The Surprising Golf Health Benefits That Might Add Years to Your Life
I still remember the first time I hit a drive straight down the fairway. It wasn’t long, and it wasn’t flashy. But it felt like I’d cracked some secret code. Turns out, I might have stumbled onto something even bigger: genuine golf health benefits that could mean a longer, healthier life.
I’m not kidding. When my non-golfing friends roll their eyes and call golf “a good walk spoiled,” I used to just shrug it off. Now I’ve got science backing me up, and honestly, the numbers are pretty wild.
The Swedish Study That Changed Everything
Researchers in Sweden tracked over 300,000 golfers for years, comparing how long they lived versus everyone else. That’s not a typo. Golfers had a 40% lower death rate than the general population. For the average player, that translates to about five extra years of life. More rounds with your buddies. More chances to finally birdie that par-5. More everything.
What really got my attention was how universal these benefits were. Men, women, young, old, rich, poor, didn’t matter. Even more interesting? The scratch players with single-digit handicaps had the lowest death rates of all. Apparently, getting better at golf might literally be a life-or-death pursuit.
Now, before you think this gives you permission to skip everything else health-related, let’s dig into what’s actually happening here.
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The Surprising Heart Health Twist
You’d think the heart benefits would be the main reason, right? American researchers followed nearly 6,000 seniors for 13 years and found the same longevity benefits among golfers. But here’s the twist, golf wasn’t particularly special at reducing heart attacks or strokes compared to other activities.
This threw me for a loop at first. If golf isn’t specifically protecting our hearts, what’s it doing?
Think about what actually happens during a round. You’re walking 4-5 miles (assuming you’re not riding the entire time, and honestly, you shouldn’t be). You’re coordinating complex movements, reading greens, strategizing shots. You’re outdoors, soaking up vitamin D. Most importantly, you’re probably with friends, sharing stories between shots and giving each other grief about that slice into the woods.
It’s this combination that creates what researchers call a “comprehensive health intervention.” Golf accidentally became the perfect recipe for healthy aging without anyone trying to make it that way.
Getting the Most Out of Your Rounds
If you’re already playing regularly, you’re probably getting these healthy benefits without thinking about it. But here are a few ways to maximize what golf can do for your health:
Ditch the cart once in a while. I know it’s tempting after a long week but try walking at least 9 holes when weather and course conditions allow. It’s not just better for your body. It gives you time to think, reset, and feel the course under your feet.
Don’t let months go by without playing. My friend Mike gets the itch if he goes more than two weeks without a round. I used to laugh at him. Now I get it. The Swedish study counted people as “regular golfers” if they played at least one month per year, but let’s be real, monthly golf barely keeps your swing from falling apart. Try for twice a month during your playing season if you can swing it (pun intended).
Keep trying to get better. Remember how lower handicappers lived longer? There’s something about the challenge of improvement that keeps our brains engaged and our bodies moving. Take a lesson, work on your putting, think more strategically about course management. The pursuit of getting better might be as important as the game itself.
Make it social when you can. Golf’s secret weapon might be its social nature. Whether it’s your regular Saturday foursome or meeting new people at the club, these connections matter more than you might think. Don’t always play alone. The research suggests the social aspect is part of the magic.
The Real Story Here
Look, I’m no doctor, and golf isn’t some miracle cure for everything. You still need to eat reasonably well, avoid smoking, and take care of yourself in other ways. But what this research shows is that activities we genuinely enjoy, the ones that combine movement, mental challenge, and time with other people, might be more powerful than anyone realized.
Golf has always been more than just a game to those of us who love it. It’s a few hours of escape, a chance to challenge ourselves, and time spent with friends in beautiful places. Now we know the golf health benefits might also be one of the best investments we can make in our future.
Next time someone calls golf a “lazy man’s sport,” you can smile and say, “Actually, it might be keeping me healthier than I ever gave it credit for.” Then grab your clubs and prove them wrong, one swing at a time.
Writer/Editor: Danny Kapp is a passionate golf enthusiast and a 9-year veteran golf blog writer for Rock Bottom Golf, offering his unique perspective on the game. With a keen eye for detail, he covers various aspects of golf, ranging from technical insights to the latest trends in golf equipment and golf technology.
Sources
- Farahmand, B. Y., Broman, G., de Faire, U., Vågerö, D., & Ahlbom, A. (2009). Golf: A game of life and death – reduced mortality in Swedish golf players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 19(3), 419-424. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00814.x
- Qureshi, A., Saeed, O., & Suri, M. F. (2020). Abstract TP172: Effect of playing golf on cardiovascular diseases and death in older persons: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Stroke, 51(Suppl 1), TP172. https://doi.org/10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.TP172
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the research cited shows promising associations between golf and longevity, individual results may vary. Before beginning any new exercise routine, including golf, please consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, haven’t exercised regularly, or have concerns about your physical fitness level. This is particularly important for older adults or those with cardiovascular, joint, or other health issues. Always listen to your body, stay hydrated during play, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms while playing golf.
The association is supported by large-scale population studies, expert panels, and health organizations. However, most agree that golf’s benefits are best realized as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, including walking the course and enjoying the social and mental aspects of the game.