"They Called It an Expensive Hobby... But Even Watching Golf Burns 1,000 Calories: The Longevity Sport"

Golf: Walking and Social Interaction Enhance Health Benefits
Meets WHO Exercise Guidelines... Benefits Even for Spectators

A report revealed that people who enjoy playing golf have an average life expectancy about 5 years longer and a mortality risk approximately 40% lower than those who do not.

A report revealed that people who enjoy playing golf have an average life expectancy about 5 years longer and a mortality risk approximately 40% lower than those who do not. Getty Images

The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) recently published its 'Golf and Health 2021–2025' report, presenting these findings. According to the report, an analysis of 300,000 golfers in Sweden found that people who enjoy golf have about a 40% lower risk of death than non-golfers, even after factoring in socio-economic factors such as age, gender, and income. The average life expectancy of golfers was found to be about 5 years longer.

The report also cited 'walking' as the greatest health benefit of golf. Playing 18 holes without an electric cart means walking about 6.4 to 8 kilometers per round, which translates to approximately 11,000 to 17,000 steps. This exceeds the generally recommended daily target of 10,000 steps in a single round. Even when using a cart, golfers were found to walk at least 6,000 steps on average.

Golf is a sport where multiple people walk the field together and converse for several hours, naturally fostering social interaction. Researchers analyzed that these characteristics may help alleviate loneliness and depression and contribute to maintaining mental health. Getty Images

The amount of exercise involved is also substantial. Depending on the course terrain and method of movement, it was estimated that a single round of golf burns about 1,000 to 2,000 kilocalories. The report explained, "This level of activity is sufficient to meet the physical activity recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for adults."

Golf was also found to help improve muscle strength and balance. Walking up and down hills and the repeated motions of swinging help strengthen the lower body and increase balance, which can positively affect reducing the risk of falls among older adults.

The mental health benefits of golf were also highlighted. Since golf is a sport where several people walk the course together and converse for hours, it naturally fosters social interaction. The researchers analyzed that these characteristics may help alleviate loneliness and depression and contribute to maintaining mental health.

People who enjoy golf have been found to have about a 40% lower risk of death compared to non-golfers. Pixabay

Andrew Murray, MD, Medical and Scientific Advisory Board member at the R&A and a physician at the University of Edinburgh, explained, "More than 40 major chronic diseases, including heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, can reduce risk or improve health status through regular physical activity such as golf," adding, "Golf also has a positive impact on brain health."

Furthermore, spectators at golf tournaments, even if not playing themselves, can experience considerable exercise benefits. Galleries who walk the course following players are reported to walk an average of 8 to 9.6 kilometers per day and burn over 1,000 kilocalories.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, said, "This research shows that golf can play a significant role not only as a leisure activity, but also in improving health and extending life expectancy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.