Have you ever thought about golf as more than just a leisurely pastime or a reason to hang out with friends on the weekend? What if golf is actually a way to boost your health—both physically and mentally?
And golf has a way of improving your well-being without it feeling like “exercise.” Let’s look at how golf impacts health and well-being, especially if you walk.
Physical Health Benefits of Golf
It’s no surprise that golf gets you moving, but walking the course is where the real magic happens for your health.
Walking Your Way to Better Fitness
Foregoing a golf cart and walking the fairways is one of the easiest ways to boost your cardio fitness. Research from the American Journal of Medicine studied middle-aged men who walked while playing golf two to three times a week.
After just 20 weeks, they reported impressive health improvements:
- Stronger core strength
- Better endurance
- An average weight loss of three pounds
- Decreased belly fat
- Waistlines shrinking by an inch
- Higher “good” cholesterol levels
If that wasn’t enough, walking while golfing is a safe, low-impact workout with minimal injury risks, making hard to beat for those wanting to be more fit without pulling all kinds of muscles.
Meeting Your Activity Goals
According to the University of Pittsburgh, walking while playing golf helps you reach the recommended physical activity levels for good health. Walking just one game can burn enough calories to cut your risk of heart disease in half while lowering your chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers.
By simply walking the course instead of riding in a cart, you’re investing in a healthier, stronger body without giving up the joy of playing.
Mental Health Benefits of Golf
Golf isn’t just great for your physical health—it’s also nourishing for your mind. From reducing stress to improving mental focus, getting out on the course could be the relaxation you’ve been looking for.
Stress Relief in a Natural Setting
Spending time in green spaces has proven benefits for reducing stress and boosting your mood. A quiet morning on the course, with just you and your swing, can be a form of mindfulness.
Adding to that, focusing on your game helps shift attention away from daily worries. Every swing sharpens your concentration, leaving less room for stress and anxiety.
A Confidence Boost
Every time you perfect your swing or sink a challenging putt, you’re giving yourself a little confidence boost. Golf constantly challenges you to improve, but in a way that’s fun and rewarding.
Research even shows that physical activity releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, which elevate your mood long after the game ends.
Conclusion
Golf is good for you. The walking, swinging and stretching involved improve health. Those taking up golf can expect better health outcomes, especially if they walk the course.
Studies also point to golf enhancing mood and one’s ability to think and reason. It can increase confidence and a sense of accomplishment when a good day is experienced on the course.
