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Golf is a social game. You play with other people, chat between shots and often stay for a drink afterwards. Here’s what the research says about why that matters for your health, how sure we can be and how to make the most of it.
50%
A review of 148 studies covering more than 300,000 people found that those with stronger social relationships were 50% more likely to survive over the study period. The researchers said the effect is comparable with well-established risks to health.
Source: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010
Key findings
01
A study following more than 70,000 older adults in Japan for three years found that men who played golf in a group held on to their wellbeing better, laughed more often and were less likely to see their mood dip. Source: Tsuji et al., 2022
02
Playing golf outdoors was linked to a stronger sense of belonging, more enjoyment and better wellbeing in UK golfers. Source: Sorbie et al., 2021
03
In Finland, the wellbeing and joy golfers get from the game was valued at €330 million in a single year, part of €630 million in total benefits to society. Source: Kettinen et al., 2026
04
A review of 301 studies found golf is linked to better physical health and mental wellbeing, and recommended supporting more people to play. Source: Murray et al., 2016
How sure can we be?
The link between social connection and health is very well established, across many large studies. Source: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010
Evidence on golf itself is growing. The Japanese study is one of the strongest, because it followed the same people over three years and allowed for other differences between them. Source: Tsuji et al., 2022
Many other golf studies are surveys taken at one point in time, so they show links rather than prove that golf is the cause. Source: Sorbie et al., 2021
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
Yes. Most golf is played in groups, and playing outdoors with others is linked to a stronger sense of belonging and enjoyment. Source: Sorbie et al., 2021.
People with stronger social relationships are 50% more likely to survive over time than those with weaker ones, a link as strong as many well-known health risks. Source: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010.
Research in Japan found older men who played golf in a group kept their wellbeing up and laughed more often over three years. Source: Tsuji et al., 2022.
The strongest study so far looked at golf played in groups, so playing with others is a good idea if you can. Source: Tsuji et al., 2022.
A Finnish study valued the total benefits of golf to society at €630 million in a year, including €330 million in golfers’ wellbeing and joy. Source: Kettinen et al., 2026.
Keep exploring
Less distress, lower risk of depression and golf for people living with dementia.
Read about mental health →
Good news for fans: watching golf on the course has health benefits too.
Read about spectating →
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.
