Play golf and you’ll live longer

MARK Twain is said to have dismissed golf as ‘a good walk, spoiled’. But it seems playing the sport can add years to your life by preventing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and dementia.

Research shows it has physical and mental health benefits for males and females of all ages and backgrounds.

Scientists who pooled data from 5,000 studies found golf is likely to boost cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic health – a range of factors linked to the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, show the sport could also help patients with type 2 diabetes, bowel and breast cancer and stroke. The physical benefits of the game increase with age, with balance and muscle endurance in older people improved by playing the sport.

A regular round can help players meet and exceed minimum government recommendations for moderate to vigorous physical activity of at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity every week.

The study found that golfers typically burn a minimum of 500 calories over 18 holes, walking four to eight miles.

Those using an electric golf cart typically chalk up four miles.

Increased exposure to sunshine and fresh air were additional benefits. The physical aspects of golf could also help reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and Alzheimer’s disease, said the scientists.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Murray, of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at Edinburgh University, said: ‘We know the moderate physical activity that golf provides increases life expectancy, has mental health benefits and can help prevent and treat more than 40 major chronic diseases.

‘Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem and self-worth.’

The study is part of the Golf & Health Project led by the World Golf Foundation. The initiative aims to increase the understanding of golf in health and well-being.