suffering from Parkinson's disease...

New Research Highlights Golf’s Role in Public Health Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

12th April 2021

A recently co-written review by Dr. Andrew Murray demonstrates the role golf is playing in benefitting the health of the global population during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Study Adds Weight to Golf’s Health Benefits

15th February 2021

A study has found that around 40 major chronic diseases could be prevented by playing or spectating golf...

New Evidence Indicates Golf Improves Muscle Strength and Balance

29th September 2020

An international research study backed by The R&A has found new evidence to suggest golf can provide significant health benefits to older participants in the form of improved muscle strength and balance...

Global Consensus for Golf in the Race to Tackle Physical Inactivity

17th October 2018

A global consensus amongst leaders in public health, public policy and sport backs golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity...

Golf Spectating Could Benefit Health, New Study Shows

1st August 2017

New research into the health benefits of golf spectating shows those who attend golf events could potentially gain benefits similar to those playing in them...