Golf is wonderful activity to take up, though it does require time. 18 holes usually takes around five hours to play, and that’s not including the 19th hole!
Health benefits include:
“They call it golf because all the other four letter words were taken.” - Raymond Floyd
- Enjoying nature You can't play golf unless you go outdoors. Golf courses are usually beautiful expanses of grass, trees and undulating landscape and therefore usually attract wildlife such as birds, lizards, squirrels and kangaroos, depending on where you're living.
- Encouraging socialisation Playing a round of golf with one or three other people gives you plenty of time for easy conversation and laughter, as you walk the course or take a buggy. People on their own can be readily placed with a partner or flight. It is customary to enjoy a drink together in the club house after the game. Golf is a great way to build friendships or meet socially with business acquaintances.
- Developing patience Golfers are one of the most patient people on earth! The leisurely pace, waiting for others to play and addressing all your shots, including the rotten ones, teaches you the quality of patience. Golf etiquette is important and getting angry with yourself or others is not the way to go. Let go!
- Encouraging healthy competition The thing about golf is that all you're really doing is competing with the course. For this reason, players of different abilities can all play together using the handicap system. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy some healthy competition with each other, but it takes everyone's different abilities into consideration.
- Reducing stress and anxiety Playing with others, being in nature and increasing your physical fitness are all contributors to reducing stress and anxiety.
- Being physically active The walk itself is good gentle exercise, not to mention the swinging and putting. If you are unable to walk the whole course, you can usually get a buggy. It's a game you can play from youth to during retirement.
- Helping you sleep Spending all that time outside and getting the exercise are a sound preparation for a good night's sleep. Many golfers find their sleep improves after a game.
- Using your brain Strategising the game you're playing, which club to use and what distances and trajectories are needed are all great ways you are using your brain. Even getting into a bunker or behind a tree are therefore good for you and just part of the game