As winter drags on, we all may start to dream about what we’ll do when the weather finally starts to turn, and with New Year’s resolutions fresh in our minds, getting regular exercise outdoors might be one of those things we want to do when it gets warmer.
One of the best outside activities to pick up as a mature adult is the game of golf. If you’re recently retired, a new empty nester, or just looking to learn something new, this could be the perfect time to learn golf. The hard work of learning how to play the game can pay off in incredible benefits to your health and social life!
Stay active.
If you’ve only watched people play golf on television, it may not seem like the game really gets your blood pumping. Once you start playing, though, you’ll quickly learn how wrong you were! Unless you rent a cart or hire a caddy, you’ll be carrying your clubs over the entire course and swinging them over and over again. The average golf course is around four miles of walking, but beginners tend to get even more steps as they learn the basic skills of the game.
Research out of Scotland highlights the important health benefits that golf can deliver, finding that the game can add five years to players’ lives. This type of exercise can also boost your mood, give you more energy, and relieve the stress that may have built up over those long winter months. While there is definitely more to a healthy lifestyle, incorporating golf into your routine is a fantastic start.
Get outdoors.
Unless you like to brave the cold winter weather to venture outside, you likely spent most of the winter indoors. Playing golf gives you the perfect opportunity to get out when the weather warms up. Did you know that natural light can help combat seasonal depression that may have overwhelmed you during the winter? Sunlight can help you feel lighter and happier, as it boosts the production of serotonin in your body.
Playing golf gives you the perfect opportunity to get out of your house, breathe some fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Golf courses are beautiful and peaceful with plenty of green grass, trees, and water to help you feel at peace.
Make new friends and connections.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll most likely be playing against yourself while you learn the basics of the game. However, golf is typically played with two or more people. This gives you the opportunity to invite friends to play with you! Golf isn’t fast paced like basketball or racquetball; it leaves plenty of time for talking, enjoying a drink, and walking the course together.
Another perk of golf is the networking opportunities it provides. You may find yourself on a course with important business contacts or potential partners. Many companies host tournaments because the golf course is an ideal location to develop important business relationships.
Challenge yourself and learn something new.
Golf requires certain skills and a lot of practice. It can be a challenge for beginners to get a handle on the game, which is actually a plus! When you learn new things, you exercise cognitive skills like memory and concentration. This can stimulate the growth of new brain cells and help stave off cognitive decline. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment and a boost of self-confidence. As you get better with practice, you can set new goals to keep it interesting and fun.
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