Golf - For Health
Golf is a sport that gives many health benefits across all ages and is especially beneficial for seniors of age 55 plus. It is a sport that can be enjoyed for recreation as well as competitive through various tournaments for amateurs. it can be enjoyed by men and women alike and due to the unique handicap system older and younger, experienced and not-so-experienced players can enjoy a round together on a level playing field.
While enjoying the game, you move through nature surrounded by greens in a quiet atmosphere. While walking the golf course gives the best health benefits best, for those with physical challenges some golf courses offer use of electric golf carts. For those walking the golf course, carrying your own golf bag burns more calories however golf courses to be walked on offer caddies to carry your golf bag through the 18-holes of the course.
While you play with other golfers, you end up playing finally against yourself trying to better your past golf plays and reduce your handicap to be able to compete at higher levels. However for the recreational golfer who plays to enjoy the golf course, comradeship of friends and companions and the opportunity to spend time in the open air surrounded by quiet nature, you can set your own pace.
The handicap system unique to golf, enables players of different golf skill levels to play together on an equal level. Therefore young and senior players can enjoy a game together.
Walking an 18-hole golf course can give a 4-6 kilometer walk on a full round depending on the golf course layout. Golf is a “low impact sport” and therefore enables playing and enjoying golf well into senior ages. Golfers in their 70’s and 80’s around the world enjoy a a round and for recreational golfers if you wish to play lesser than 18-holes it is possible.
The green golf course is a haven of nature’s best for the human body and mind. Walking a distance of average 5 kms along an 18-hole golf course breathing in fresh air and sometimes traversing across sculptured golf courses with hills and dips gives the human lungs a good work-out.
Playing golf as a recreation sport also has enjoyment while on the other hand competing in amateur tournaments is a road to bettering your game as you have to constantly upskill your playing levels to be in good nick on the golf course.
Golf is a challenging game without doubt, however with regular practice and the handicap system, even senior players with body restrictions such as limited flexibility, reduced strength and similar issues can still enjoy a game with friends and fellow golfers and look forward to an enjoyable sum up of how they fared at the popular “19th hole” – the Clubhouse Restaurant which usually also has a well stocked Bar.
For the younger amateur players with adrenaline, a range of competitive tournaments with attractive awards and the prestige of recognition is available
It is said that the game of golf is usually played between the 2 ears on one’s head. Meaning, the game of golf is more mental than physical. Strategy plays a vital role when planning your shots, drives, pitches and putts and studying the lay of the golf course with its cunningly concealed obstacles and traps tests individual skills that require careful study of the course for your game. Each golf course is different and the golfer needs to tailor his or her game to suit the specific course. Therefore it is akin to corporate boardroom strategy. Study your opponent, identify opportunities, leverage strength and overcome weakness and threats – the famous SWOT analysis is required in the golf game to be able to return a decent score when competitively playing. And golf is also a game of courtesy, etiquette and integrity. Rules govern the game and has to be strictly followed to ensure all players on the golf course receive respect and ability to enjoy their game in good stead.
Unlike many other physical sports that after a time cannot be enjoyed as we age, golf is almost ageless. Therefore stay healthy, get into golf and enjoy ageing gracefully!