19 Reasons Why You Should Start Playing Golf

19 Reasons Why You Should Start Playing Golf

By Bradley Turner Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA

The sports entertainment and leisure industry is always battling for the discretionary income of potential customers. Many activities are available to satisfy the sporting enthusiast, such as fishing, hunting, tennis, bowling, and pickleball. For those interested in taking up a new hobby or leisure activity, golf is a sport with many benefits that make it an ideal choice to consider. There are many unique benefits to playing the game of golf, something that other leisure sports cannot offer. In this article, I have listed the top ten reasons to start playing golf.

Anyone Can Play

This is what makes golf a great sport to play; anyone has the potential to learn the game. You can learn to play golf if you are physically capable of swinging a golf club. If you decide to start playing golf, find a golf coach and learning program near you to help you get a solid foundation in the game. Do not be a do-it-yourselfer! Renovating a bathroom is a do-it-yourself project. Golf is an activity where a good golf coach can be a lifesaver to your new hobby.

It is a Healthy Hobby

Golfers live longer! A Swedish study suggests that golfers can expect to live five years longer than the average person. In another interesting analysis of Champions Tour players, the life expectancy of these players is 87 years, while the US male life expectancy is 76 years. Finally, research has found that low-handicap golfers live longer than any other golfer!  What does this all imply? To be a low handicap golfer or reach the highest skill level of a Champions Tour player, you must play a lot of golf! The more golf you play, the longer you will live…so says the research!

• Cardiovascular Health: Golf can provide a moderate workout if you walk the course, improving cardiovascular fitness and helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Weight Management: Walking and swinging your club burns calories, potentially contributing to weight management.
• Vitamin D: Spending time outdoors exposes you to sunlight, a source of Vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones and your immune system.
• Improved Sleep: Exercise, fresh air, and natural light all contribute to improved sleep quality.

Enjoy Nature and the Outdoors

Golf is for you if you like spending time outdoors with mother nature. Mark Twain once wrote, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Twain must not have been able to appreciate nature while searching for his lost golf ball in the woods. As for me, I have seen all kinds of wildlife on golf courses that can make the golf experience even better. There is also an amazing variety of golf course topography and ecosystems that only nature can create. Mother Nature is undoubtedly the best artist, and with golf, you can experience a wide array of her paintings.

Build New Relationships

The social benefits of the game transcend into new relationships with fellow golfers. Golf is also a business sport where relationships with vendors and strategic partners can be developed and nurtured while on the links. A golf course is a beautiful venue for a business meeting where you can share a great experience with clients and partners.

Enhance Your Family Experiences

Golf is the perfect sport to get the family together and play a weekly round of golf. An afternoon round of golf followed by a nice family dinner…better than Thanksgiving.  

Play Golf for a Lifetime

Unlike many sports we are introduced to early in life, such as baseball, softball, basketball, football, and track and field, golf can be played until the very end! Golf is a low-impact sport, so the game can be enjoyed at any age. The National Golf Foundation studied avid junior golfers who played 25 times a year. By the time these golfers reached 55, the research had revealed that 100% of these junior golfers were still playing golf. If you get addicted to the game at a young age…there is no cure for quitting the game. You will play for the remainder of your life!

Golf Can Improve Your Mental Health

There is growing evidence that golf can improve your overall mental health. Dr. Jacquelyn Turner from Morehouse School of Medicine said that research shows that golf releases hormones that reduce stress and anxiety. In a nation where Americans are bombarded with electronic stimuli, golf gives you a chance to unplug from a fast-paced lifestyle and recharge your mental batteries.

• Stress Reduction: Physical activity, outdoor environment, and mental focus in golf make it a way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
• Cognitive Function: Golf requires strategic thinking, decision-making, and focus, which can help improve your cognitive function.
• Mindfulness: Focus during each swing with the peaceful surroundings of the course can give a sense of mindfulness and being present in the current moment.

Golf is a Challenging Game

Hall of Fame golfer Arnold Palmer said it best, “Golf is deceptively simple, yet endlessly complicated.” Golf seems simple when you play well, but it can become very complicated when you struggle. Golf is a physical and mental challenge for those that want to play well. However, plenty of golfers enjoy the game’s challenge without making it a complicated and frustrating endeavor.

