Golf is no longer limited to good old boys making business deals on the links. It’s gaining traction as a “cool girl” hobby because of its health benefits and social and personal growth opportunities.
You can challenge yourself and relax simultaneously in the great outdoors — and you get a good workout, to boot. Golf offers a unique blend of physical and mental stimulation, and women are incorporating the sport into their lifestyles as a valuable form of fitness and leisure.
There have never been more women playing golf than now. The number of female golfers increased by 15% from 2019 to 2022, from 5.6 million to 6.4 million. This is due to an increasing interest in the sport, programs to educate and equip women, and the gear becoming more affordable. There are more male players overall, but the numbers are strikingly close, with women accounting for about 45% of off-course golfers.
Golf courses are increasingly becoming more accessible and accommodating to women, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. These courses offer women a platform to network, soak up some vitamin D, unwind, forge new friendships, challenge themselves, and stay physically active. This inclusivity is a testament to the sport’s changing dynamics, making it more appealing to women.
1. Good for Physical Exercise
Playing golf is suitable for your physical well-being because it’s a moderate-intensity exercise.
- Cardiovascular: Golf keeps your heart rate at a healthy, functional level. It helps to lower the risk of heart disease and various cardiovascular issues.
- Muscle endurance: Playing 18 holes without a golf cart is beneficial for exercising your leg muscles. Swinging the golf club can tone the muscles in your arms and abdomen.
- Vitamin D: It’s estimated that half of the global population has a vitamin D deficiency. Playing this sport provides sun exposure, which is essential for producing vitamin D. This vitamin plays a vital role in supporting bone health. Between 54.3% and 80% of patients resume playing golf after a spinal procedure, and swinging a club and getting sun exposure helps you heal while building core muscles.
2. Improves Mental Well-Being
Golf is not just a physical activity; it’s also a mental workout. The strategic planning and physical exertion involved in the game trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, promoting a sense of well-being and mental resilience.
- Cognitive skills: Golf requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You also have to focus on the ball and the distance to the hole, and maintain good posture when swinging. This improves your cognitive abilities and focus.
- Stress reduction: If you need an escape from the busyness of work, kids, and home life, playing golf reduces stress, improves your mood, and reduces the risk of depression.
3. Allows for Social Interaction
There’s a double win in social interaction. Playing golf boosts your self-confidence and allows you to make friends or network.
- Self-confidence boost: The more you play golf, the more you sharpen your skills, giving you a sense of achievement and confidence to overcome obstacles.
- Make friends: Golf is a great conversation starter when making friends. It provides a platform to get to know someone in a calm environment while entertaining yourself by playing games, exercising, and occupying your time outside the digital world. One of the best starting points for making friends is finding a mutual topic of conversation before hitting that hole-in-one friendship.
Golf is quickly becoming women’s favourite sport because of its unique blend of physical, social, and mental wellness benefits — all within a safe and inclusive environment. If you’re searching for a hobby that truly offers it all, golf is the ultimate hole-in-one package.
