For those of you looking for some inspiration to get into the game of golf, or just looking for an excuse to play more golf, here is a blog for you. There are many benefits of playing the game of golf, and hopefully you may be inspired by this post to get out there and play.
Last week, we discussed why you should play 9, and talked about how golf is a great social event that can be enjoyed amongst friends and family. In my opinion, that is the greatest aspect of the game of golf and is one of the many reasons it is so great. Golf can be enjoyed at any age, and it is one of the few sports in which you can play with people of varying ages, so that is a huge benefit to me. In my life, I am still able to play and compete with my father in golf. While he is as healthy as most people in their 60s, let’s just say we are not getting out and running up and down the basketball court on the weekends. This is why I feel that one of the biggest benefits of getting into the game of golf is because it is one of the only sports you can play for your entire life, and it’s a fun social activity which can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
On top of being able to play golf for your entire life, it is also a great source of exercise! Walking on the golf course is a great way to get your steps in and stay active and is great for you. Many golf courses are on beautiful pieces of land surrounded by nature, so a round of golf can be a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Even if you choose to ride in a golf cart, you are still getting great exercise in! The golf swing itself is also good for you, and you will also take many steps in between shots and throughout your round. For those of you looking for a creative way to exercise and stay in shape, pick up the game of golf! This can also have many positive effects on your mental health and wellbeing, as you are constantly using your brain to strategize and plan your next shots.
Another benefit of playing golf is meeting new friends to play golf with. In many cases, golf courses will need to pair people up to fit the scheduling needs of the course. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to meet new people and find golfing partners. If you are someone looking to meet new people, playing golf is a great way to do it. And what is great about golf is the fact that anyone can play together regardless of skill level or age, so regardless of who you get paired with at the course it can always be enjoyable.
Between the fun social atmosphere and health benefits of golf, there is definitely incentive to give it a try. Golf also allows for social distancing and can be played safely even during a pandemic. If you were looking for one final reason to get out onto the golf course, a study highlighted by heart.org explains that golfers are likely to live longer than non-golfers. So, the next time a non-golfer friend questions why you have been at the course all day, share this blog with them and consider inviting them out onto the course!
-Sam Cresta, Assistant Golf Professional at American Classic GC