Women Should Play Golf Too

While golf might not be seen as a sport for women, its health benefits have been a major draw for both professionals and amateurs to join this sport that originated from the 15th century.

Studies have shown that golf has multiple health benefits, besides improving your fitness levels. It is estimated that golfing can burn an average of 721 calories and just walking on the course with a caddie can burn up to 613 calories.

By SAMANTHA CHAN

Here are some reasons why you should start swinging for your heart.

1. Keep you active
If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you will get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you walk while carrying your clubs, you burn even more calories! It can also help you stay socially active by interacting with other golfers.

2. Be in the outdoors
With about 15 minutes of sun exposure, you can lower your risk of cancer, boost your immune system and help the body absorb calcium to prevent bone loss. In addition, being outdoors allows you to have better sleep, lower blood pressure, lower chance of depression, less anxiety and more creative ideas.

3. Mood enhancer
Besides bone and muscle strengthening, golfing releases endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing boosters for the brain.

4. Improve blood circulation
As you are required to think and strategise, golfing stimulates blood circulation to the brain, thus improving nerve cell connections, combatting the onset of dementia.

5. Increase life expectancy
According to a Swedish study, golfers live up to 5 years longer than non-golfers.

How to start playing golf as a woman

• Learn the basic swing and rules by getting lessons.
• Learn the golf etiquette.
• Be comfortable with the game and equipment.
• Play in groups with other women.
• Get clubs specialised for women.
• Always do a 10 – 20 minutes warm-up before and cool down after each game.
• Wear comfortable golf shoes as you will be standing and walking a lot initially.
• Look out for Singapore Heart Foundation’s Ladies’ Charity Cup Golf Tournament.

References

1. (2019, October 27). 7 female golfing health benefits. Golf Care. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.golfcare.co.uk/blog/2015/10/7-female-golfing-health-benefits/
2. (n.d.). Golf – health benefits. Better Health Channel. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/golf-health-benefits
(n.d.). 9 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Golf. Harbor Hills Country Club. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.harborhillsclub.com/blog/37-9-reasons-why-everyone-should-play-golf
3. Spence, A. (2021, January 20). Golf for Women. Fast Learners. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://thefastlearners.com/golf/tips-guides/golf-for-women/