Fore!

Taking up golf offers benefits for body and mind. A round of 18 holes means you’ll get in rather more than your 10,000 daily steps, combined with the benefits of being in nature. If your game’s going well, it can also be soothing and mentally relaxing, though few rounds are without their mental challenges. 

Because you’re outside and moving around, golf is good for heart health. Walking, carrying your clubs and taking a swing all increase blood flow. The Norwegian Golf Association reckons that playing eighteen holes uses up 2500 calories if you’re male and 1500 for women, so it’s great if you want to lose some weight. The calorie deficit could be even higher if you’re taking 17 strokes to get on the green! 

There’s some evidence that exercise in the fresh air helps improve sleep and reduces stress, while the increase in your social circle has been shown to increase happiness. A decent shot causes a release of endorphins, enhancing your mood. One Swedish study reported that golfers have a 40% lower death rate, equivalent to adding an extra five years to your lifespan. 

Despite the exercise, golf is a relatively low impact sport, meaning you’re less likely to injure yourself even if you take it up in middle age or beyond. There are also lots of ways to get started, as golfers are often evangelistic about their sport! Most golf clubs, including council-run courses, welcome visitors and have shorter courses available for beginners keen to try the sport out, as well as sessions with the course’s professional if you’d like to start with some lessons. 

Membership fees vary considerably, as does the price of equipment, but it’s possible to play from under £30 a month at council courses and second hand clubs can be ideal for those just starting out.