Golf helps health go with swing, say experts

MORE should be done to encourage people to play golf and enjoy its many health benefits, an international panel of experts has concluded.

Researchers found that playing the sport regularly was linked to better physical and mental health and a longer lifespan.

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 the links between golf and health and make recommendations for players and the industry.

They suggest that more could be done to inspire more girls and women to play and propose that the industry could develop clubs and courses that are attractive to all.

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.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Murray, from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Golfers stand to gain physical health, mental health and longevity benefits by playing regularly.

“We advise golfers to play often, to walk the course and to warm up properly, which can help improve their score and decrease the chance of injury.”