More people should be encouraged to play golf and enjoy its health benefits: Experts

Playing the sport regularly is linked to better physical and mental health and a longer lifespan, according to the study, which is published to coincide with this week’s Ryder Cup.

Inspiring game

The study engaged some of golf’s leading figures, sporting bodies, policy experts and public health groups, who reviewed studies on the sport to build an evidence-based consensus on golf and health.

They suggest that the sport should inspire more girls and women to play and develop clubs and courses that are attractive to all, building on current outreach initiatives.

Clubs should consider adding features such as gyms and walking routes and could consider providing child care on-site, the consensus shows.

Suggested changes

Using electronic questionnaires, researchers led by the University of Edinburgh engaged an international panel of experts, including the World Golf Foundation and The R&A. They have proposed improvements to the game based on more than 300 existing studies on golf’s associations with health.

The international consensus also suggests that price structures should be developed with entry-level players – rather than club members – in mind.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, further recommends grassroots initiatives to support the development of golf in places where it is a relatively new sport.

Realising potential

It is hoped that the recommendations will give the golf industry and would-be players a better understanding of how to realise potential health benefits of the game.