Once associated with retirees and quiet moments on green meadows, golf's health benefits have now become clearer than ever. A recently published British research study has shed new light on the impact of golf on our physical and mental health, and the results are impressive.
The myth that golf is a sport for the lazy has been shattered. The British research reveals that an 18-hole round can burn upwards of 2,000 calories, and a golfer can walk anywhere between 6km and 1.2 miles. Every step, every swing, and even those visits to the rough to look for the ball contribute to significant physical activity.
Despite these impressive numbers, some skeptics have questioned golf's health benefits, dismissing it as a casual and retirement-friendly sport. But a ground-breaking meta-analysis that included 301 research studies and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has silenced the critics. The study makes it clear that golf is not only good for health, but in some aspects even surpasses other physical activities when it comes to strengthening muscles, heart and mental well-being.
It is no longer possible to ignore the positive impact of golf on health. The study shows that golf can improve balance, burn calories and provide a significant training effect for the heart. In addition, golf has a positive impact on mental health and can help reduce stress and increase well-being.
The British research work has also led to practical results. From the beginning of 2018, golf became eligible for wellness grants, recognizing its importance as a physical activity that promotes health and well-being.
So if you're keen to improve your physical health while enjoying outdoor activities, why not grab the golf clubs and hit the course? The research speaks for itself – golf is not just a sport, it is a health investment for both body and soul.
Also read which golf activities are approved as wellness allowances