SCIENCE GIVES GOLF A HUGE TICK OF APPROVAL

SCIENCE is doing wonderful things in the world of golf at the moment … Not only has it given us Bryson DeChambeau – who is fast becoming one of the most talked about talents in world sport – it has also eradicated any of that horrible guilt associated with those weekly weekend rounds.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) recently published findings that confirm our great game – which is now played by over 60 million people on six continents – “is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits.”

The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, found that playing golf can ultimately “prevent the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon.”

After the findings were announced, 10-time major winner Annika Sorenstam stated: “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.

“Given the health benefits, we must work together to make golf more accessible if we are to achieve our sport’s full potential.”

So, with all of that in mind, it’s time to wind down, dust off the clubs and hit the links with your mates this summer.

Don’t worry if your significant other attempts to gift you with guilt over Christmas … You can simply tell them that you’re looking after your health.

Better yet, invite them along, because the study also found that “further collaborative efforts to improve access for the sport are needed.” “We’re keen to attract more women and more families into the game,” R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers said.

“I think the whole health agenda and proving that there is a causal link between playing golf and better health is a superb help to those main agendas.”

New studies are already underway to discover whether playing golf improves strength and balance, which could ultimately prevent falls that cause conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. How good is science?