Taunton and South Somerset Living Apr - May 2020

It's official, playing golf is
good for your health!
But just what are those benefits and how can playing
the game help improve people’s lives while also stopping
diseases?
There have been various studies looking
into how beneficial a round of golf can be
to your health and mind. One such study,
which has been a catalyst for others to
follow, was carried out by the Swedish
medical university in 2008.
The study, produced by the Karolinksa
Institute in Stockholm, showed that from
data collected from 300,000 Swedish
players, the death rate amongst golfers
was 40 per cent less compared to the
rest of the population. This equates to an
increased life expectancy of five years.
DID YOU KNOW?
In a nine-hole round of golf, a player will
walk two to three miles, take over 5,000
steps and burn over 450 calories.
In 2016, researchers at The University
of Edinburgh, led by Dr Andrew Murray,
conducted the most comprehensive
study of golf and health.
is recommended by the World Health
Organisation for its key role in improving
life expectancy, helping prevent over 40
major chronic diseases such as type 2
diabetes, heart attacks and strokes and
improving mental health.”
Golf can provide regular exercise to
prevent a person’s chances of getting
type 2 diabetes by up to 40 per cent,
while studies specific to the game show
beneficial effects on blood sugar.
DID YOU KNOW?
Walking 2.5 hours per week reduces the
risk of having a heart attack by 30-40
per cent.
It is now known to prevent cardiovascular
disease, which is responsible for over 30
per cent of worldwide deaths per year. It
is also considered to be a suitable activity
for cardiac and stroke rehabilitation
patients.
At the 2014 Ryder Cup, more than 20,000
spectators tagged themselves at all
checkpoints locations at Gleneagles in
England, meaning they had walked five
miles each.
“It is important to hear that spectators
not only see some of the best sporting
theatre on earth, but can potentially
gain health benefits themselves,” said
Stephen Gethins MP, Chairperson for the
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf.
As well as physical and health benefits,
golf also provides a key social element
for players of all ages and abilities.
It doesn’t matter about your age, ability or
gender, the golf course is a social place
and provides people with down-time,
away from the stress of work.
So, when you’re next out on the course,
make sure you spread the word; along
with its many other benefits, perhaps
most importantly, golf is good for your
health and well-being.
The review found that golfers live longer
than non-golfers, while playing the game
improves cholesterol levels and body
composition, while also appearing to
improve wellness and self-confidence.
The study also highlighted golf is
expected to decrease the risk of more
than 40 major chronic diseases.
Dr Andrew commented: “Golf provides
moderate intensity physical activity, which
Golf is unique in that spectators can
potentially enjoy the same health benefits
when they attend an event as those
playing in them.
In 2017, it was found that fans who go to
watch their favourite sporting heroes at
an event averaged 11,589 steps per day,
with just under 83 per cent achieving their
recommended daily step-count (10,000).
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