Alongside lawn bowling, golf was once considered an “old man’s sport”.
However, in recent years it has increased in popularity and now a wide range of age groups among all genders are found on the green.
Coupled with the number of golf tournaments broadcast on TV, this has helped the sport to redefine itself and ditch the old fuddy-duddy label once and for all.
It’s no secret that maintaining an active lifestyle is key to a healthy life and the benefits of playing golf can’t be argued. Not only is the sport great for physical health but it’s also thought to be beneficial to your mental health and social life.
Let’s explore what the game could do for you.
Health
While golf doesn’t involve any running or high-impact movements, it’s still a physical sport. The act of swinging your club will help to improve your mobility, which will be beneficial in your daily life as well for any cross-training you do, such as yoga or weightlifting.
Golf is also fantastic for maintaining cardiovascular health. Navigating the course with a hefty bag in tow will be sure to get your heart pumping – provided that you aren’t tempted to hop on a golf cart between each hole!
If you’ve taken up golf, remember to obtain golfer insurance to protect you and your equipment.
Social
While you can easily practise your skills alone, playing a round of golf is a great opportunity to catch up with friends – and it’s a much healthier option than Happy Hour!
A day on the course can also be a good opportunity to bond with your children, so why not organise a family day out at the club?
The golf course isn’t just for play, either. In fact, many business owners like to take advantage of the relaxed environment and invite potential clients and investors to join them on the green.
Mental health
Many people find that the repetitive swinging motions and leisurely walking that come with a game of golf are effective stress-relievers.
Studies have proven the benefits for mental health of spending time in nature and, with the crisp fresh air, neatly groomed grass and occasional wildlife sighting, it’s easy to see how golf could be calming.
It’s a global sport
Golf is a popular sport across the globe, which means that you can easily play a game or two when you’re traveling abroad. Many golf courses will happily accept visiting golfers but it may be worth doing some research before you book your trip to be sure.
As golf is such an international sport, there is a huge variety of global competitions which you can follow. In the UK, there are also several national tournaments, so you’ll have the opportunity to attend live matches without having to go far.
