"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 has revealed that people who enjoy playing golf have an average life expectancy about five 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 Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) recently published its ‘Golf and Health 2021–2025’ report, which shared these findings. According to the report, an analysis of 300,000 golfers in Sweden showed that people who play golf have about a 40% lower risk of death than those who do not, even after accounting for social and economic factors such as age, gender, and income. The average life expectancy for golfers was found to be about five years longer.

Additionally, the greatest health benefit of golf was identified as ‘walking’. Playing 18 holes without an electric cart involves walking approximately 6.4 to 8 kilometers, which counts as 11,000 to 17,000 steps per round. This means a single round of golf exceeds the generally recommended daily target of 10,000 steps. Even when using a cart, players were confirmed to walk over 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 level of physical activity was also significant. Depending on the terrain and method of movement during a single round, it is estimated that participants expend about 1,000 to 2,000 kilocalories. The report explained that this amount of activity is sufficient to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended physical activity guidelines for adults.

Golf was also found to be beneficial for improving muscle strength and balance. Walking up and down slopes and repeatedly swinging the club strengthens the lower body and improves balance, which can have a positive effect in reducing the risk of falls among older adults.

The mental health benefits were also highlighted. Since golf is a sport in which multiple people walk the field together and converse for several hours, it naturally facilitates social interaction. Researchers analyzed that these features could 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, an R&A medical and scientific advisor at the University of Edinburgh, explained, “More than 40 major chronic diseases, including heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, can have their risks reduced or health status improved through regular physical activity such as golf,” adding, “Golf also has a positive effect on brain health.”

Moreover, even spectators who attend golf matches without playing themselves can gain considerable exercise. Galleries who follow the players around the course were reported to walk an average of 8 to 9.6 kilometers per day and expend more than 1,000 kilocalories.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, stated, “This study shows that golf can play a meaningful role not only as a leisure activity but also in promoting health and increasing life expectancy.”

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