From completely undeveloped middle schoolers learning how to move their bodies, to the five-star athlete participating in collegiate sports, to the 65-year-old with vertigo, I have coached a varying demographic of people. Each are different in their own ways, but all have a common denominator. No one really loves to engage in aerobic physical activity, except for runners. I have always thought of sports as an easy way to “get in some cardio”. However, this article made me think of something I never really considered before. Golf is one of those sports that almost anyone can participate in, and there are many health benefits that coincide.
Reuters Health cites a recent study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine. A 342 article meta-analysis funded by the World Golf Foundation headed by researcher Dr. Andrew Murray reports that golf can provide aerobic fitness for people of all ages and specifically strength and balance in older adults. “Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health, decreasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, as well as dementia, depression and anxiety,” he states. Murray recognized that golf is not the only sport where these benefits can occur, however golf is “green exercise” or exercise that takes place in natural environments. Green exercise is linked to not only physical health benefits but also psychological health benefits. “Golf gives time to relax, and in a world where older adults are generally less active than youngsters, can be played from [ages] 3 to 103,” states Murray.
Two conclusions of this study; golf has a moderate risk of injury in comparison to other sports and a higher risk of skin cancer due to being played outdoors. Also, to get the most benefit from golfing, players need to engage in 150 minutes per week, and avoid using the golf cart. Warm up exercises and sunscreen are recommended to help prevent injury and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Experts reported that due to the nature of the sport, low impact and sub tachycardic heart rates, individuals seeking to improve cardiovascular fitness may want to supplement golf with another form of exercise. Extra exercise would likely increase health benefits that much more.
Murray highlights a stigma that exists in the sport. Though this is and can be an inclusive sport for all ages and demographics of people, golf is the “domain of older white men.” He reports that it is perceived as difficult to learn and unwelcoming to women and people of color. The expert advised that leaders in golf should and could make a greater effort to make the sport more inclusive and welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds.
I have personal experience with golf being a bit unwelcoming. Additionally, other than Tiger Woods, I cannot name another brown skinned golfer. I have never really wanted to play golf, but I would attribute part of it to the fact there are not many people that are like me that participate. Especially in comparison to other sports, for example basketball or football.
Considering my values, inclusion ranks near the top of the list. There have been times in my life I have experienced exclusion. I believe that inclusion is extremely important in society overall, not just in sport. However, regarding this article I have newly developed thoughts on golf. I feel that golf can be an activity that can help increase physical activity of people from all walks of life. Just as the study reports, it has mental and physical health benefits, and anyone can do it. Making exercise fun changes the perception of the activity. It changes from “I have to” into “I get to”. As a performance coach and fitness professional, it is my goal to not only keep my clients engaged in exercise, but to inspire them to enjoy it as well. If recommending golf to any of my clients will get them up and moving, I am all in. I hope to see the leaders in golf attempt to make the sport more inclusive and inviting to different backgrounds of people. Maybe I will start playing myself.