Golf is a unique sport in that it can be played by everyone.
Regardless of age, gender, or ability you can get out on the course and enjoy the game. In addition, it is one of the few sports in which men and women can complete alongside one another.
However, according to the National Golf Foundation less than 20% of golfers are female. This is unfortunate, because as well as being a fun way to spend a few hours with friends, it is a great way for women to stay fit and healthy. Here’s why. . .
Golf is great exercise.
If you walk the course, you will easily accumulate the
10,000 steps that we are supposed to walk every day for physical well-being. You don’t even have to work up a sweat to burn off at least 500 calories (about the same as your hour of Zumba). If you carry your clubs, you will burn even more calories and improve your upper body strength.
Golf contributes to better mental health.
The physical and mental aspects of golf can help reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. A game of golf releases mood enhancing endorphins that combine with the benefits of being outdoors (more vitamin D) to lift your spirits.
Improved blood flow to the brain, as well as the concentration required, could even fight dementia. Just be sure you allow the game to be a time to relax and reduce stress, NOT add to it.
Golf maintains an active and independent lifestyle.
Typically, women take up golf later in life than men. This is great new, because the physical benefits of playing golf actually increase as you age. Your balance and muscle endurance are improved by swinging the club and walking the course.
This keeps you going for longer, with balance and grace, which prevents falls. In addition, studies have found golf can help women prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Golf helps you live longer.
There is evidence from a Swedish Medical University study that golfers live longer. Factors contributing to this include lower cholesterol levels, healthy body weight, and overall improved wellness.
The death rate of golfers was found to be 40 percent lower than for other people of the same sex, age, and socioeconomic status. This corresponds to a 5 year increase in life expectancy.
Still not convinced? If you are a woman and think golf is only for your dad or husband, here are some additional reasons you may want to rethink that:
- The sport requires finesse instead of brute strength
- It’s a great excuse to spend an afternoon with friends
- It’s played in the most beautiful places on earth
- There are cocktails at the end of the game
- It’s an excuse to buy new clothes
The biggest barriers to women taking up golf is time and money. However, with research backing the benefits it may be a small price to pay for health and independence, especially as women age and tend to shy away from higher impact sports they previously participated in. Think of golf as an investment in your wellness!
