By Mike May
International scientists and doctors agree, going to the golf course is very similar to going to a local gym for a group exercise session or a cardio workout. That’s the messages from the recently completed 7th Congress of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) in London. During this event, the results of a recent golf study, commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and supported by The R&A, revealed convincing evidence that playing golf can help burn calories and help trim everybody’s waistlines.
This is a huge boost for the golf industry, in that worldwide leaders in public health, public policy and the world of sport firmly believe that golf can play a major role in the race to tackle global physical inactivity to help prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD), which include heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon. This is very important due to the fact that non-communicable diseases is the cause of three quarters of all premature deaths in the world each year, according to Professor Fiona Bull, WHO Program Manager, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention.
The scientific research on the health and fitness benefits of golf was conducted by the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine as the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Golf and Health. The findings reveal that playing golf is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits. For golf to reach the masses, it’s agreed that further collaborative efforts are necessary to improve access for the sport, a glowing endorsement for more public golf courses.
Family golfers walking on golf course at sunny day
There are also new studies underway to discover if golf will improve strength and balance, which contribute to a key public health goal of fall prevention, as well as, conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Physical inactivity is truly a global issue as one in four adults and four out of five adolescents (age 11-17) in the world are insufficiently active, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for Physical Activity.
As the 7th Congress of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health came to a close, the testimonials in support of golf were loud and clear.
“Physical activity of any type comes with a range of physical, social and mental benefits,” said Steve Brine, Minister for Public Health and Primary Care. “For some, golf can be a great way to stay active and there’s growing evidence about ways the sport can help those living with long- term conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia. And for those who haven’t discovered their favourite sport yet, it’s never too late to get inspired, connect with people and improve your wellbeing.”
“Golf is working hard to encourage more people into the sport, who will realize its many health benefits,” said Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of the R & A. “With 60 million golfers spanning six continents, golf has found common purpose in working with public health practitioners and policymakers to optimise the health benefits of playing the sport. We recognize the importance of the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for Physical Activity and we will work with our affiliates and partners around the world to help improve health and well-being through golf. Golf is a popular sport for men and women and it is great to see golf’s global leadership recognising health priorities and identifying ways golf can be more accessible to more people.”
“As the recent international consensus statement highlighted, golf is great for the health of people of all ages – it benefits those playing the sport and even tournament spectators,” said Annika Sorenstam, a ten-time major champion, World Golf Hall of Famer, and global ambassador for golf and health. “Given the health benefits, we must work together to make golf more accessible if we are to achieve our sport’s full potential.”
That play-golf-to-get-fit message has believers in America, as well. PHIT America, a non-profit campaign focused on overcoming the severe ramifications of the ‘Inactivity Pandemic,’ impacting more than 82 million Americans, is also a huge proponent of using golf as a means to remain active and physically fit.
“The research indicates that during an 18-hole round, a cart-rider will burn 1,300 calories, while a golfer who walks will burn as many as 2,000 calories,” said PHIT America (PHITAmerica.org) Founder Jim Baugh. “That is the equivalent of jogging on a treadmill for two hours and 10 minutes.”
Each and every human body movement connected to golf is a positive.
“Another big benefit of playing golf is the increased volume of oxygen flowing through the brain and body, stimulating healthy cell function,” added Baugh. “Swinging the golf club is equivalent to doing at least 200 twists. Teeing up the ball and picking up your golf ball simulates toe touches. Virtually every muscle in the body is activated during a round of golf.”
The amount of walking involved in golf is significant — roughly a mile for those riding in carts and approximately five miles for anybody who walks all 18 holes.
Two members of the U.S. medical community agree with the importance of walking. They are also members of Doctors for PHIT America, who believe that physical activity – whether or not it’s golf — is the best prescription for total health.
“Exercise is the greatest medicine that we have,” says Dr. Darrin Bright, Director, OhioHealth Runner’s Clinic. “I believe exercise can change your life one step at a time.”
“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do to remain healthy,” says Dr. Liz Joy, Adjunct Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine. “The risk of doing nothing far exceeds any risk associated with a brisk walk!”
Be Healthy, Get to a Golf Course near you!
