five reasons why...

MORE WOMEN SHOULD PLAY GOLF

ACCORDING to a new study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, despite golf offering various health benefits, it mainly attracts well-off middle aged to older white men.

Where are all the women? Why aren’t people from all walks of life reaping the rewards of playing 18-holes?

Well, the BJSM study argues that more needs to be done to boost the inclusivity of the sport. Here are five reasons why you should give golf a go...

1 INCREASE FITNESS LEVELS

GOLF is great exercise. If playing a full course, you can expect to be walking around four to six miles in a round. Combine that with pushing a golf cart and you’ll be racking up a decent amount of aerobic activity. Golfing can increase balance and core strength too, and is gentle on the joints. Plus, you’ll be soaking up a load of vitamin D from being outdoors.

2 STRESS BUSTER

GOLF can be a form of stress relief; again, being outside in the open air can be hugely therapeutic, while it’s a versatile game. You can make it social and play with friends, or do a round alone if you need a bit of peace and quiet.

3 A GAME FOR ALL AGES

UNLIKE a lot of sports where there is a shelf life for athletes, with golf, you can just keep playing and playing. Look at American golfer Angela Stanford, 40, who’s just landed her first major championship at the Evian Championship in France. You can start young too – every generation in your family can get involved.

4 IT’S FUN!

GOLFING is a very good way to release endorphins, whether putting on a mini or crazy golf course, or on a full one. There is a lot of skill and patience involved, as well as a real sense of accomplishment when you hear the ball drop into the hole.

5 STUNNING SCENERY

MANY golf courses are set in glorious surroundings, be it with an ocean view or a tree-lined course with forest for miles.