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Is Golf Good Exercise?

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Some may regard golf as an old man's game in which you stand around and wait for someone to hit a small ball with a large strange stick. But golf can provide players with several physical and mental benefits.

Perhaps it's not running sprints on a basketball court or timing your 40 on the football field, but golf can provide a way for many to stay physically active. Plus, it's a great way to reduce stress and unwind.

Let's look at whether golf is a good form of exercise and some health benefits that may surprise you.

Is golf exercise?

Golf is a great way to get some cardiovascular exercise. It’s a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Research has shown that playing golf can improve cardiovascular health, increase “good” cholesterol levels, help you lose weight, and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Let's take a look at the benefits of stepping onto the golf course.

1. Golf can help improve your mental health

Like other sports, golf can improve confidence and self-esteem and lower anxiety levels. Physical activity, particularly those involving nature or the outdoors, can aid in the treatment of depression and may even reduce the risk of dementia.

2.  Golf can be a social activity

This benefit is often overlooked, but it should not be. The social aspects of golf can be just as important to physical health as the actual exercise. Golf provides an opportunity to meet and make new friends, have meaningful conversations, and build relationships with others.

Studies show that social interaction can make us happy and improve our overall life satisfaction.

3. Golf is an excellent source of exercise

Let's be honest, walking on a treadmill can be quite boring. However, walking from the fairway to the green (even if you have to stop in the woods to pick up golf balls) is far more fun. Golf is a great way to stay active as you age that doesn’t put too much strain on your joints–unlike most of the sports we play when we're younger.

Harvard says that walking can lower blood pressure, lower BMI, improve heart health, and keep people from dying too young.

4. Golf is a stress reliever

Perhaps it doesn't seem like it after you've sliced four drives in a row into the woods, but golf can actually relieve stress. This is good considering the havoc stress can have on us, including sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairments.

Maybe that will help you the next time you think about throwing that golf club.

5.  Golf can help you maintain muscle

The golf swing is an explosive movement that can help you develop and maintain strength in your core and lower body muscles. Studies have shown that regular play can improve muscular endurance, balance, agility, and flexibility.

Not to mention the strength you'll gain from lugging that heavy bag of golf clubs from tee to tee.

6. Golf can help improve coordination

Golf is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination while also refining your motor skills. Coordination and motor skills are important for daily activities such as writing, brushing teeth, and using the computer.

Lining up your shots and swinging your clubs helps with coordination. Next time your score gets higher than you wanted it to, just think about all that extra coordinating you get to take part in.

7. Golf can improve your balance

Balance is an important part of life, especially as you age. Balance can help prevent falls and injuries, plus it allows us to do everyday activities like walking up stairs or reaching for something on a high shelf.

Golf can be a great way to work on balance because it requires you to use both your upper and lower body in harmony to get the ball where it needs to go.

8. Golf improves blood flow and circulation

Golfing regularly can help improve your blood flow and circulation. The swinging motion of the golf club helps to increase oxygen throughout your body, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation, lower the risk of stroke, and improve overall health.

9.  Golf is fun...most of the time

There's something to be said about getting outside and having fun. Play is essential for people of all ages, and playing golf is only a tee time away from forgetting about your worries and enjoying your day. Even when the weather isn't conducive to playing golf outside, indoor putting mats are a great way to keep your game sharp. You can also set one up in the comfort of your own home or work office, which makes it easy to squeeze in a quick round of golf when you're busy.

Final Thoughts

So, is golf a good form of exercise? Absolutely. Golf is a great way to stay active and has many health benefits for your body and mind. From improved cardiovascular health to better mental well-being, golf can help keep you healthy at any age. So grab your clubs and hit the links!

For those looking to elevate their exercise routine while enjoying the convenience of home, investing in a home putting green is a brilliant idea. With a home putting green, you can engage in cardiovascular activity, improve balance, and work on coordination, all in the comfort of your own backyard. It's a fun and effective way to stay active, build muscle strength, and enhance overall health while honing your golf skills.

About the author
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Our Editorial Team, made up of seasoned professionals, prioritizes accuracy and quality in every piece of content. With years of experience in journalism and publishing, we work diligently to deliver reliable and well-researched content to our readers.