Anyone involved in the glorious game of golf, from the golfers themselves right down to the golf agronomists, will know just how good a few rounds on the fairway can be for your health… but now a new study, published in the British Medical Journal, has just scientifically proven this to be the case.
Some 25 international experts came together to author the 2019 International Consensus Statement on Golf and Health, including Andrew Murray – Team Europe’s chief medical doctor at the Ryder Cup, CNN reports.
A total of 400 studies were analysed, all looking into the health effects of the sport, including one Swedish report carried out back in 2009 that found golfers can enjoy an increased life expectancy of around five years.
Not only that but golfing enthusiasts can improve their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels all through playing the game, while people over the age of 60 could also benefit from improving their balance and strength, thereby reducing the chances of suffering a fall, former chief medical doctor with Team Europe Roger Hawkes explained.
But it’s not just physical health that could be improved. Mr Hawkes was quoted by the news source as saying: “Social interaction is the risk factor which has been undervalued. Mental health is a big thing in this day and age, and moderate physical activity is associated with a reduction in anxiety and a reduction in depression.”
A few years ago, a team of scientists based at Edinburgh University also found that people who play golf actually live longer than those who don’t, with the physical gains seen through the game also increasing with age.
The sport could benefit those who suffer chronic diseases such as heart disease, colon and breast cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and more, as well as reducing the risk of depression, dementia and anxiety.
And with a new year just around the corner, no doubt there are many of you out there looking to get in shape and get more exercise – and this particular study found that golfers typically burn at least 500 calories over 18 holes, while walking the course could see you cover between four and eight miles… so what a fun way to stick to your New Year’s Resolution!
Dr Andrew Murray, one of the report authors, was quoted by the BBC as saying: “Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem and self-worth.
Given that the sport can be played by the very young to the very old, this demonstrates a wide variety of health benefits for people of all ages.”
So there you have it! We’ve always known how good golf can be for you but we’re now hoping that many more of you out there will be switched on to this fantastic sport. Hope to see you on a golf course near us soon!
