A sport for all ages and abilities
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For policy makers
Golf helps people stay active at every age and ability. Here’s why it belongs in physical activity strategies, what experts in health and golf ask of decision makers, and how it is already working in practice.
Why golf
All ages
Golf gives health-enhancing physical activity to people of all ages and genders, and people can take it up or keep playing well into later life.
Source: Murray et al., 2018
5m
Up to five million deaths a year could be avoided if people were more active. A round of golf is moderate-intensity activity, the level guidelines recommend.
Source: World Health Organization, 2020
Rx
In Fife, Scotland, GP practices and health professionals referred inactive patients to a free Golf for Health programme at local clubs.
Source: Warne et al., 2026
The asks
Nine actions for policy makers from the 2018 International Consensus on Golf and Health. A panel of 25 leaders from public health, physical activity policy and golf agreed each one, most of them unanimously. Source: Murray et al., 2018
Promote the benefits of physical activity, including golf, to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
100% of experts agreed
Be confident that golf provides health-enhancing physical activity, and reflect this in policy.
100% of experts agreed
Include golf as a moderate-intensity physical activity in policy documents, guidance and recommendations.
100% of experts agreed
Support play by people of every gender, age, ability, background and place.
100% of experts agreed
Support efforts to get spectators walking and active at golf and other sporting events.
100% of experts agreed
Recognise golf's green space, wellbeing, nature, community and economic benefits where relevant.
96% of experts agreed
Work with the golf industry and national associations to raise activity, especially in the least active groups.
96% of experts agreed
Deliver cross-sector policies that support the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
92% of experts agreed
Work towards golf's inclusion in the Paralympic Games.
92% of experts agreed
Para golf update: golf is not on the programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, and the sport is now working towards Brisbane 2032. Source: International Golf Federation, 2025
Policy in practice
Health practices and professionals in Fife, Scotland, referred inactive people to a free Golf for Health programme run by five local golf clubs.
Participants enjoyed it. They valued learning a new sport and making new friends in a welcoming setting. The main lesson for policy: the referral and sign-up process needs to be simple for patients, clinicians and clubs. Source: Warne et al., 2026
€630m
Golf’s total benefit to society in Finland in a single year, including €330m in wellbeing. Source: Kettinen et al., 2026
Briefing
Our policy makers and leaders briefing sets out the evidence on golf and health for decision makers. Want a briefing for your team? Email info@golfandhealth.org.
Common questions
Yes. Golf provides moderate-intensity activity, and the consensus recommends including it as such in policy documents and guidance. Sources: Murray et al., 2016; Murray et al., 2018.
It is being tested. A Golf for Health pilot in Fife, Scotland, linked inactive patients to local clubs. Participants enjoyed it, and the study found the referral process needs to be simple. Source: Warne et al., 2026.
No. The consensus says golf provides health-enhancing activity for all ages and genders, and that policy should support play by people of every background and ability. Source: Murray et al., 2018.
Not yet. Golf is not on the Los Angeles 2028 programme, and the sport is working towards inclusion at Brisbane 2032. Source: International Golf Federation, 2025.
A Finnish study valued golf’s total benefit to society at €630 million in a year, including €330 million in wellbeing. Source: Kettinen et al., 2026.
The Golf & Health Project brings together published research on golf and health. Page last reviewed: November 2026.