You Do Not Have to Be Great to Have Fun

There is no evidence to suggest that better golfers have more fun playing the game than less skilled golfers. There are many ways to have fun playing the game. One of the most enjoyable ways to play is one that golfers fail to implement. Simply play golf without keeping score! Unless you play in a competition, there is no rule requiring you to keep a score. To participate in organized golf tournaments, you must establish an official handicap. An official handicap requires you to record your scores into a handicap system.

Every Golf Course is Unique

There are over 15,000 golf courses in America. Each one offers golfers a diverse level of challenge, aesthetics, climate, design features, and overall experience. No two golf courses are the same! This allows golfers to travel around the country to enjoy new destinations and golf courses. There is no other sport quite like golf regarding variety and unique experiences!

Social Benefits

Golf provides a social setting to connect with friends, family, or even business associates, fostering relationships and networking opportunities. In addition to connecting with friends, golf’s shared experience on the course and in the cart can develop camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Whether the round is friendly, competitive, or for charity, you can expect to enjoy the company of others while appreciating the sport. Golf’s appeal to all age groups also makes it a great activity to enjoy with others, creating lasting memories.

Mentorship and Teaching

Golf is a powerful tool for mentorship. Sharing skills and experience on the course can lead to connections built on respect and passion. Beyond the technical skills, golf is a space for life lessons. The quiet moments between shots provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations between mentors and their students.

Business Networking and Deal-Making

Golf has long been recognized as a common place for business networking. The extended time spent together, often four to five hours, provides ample opportunity to build rapport and establish trust. Unlike a formal meeting, the experience of navigating the course creates a common ground, creating genuine connections. Many significant deals have been made on the course over the years as golf has become increasingly popular in the business world and for recreation. Golf etiquette often mirrors the values desired in business negotiations and partnerships.

Building Confidence

Golf is a game of constant learning and self-improvement, which inherently fosters confidence. Every successful shot, every well-executed putt, reinforces a sense of accomplishment. The challenge of mastering your swing, the course, and mental hurdles builds a strong sense of self. As you work harder, you may start to see improvements, bolstering your belief.

Unleashing Competitiveness and Drive

Golf, despite its reputation for tranquility, is a deeply competitive sport. Whether you’re competing against yourself, your friends, or in a formal tournament, the drive to improve and win is ever-present. Golf incorporates strategic thinking, precision, and mental focus to perform at your best. This competitive edge can translate into other aspects of life, fueling ambition and a desire to excel in professional and personal endeavors.

Golf is Addictive and Habitual

There’s a unique allure to golf that many find irresistibly addictive. Trying to perfect your swing, the satisfaction of a round, and the desire to improve are all reasons golf is so addictive. Golf becomes a habitual escape, a way to disconnect from daily life and surround yourself with a rewarding activity. Even a brief hiatus from the course can create a longing to return, as the desire to recapture the feeling of a perfectly struck shot or a well-earned birdie becomes a powerful motivator.

New Fashion and Wardrobe

Golf provides a great excuse to expand your wardrobe with stylish and functional apparel. From classic polos and tailored trousers to modern performance fabrics and accessories, golf fashion blends tradition and innovation. While often relaxed, the game’s dress code encourages a polished and sophisticated look.

Lower Risk of Serious Injury:

Compared to many other sports, golf is a low-impact activity that poses a lower risk of serious injury. Walking the course provides a moderate form of exercise, promoting cardiovascular health and muscle strength without the high-impact stress on joints. The controlled movements of the golf swing, while requiring coordination and technique, minimize the risk of sudden injuries. Golf’s leisurely pace allows for rest and recovery between shots, reducing the strain on the body. While injuries can occur, they are typically minor and easily preventable with proper warm-up and technique.

Becoming a Part of a Community:

Golf fosters a strong sense of community among its players. From local clubs to online forums, golf enthusiasts share a common passion for the game. Golf clubs often host events and tournaments, providing opportunities to connect with fellow members and build lasting friendships. The etiquette and traditions of golf promote respect and sportsmanship, fostering a positive and supportive community.

Where to Go for Help

If you choose to start playing golf, here are two websites that can provide information on learning the game from a quality golf coach. I suggest you find someone close to you and then build a good relationship with your coach. There is a good chance there is a GolfTec learning center close to where you live. For more information, visit their website at www.golftec.com. The other website is through the PGA of America and provides contact information for PGA Certified professionals in your area. Visit this site at www.pga.com/coach.

Learn more!

Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.