Photo by Greta Anderson via Dr. Greta Golf. All rights reserved.
Anyone who is even remotely familiar with me knows that golf is a big part of my life. Even before becoming involved in the golf industry, I always had a great affinity for the game. In my humble opinion, golf is one of the most awesome sporting activities for so many reasons.
No doubt, I’m a bit biased. However, I truly believe that there’s at least one good reason for every person to consider adding golf to their activity list.
If you’ve never touched a club or if you’ve never given thought to taking up golf, I invite you to consider it. Becoming a member of the global golf community offers access to an array of benefits. Let’s examine a few of them.
It’s good for you.
Besides being fun, playing golf can have some real health benefits. Many of them have been undervalued until quite recently, but now that we know, let’s take advantage!
In a rather comprehensive study focused on the lifestyle benefits of golf called the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Golf and Health, authors reviewed hundreds of related studies. They identified several positive health effects from playing golf, including:
- Improved cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure
- Better strength and balance (aged 60+)
- Increase in life expectancy of approximately five years
The researchers note that taking the cart (versus walking) can significantly reduce these possible outcomes. While you may not be ready to walk 18 holes, you can still get in plenty of steps and enjoy a low-impact workout on the course. (Tip: Be creative in finding ways to get in a few more steps around the course even if you’re using a golf cart to increase activity levels in your round.)
We can all play. Together.
In many ways, golf is the sport for a lifetime. You can begin playing when you’re a very small child and never quit. Oftentimes, you’ll see multigenerational groups of golfers out playing together and having a great time.
From grandparents and grandkids enjoying family time to young professionals getting rare face time with seasoned company executives, golf is the rare sport in which advancing age doesn’t necessarily mean diminished skill. Like fine wine, many golfers get better with age! #cheers
“Golf is very lovely socially, because you actually talk with the people you’re playing with as you play — rather than most sports where you play the game then talk afterward.” -Louise Tulip, Golfer (quoted in recent CNN.com article)
One of the greatest attributes of golf is that we can all play – together. Golf is one of the rare sports during which we are simply playing together unless we explicitly decide to compete. Isn’t that cool?
Lots of ways to enjoy golf.
When ‘golf’ is mentioned, thoughts often go to the traditional 18-hole round. In recent years, new forms of golf engagement have emerged to draw in non-golfers.
In fact, the National Golf Foundation’s 2018 Golf Industry Report notes, ” the NGF’s expanded definition of participation looks beyond traditional on-course golf and also factors in off-course participation, which tracks those who swing a golf club at facilities like Topgolf, indoor simulators and driving ranges.”
On-course golf is also evolving in order to make golf easier to understand and enjoy. The USGA, the governing body of golf in the U.S., has announced some major changes to the rules of golf in an effort to modernize the game.
Other new and exciting formats are popping up on courses around the world. From Six12 Golf® to the introduction of GolfSixes on the European Tour, course designers and promoters are recognizing the need to create shorter playing options for players of all levels.
As you can see, there are lots of ways for you to become involved in golf. Grab a friend and give it a try!