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For golfers
Whether you play every week or you’re thinking about starting, here’s how to get the most health from the game, why it’s worth it and where to begin.
Golf counts as moderate exercise
Healthier golf
Every habit here comes from the 2018 International Consensus on Golf and Health, agreed by 25 experts in health and golf. Source: Murray et al., 2018
Got a heart condition? The consensus says people with heart disease can play golf with acceptable safety, but should see a doctor if their symptoms get worse.
Why it's worth it
5 years
Swedish golfers had a 40% lower death rate than non-golfers.
Source: Farahmand et al., 2009
2.2 cm
Inactive men who took up golf two or three times a week, over 20 weeks.
Source: Parkkari et al., 2000
3 in 4
Golfers in Spain who said golf had improved their mental health.
Source: Martín-Escudero et al., 2025
50%
Higher chance of survival for people with strong social ties. Golf is a social game.
Source: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010
New to golf?
Step 1
They’ll get you playing, whatever your age or ability. Use one of the links to find one near you.
Step 2
Ask about beginner groups and short courses. You don’t need your own clubs to start.
Step 3
Learning with someone else makes it more fun, and the social side is part of the benefit.
Common questions
Aim for at least 150 minutes a week, or add other moderate to vigorous exercise on top of your golf. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Walk if you can. The consensus says walking the course rather than riding a buggy gives the most health benefit. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Start with some gentle aerobic exercise, then golf-specific mobility exercises, then practice swings. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
People with heart disease can play with acceptable safety, but should see a doctor if their symptoms get worse. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Find a PGA Professional and book a lesson or taster session. They’ll help you get started whatever your age or ability. The links in the Get started section will help you find one near you, or email info@golfandhealth.org for help.
The Golf & Health Project brings together published research on golf and health. Page last reviewed: November 2026.
