Golf has firmly established itself as a general sport, because exercising outdoors is a great way to stay fit and reduce stress. Read more about why playing golf is good for your health.
The cliché that golf is the exclusive preserve of old men in checked trousers who trundle from one hole to the next in electric carts is completely out of date. It is an activity for people of all ages and levels of sporting ability, as it helps us stay healthy and is good for our wellbeing. Five reasons why you should give golf a go:
1. Sunshine and fresh air
Playing golf regularly involves spending lots of time outdoors. The body can use this opportunity to stock up on vitamin D, which is produced within the skin through exposure to UVB radiation. This helps to prevent vitamin D deficiencies during the winter months because you will have plenty of reserves to draw on. Exercising outdoors also stimulates the circulatory system.
2. Plenty of exercise
An 18-hole round of golf generally takes four to five hours, during which you will be moving at speeds of up to six kilometres an hour. Your body will burn around 1200 calories over the course of the round. You will also generally be walking over undulating terrain while carrying several kilos of gear; in other words it’s a really good full-body workout. Of course, this assumes you leave the electric golf cart parked up and tackle the golf course on foot.
3. Stress reduction
Relaxing and exercising outdoors helps us unwind and takes our minds off things. Golf is an ideal way to reduce day-to-day stress. Depending on your mood, you can play with a partner or on your own.
4. Concentration and balance
Golf requires constant focus, which strengthens your ability to concentrate and has a positive effect on brain performance. The exercises you do to practise your swing also help improve your sense of balance, which is beneficial for young and old alike.
5. Low risk of injury
Golf has one of the lowest injury risks of all sports. Players occasionally experience issues with their back, elbows or hands, but many injuries can be prevented by having a solid technique, warming up properly and using the right equipment. Accidents caused by being hit by a club or a flying golf ball are very rare.
Golf in Switzerland
You can find Switzerland’s most beautiful golf courses on the Switzerland Tourism website. SWICA is an official partner of Switzerland Tourism and is committed to promoting tourism in Switzerland and building awareness of the country as a travel destination.
