Golf is played by tens of millions of people worldwide. It is estimated to be played in at least 85% of the world’s countries, so it is truly a global sport. But what is it that attracts these millions to play the game of golf? What keeps them coming back for more? We have spoken to golf players both novice and professional to get their opinions on what makes golf so good. Below are some of the most common themes that came up in our conversations as we tried to answer the question: what’s so good about golf?
Golf Is For Anyone!
The first thing we noticed about the game of golf is the huge variety of people involved. Golf is a sport that anyone can take up. From early ages up to retired buddies, golf is a sport for everyone. You could be reading this website thinking “Golf certainly isn’t for me!” but let us tell you it is. Many view golfers as stuffy, posh, or rich, making it seem inaccessible to those who don’t fit into those classic characteristics. Golf, however, has come a long way and is now accessible to all kinds of people, all across the globe. Don’t let those historical views of golf put you off visiting a par 3 course or a driving range and giving it a go.
Getting Outdoors
Golf is a sport that has to be played outside. There are no two ways about it, it’s an outdoor sport. This brings with it a host of benefits and good things. It’s one of the few sports where you can walk through and enjoy nature whilst playing. You definitely don’t get that during basketball, for example!
Another great thing about this long, outdoor sport is the fact you’ll be getting a nice amount of sunshine and vitamin D. Perfect for the skin and immune system. This can be really beneficial for those of us who spend long working days indoors. Couple that with a full day of outdoor fresh air, your body is going to really appreciate its round of golf. If you’re looking to take your golfing experience to the next level, consider traveling to Ireland, a renowned destination for golf enthusiasts. There, you can find the best courses surrounded by stunning landscapes that add an extra layer of enjoyment to the game. So, whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, golf offers a perfect blend of physical activity, mental focus, and the beauty of the outdoors.
Keeping Fit (steps, swing)
Golf, at a minimum, involves repeated swings (at a driving range, for example.) Playing a full round, be it 9 or 18 holes, par 3, 4, or 5, is a good workout! Let’s take a full 18-hole course with a variety of hole lengths as an example. This is a minimum of 18 tee shots and probably 36 full-power swings, great for your core strength, balance, and muscular fitness.
Aside from this, it’s a long-distance game. Holes vary in length from 100 to 500 yards, meaning a fair amount of walking is involved in your average game. Coupling your 10,000 steps with this repeated physical exertion means you’re getting a good workout. You’ll mildly elevate your heart rate over the course of a few hours meaning you’ve worked out your muscles and your cardiovascular system.
Using Our Minds
As well as exercising the body, golf is great for our minds. When playing a round of golf, it’s not just hit-and-hope, it’s trying to fire a ball with the ultimate precision to a specific spot. It takes a lot more mental strength than people realize. To strike a golf ball properly and to have it on target requires focus, concentration, and mental sharpness. It also encourages creative thinking and visualization as you walk through your shots in your mind’s eye before taking them. Throw in a little bit of math on the scorecards and you’ve got yourself a good mental workout, too. No wonder so many people report sleeping better after a round of golf.
Seeing Friends (social, conversation, club)
Finally, many people reported enjoying golf mostly due to its social aspect. You don’t need to be a professional golfer to enjoy a round with your best mates on a Saturday afternoon. With most rounds of golf taking a few hours, you have plenty of time to strike up long conversations with your friends and potentially get some things off your chest, if needed. This, again, makes golf different from other sports that are played at a faster pace. As well as that, you’ll likely stop for a drink or a bite to eat after the game, bringing a little more social enjoyment into your life.
It is for these reasons that so many people play golf regularly. These benefits and reasons can apply to anyone from any background at any age, not just retired folks playing a lazy Tuesday round! So, if this all sounds appealing to you, get down to your local club and get playing.
