Home / The evidence / Live longer
Research suggests they do. Here’s what the studies found, why golf might help, how sure we can be and how to get the most from your golf.
5 years
Golfers in Sweden had a 40% lower death rate than non-golfers, which works out at about five extra years of life.
Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
Key findings
01
Researchers followed 300,818 members of Swedish golf clubs and compared their death rates with people of the same age, sex and social background. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
02
Lower death rates showed up in men and women, in every age group and in every social and income group. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
03
Golfers with the lowest handicaps had the lowest death rates of all, though higher-handicap golfers still did better than non-golfers. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
04
In a study of nearly 5,900 people aged 65 and over, 15% of those who played golf at least once a month died over ten years, compared with 25% of non-golfers. This was presented at a conference in 2020. Source: American Heart Association, 2020
Why it might work
Being inactive is one of the biggest risks to health. The World Health Organization says up to five million deaths a year could be avoided if people were more active. Golf gets people moving in three ways. Source: World Health Organization, 2020
1
A round of golf means hours on your feet, walking at a steady pace. That counts as moderate-intensity exercise.
2
Swinging, carrying a bag or pushing a trolley works your muscles, which helps strength and balance as you get older.
3
Golf is a social game. Regular contact with friends is good for mood and wellbeing, which matter for health too.
Golf may add life to your years as well as years to your life: golfers also report better quality of life and wellbeing. Source: Murray et al., 2016
How sure can we be?
The Swedish researchers compared golfers with people of the same age, sex and social background, so the difference isn’t simply down to who plays golf. They concluded that the exercise golf provides is most likely part of the reason golfers live longer, while noting they couldn’t be certain it explains all of it. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
That fits the wider evidence. A round of golf is moderate-intensity exercise, and regular moderate exercise is strongly linked to a longer, healthier life. Source: Murray et al., 2016
The safest summary: staying active is what matters most, and golf is an enjoyable way to do it that people can keep up for life.
Get the most from your golf
Advice from the 2018 International Consensus on Golf and Health. Source: Murray et al., 2018
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. Golf can count towards it.
Walk rather than ride a buggy when you can. It adds to the activity you get.
A few minutes of warming up before you tee off helps prevent injury.
Wear sun cream and a hat. You’ll spend hours outdoors.
Common questions
Research suggests so. A study of 300,818 Swedish golfers found death rates 40% lower than in non-golfers of the same age, sex and social background. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009.
Around five years, according to the Swedish study. That figure is an estimate based on the lower death rates it found. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009.
No. Golfers at every level had lower death rates than non-golfers. The best players (lowest handicaps) did best of all. Source: Farahmand et al., 2009.
No. A US study of people aged 65 and over found lower death rates among those who played at least once a month, and health guidelines say being active helps at any age. Sources: American Heart Association, 2020; World Health Organization, 2020.
No, and it’s better if it isn’t. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week; golf can be part of that. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Keep exploring
Heart health, type 2 diabetes, balance and strength.
Read about physical health →
Anxiety, depression, confidence and golf for people living with dementia.
Read about mental health →
Sun exposure and common golf injuries, and how to avoid them.
Read about the risks →
The Golf & Health Project brings together published research on golf and health. Page last reviewed: November 2026.
