Health benefits from playing golf

People who play golf live longer than those who do not, research has suggested. A group of Edinburgh scientists claimed the sport was likely to increase life expectancy, help chronic diseases and improve mental health.

The scientists claimed the sport was likely to increase life expectancy, help chronic diseases and improve mental health.

Balance and muscle endurance in older people were improved by playing the sport and it was also likely to improve cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic health.

Golfing could also help those who suffered chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer and stroke, as well as helping reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and dementia, researchers found.

The study found golfers typically burnt a minimum of 500 calories over 18 holes and those walking the course could cover four to eight miles.

“Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem and self-worth.

The study was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and is part of the Golf and Health Project, which is led by the World Golf Foundation.

The first ever Golf and Health Week will take place from 15-19 April and will aim to encourage golfers, non-golfers and lapsed golfers into taking part in the sport.

The campaign is primarly being pushed in Great Britain and Ireland and it will be co-ordinated by The R&A with the support of the European Tour, the Ladies European Tour, The Professional Golfers’ Association and the Golf Foundation, as well as national associations including England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union.

It also has backing from a number professional golfers including Annika Sorenstam, Brooke Henderson, Padraig Harrington and Zach Johnson, who are ambassadors for the Golf and Health Project.

For more information on the campaign and the health related themes of the golf week please visit – www.golfandhealth.org

#GolfHealthWeek