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The evidence is growing that it is. Golf combines exercise, time outdoors and time with other people, which are all good for the mind. Here’s what the studies show, how sure we can be and what golf offers people living with dementia.
25%
Adults who get the recommended amount of physical activity have a 25% lower risk of depression than those who get none, and even half that amount helps. A round or two of golf a week goes a long way towards it.
Source: Pearce et al., 2022
Key findings
01
459 Australian golfers reported less psychological distress and better general health than a sample of 16,370 people from the general population. The gap was biggest for golfers with osteoarthritis. Source: Stenner et al., 2023
02
In a survey of 298 golfers in Spain, nearly three in four said golf had improved their mental health, and most would recommend it to others for that reason. Source: Martín-Escudero et al., 2025
03
When UK courses reopened after the 2020 lockdown, golfers’ sense of belonging and life satisfaction went up. Playing outdoors was linked to more enjoyment and better wellbeing. Source: Sorbie et al., 2021
04
A Scottish study found golf is accessible for people living with dementia, and that playing keeps them socially connected and improves their wellbeing. Source: Norval et al., 2021
In the community
Golf in Society is a social enterprise that introduces older people to the health and wellbeing benefits of golf, particularly people living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Sessions are run with coaches at golf venues, and carers and families are part of it too.
A 12-week evaluation by Sheffield Hallam University found benefits to participants’ mental and physical wellbeing, with encouraging results for carers as well. Source: Sheffield Hallam University, 2024
Golf in Society is a great supporter of the Golf & Health Project.
How sure can we be?
It’s growing, but thinner than for physical health. A major 2016 review found only limited evidence on golf and mental health. Source: Murray et al., 2016
Most newer studies are surveys that capture a snapshot in time. They show golfers tend to report better mental health, but they can’t show that golf is the cause. Source: Stenner et al., 2023
The strongest evidence is for physical activity in general, which is clearly linked to a lower risk of depression. Golf is one enjoyable way to get it. Source: Pearce et al., 2022
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
Golfers tend to report less psychological distress and better general health than the wider population. Source: Stenner et al., 2023.
Regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of depression, and golf is a good way to stay active. Golf isn’t a replacement for treatment, so if you’re struggling, talk to your GP. Source: Pearce et al., 2022.
It brings together exercise, fresh air and time with other people. Golfers have reported a stronger sense of belonging and more enjoyment when they can play outdoors. Source: Sorbie et al., 2021.
Yes. Research in Scotland found golf is accessible for people living with dementia and helps them stay socially connected. Source: Norval et al., 2021.
The recommended amount is linked to a 25% lower risk of depression, but even half of it helps. Source: Pearce et al., 2022.
Keep exploring
How golf helps people living with dementia stay active and connected.
Read about golf and dementia →
Friendship, social connection and keeping your cool under pressure.
Read about social wellbeing →
Heart health, blood sugar, cholesterol and balance.
Read about physical health →
Golfers have been found to live around five years longer.
Read about living longer →
The Golf & Health Project brings together published research on golf and health. Page last reviewed: November 2026.
