Be a good sport...why a round of golf’s a fair way to keep healthy
PLAYING golf could be the ideal way to stay fit, with an average player walking 13,000 steps during each round, according to health experts.
Macmillan Cancer Support said golfers walk between four and eight miles while working their way through an 18-hole course, completing between 11,245 and 16,667 steps in the process.
Those golfers who carry their clubs can also chip away more than 1,500 calories during an average round.
Quoting research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the charity said one game of golf totals around four hours’ worth of moderately intense activity.
This is an hour and a half more than the 150 minutes the Department of Health recommends people complete each week.
According to medical experts, this can reduce the risk of contracting serious long-term health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Dr Justin Varney, of Public Health England, said: “Daily physical activity boosts health both in the short and long term.
“Any activity that increases your heart rate for at least 10 minutes has a positive effect.”
Macmillan is promoting the research ahead of its national
aLCOHOL’S HEaRT BENEFITS may BE myTH
THE belief that a regular glass of wine is good for the heart may just be “wishful thinking”, according to a study.
Research suggesting older moderate drinkers have better heart health than non-drinkers has been cast into doubt.
Non-drinkers may, in fact, be former drinkers who quit due to ill health, experts said.
Professor Tim Stockwell, of the University of Victoria in Canada, said: “The notion that one or two drinks a day is doing us good may just be Longest Day Golf Challenge, which is due to take place next month.
Participants across the country will attempt to play for 16 hours and 38 minutes on June 21 – the longest day of the year.
During that time golfers will play 72 holes, the equivalent of four rounds, and take more than 300 shots in the process.
Elizabeth Connare, marketing programme manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Golf is fun, sociable and surprisingly good for you.
“Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge will see novice and wishful thinking. People generally cut down on drinking as they age – especially if they have health problems. Those who continue to be moderate drinkers later in life are healthier.”
The analysis, published in the Journal Of Studies On Alcohol And Drugs, found under-55s who drank heavily did not enjoy better heart health when they were older.
A separate study of 9,000 UK adults found that drinking habits changed over time. professional players alike take on four rounds of golf in one day, playing from sunrise to sunset all to support people affected by cancer. It’s certainly a big challenge but, like the game itself, it is bound to be a whole lot of fun.”
Last year’s event saw 3,000 teams of four tee-off and raised over £1.5million for Macmillan Cancer Support. Those wishing to sign up to this year’s event can find out more information by visiting the charity’s website.