Golfing for Health
Why hitting the links can improve your health
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If you love playing golf, keep it up.
And if you’re curious about the game, why not start?
A study published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that “golf can provide moderate intensity physical activity and is associated with physical health benefits that include improved cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic profiles, and improved wellness.”
Research promoted by the American Stroke Association states that in a decade-long study, people who regularly golf have a death rate of 15.1% compared with 24.6% among people who don’t golf.
Michael Gagnier, a cardiologist for Highland Hospital and Coronary Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, has enjoyed the game and its benefits since he began playing in high school.
“I think that there are two types of golfing: the healthy and unhealthy,” Gagnier said. “The healthy golfer is the one that goes out to enjoy their time outside with friends. They walk the course pushing a cart or carrying their clubs. They’re not drinking alcohol on the course. The unhealthy golfers are the people who ride the carts, smoke cigars and drink while golfing.”
The average weight of a bag of golf clubs is 35 lbs. Gagnier said that carrying them for a four-mile course can provide a pretty good workout. Walking has long been touted as an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health.
“If engaged properly, the golf swing itself takes a good amount of flexibility and strength to have good club head speed,” Gagnier said. “If you engage in it regularly, you stay flexible.”
He also touted golf’s mental health benefits. Players who can put away their phones stay in the moment, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Golfers can play with friends to make it a social outing and enjoy some fresh air.
“You’re outdoors, engaging in something that’s extremely enjoyable,” Gagnier said. “It teaches patience and have things roll off when they don’t go your way. You can learn how to accept bad outcomes and move on.”
Malcolm J. Lickers, a sports medicine physical therapist and athletic trainer (retired) with Finger Lakes Health, has worked in the golf industry for 20 years. He noted that walking represents one of the biggest health benefits of golf; however, “most golf courses now require you to use a golf cart. That does not mean you cannot walk. Take turns driving. One walk, the other drive. Switch between driving and walking every other hole. This has a great benefit for cardiovascular fitness.”
Like Gagnier, he touted the benefits of the golf swing for strengthening core muscles. Since most people do not naturally use the perfect golf swing, help from a PGA golf professional can help improve the swing, both for preventing injury and “making the game a lot more fun,” Lickers added.
The National Institutes of Health noted on its website that the risk of injury while playing golf is moderate with back injuries as the most likely. Although rare, golf-related head injuries can have the most severe outcomes.
To minimize the chance of injury, receive a healthcare provider’s clearance before playing. Warm up muscles before beginning and do a few gentle stretches. Stop playing if you experience pain and see a healthcare provider. If you hear another player shout “Fore!” immediately seek cover. Do not try to visualize the source of the ball. And notify other players of a possible errant shot by calling “Fore!” as well.