by JC Campbell

Created on: April 11, 2011

Playing golf for recreation offers numerous health benefits for people of all ages, a popular sport enjoyed by young children, senior citizens and everyone in between. The attraction of the game for many is that it encourages regular exercise in a fun way and has a positive impact on their health and well-being. Greater flexibility, the strengthening of leg muscles and breathing in the great outdoors are just a few of the obvious benefits derived from playing a round of golf.

Considering that an average round of golf takes about four hours to complete and involves walking 3-4 miles depending on the golf course makes it a sport geared toward anyone who is health-conscious. Walking is regarded as one of the best forms of exercise and the opportunity to do so while engaging the mind in a challenging sport makes it all the more attractive. Some golf courses may be relatively flat but many are undulating and provide the ideal terrain for a good physical workout.

Anyone who plays golf regularly will testify to the positive effect the game can have on the leg muscles in particular as they traverse rolling fairways . Because it takes only a few seconds to play each shot, this means that most of the time spent on the course is on walking. It may be tempting to reduce walking time by using a golf cart but this means missing out on a wonderful opportunity to get some regular, meaningful exercise that will improve heart rate, muscles and mental health.

Because of its health benefits, golf is a game that many parents introduce to their children at a young age. Living in a society where children become attached to computer games or other sedentary pastimes, playing golf opens up a world of activity for young ones that can be instrumental in avoiding obesity through inactivity. It can never do children any harm to enjoy the great outdoors and golf is just one way to do this.

The same can be said for the older generation who can often slow down physically and cease to be involved in physical activity. When the time has come to give up energetic and demanding sports played in the days of youth, golf is a delightful way to keep active and competitive playing a sport that provides the kind of exercise everyone needs. The fact that many senior citizens continue to play golf well beyond retirement age is testament to the physical health benefits the sport can bring.

Another key benefit to a person’s health is the flexibility the golf swing encourages. Apart from the usual warm-up before commencing play, most golfers will spend time throughout the round swinging the golf club for practice. The golf swing naturally boosts the flexibility and suppleness of both lower and upper body. There are very few sports that can be played by male and female, young and old on a level playing field but golf is the best there is in this regard.

As well as being a sport you can enjoy playing competitively, golf is without doubt one of the best for anyone who wants to improve their health and well-being. Walking the links and swinging the golf club is a fun way to enjoy a sport and improve your health at the same time.

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