Opening Golf to the World
Golf and
Health
The R&A advocates the health benefits of golf to a global audience and the role the sport plays in health and social wellbeing.
The health benefits of playing golf are significant and they are enjoyed by golfers across the world.
It is a sport that can be played from the age of two to over 100, enjoyed in the fresh air in many different forms (and even indoors too), and boosts mental wellbeing in a social environment. Even following your favourites by walking at golf events is good for you.
Since 2016, working with the likes of the World Health Organization (WHO), the DP World Tour, other golf organisations and respected sports medics like Dr Andrew Murray, we have been involved in scientific research to: raise awareness of the health benefits of golf to encourage interest in participation by people of all ages and abilities; improve the sport’s image; and increase advocacy for golf by government agencies and public health bodies.
Golf and Health Report 2021-2025
Our new Golf and Health Report highlights the physical, social and mental benefits of the sport.
It provides a comprehensive overview of golf as a health-enhancing activity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by highlighting the work of The R&A, national federations and the wider golf industry since 2021.
Click the link below to view the report in full.
It provides a comprehensive overview of golf as a health-enhancing activity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by highlighting the work of The R&A, national federations and the wider golf industry since 2021.
Click the link below to view the report in full.
Golf and health - case study
Jonathan Edwards, a Global Ambassador for The R&A, enjoyed a glittering career as an athlete.
Post athletics, golf has put a new spring in his step, to the extent he openly states, “I’d be lost without golf”.
Read Jonathan's story as he shares why he believes the sport is so beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Post athletics, golf has put a new spring in his step, to the extent he openly states, “I’d be lost without golf”.
Read Jonathan's story as he shares why he believes the sport is so beneficial for your mental and physical health.
What are the health benefits from the research?
- On average, golfers live five years longer than non-golfers
- Golf can help prevent and treat 40 major chronic diseases
- Golf can help strength and balance, improve quality of life and provide aerobic exercise
- On a regular 18-hole course, most players will walk between four and five miles, burning up to 2,000 calories
- If you play golf for at least 150 minutes per week you are meeting WHO global exercise guidelines
- Spectators walk between 5-6 miles on average and burn more than 1,000 calories per day
Golf on Prescription
The Golf on Prescription pilot in Fife has the potential to grow further, according to leading medics involved in the programme.
The message that golf is open to all has to go out loud and clear.
Iona Investigates
Golf’s widespread physical, mental and social health benefits have been brought to life in a video series from The R&A in which broadcaster and presenter Iona Stephen uncovers how playing the sport can help you become fitter, healthier and happier.
At a time when record numbers are now playing golf worldwide, ‘Iona Investigates’ is a three-part series where Stephen learns how people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are reaping the rewards of playing the sport.
At a time when record numbers are now playing golf worldwide, ‘Iona Investigates’ is a three-part series where Stephen learns how people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are reaping the rewards of playing the sport.
