The mental health benefits of golf can be life changing, whether you’re battling depression or simply struggling to keep your stress levels in check. Not only does playing the sport regularly provide an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sun, but it also takes plenty of patience and focus, two crucial traits when it comes to fighting off anxiety and depression. If you’re thinking about taking up golf to help improve your mental health, just make sure you stick with it long enough to benefit from its many stress-busting properties.

Curb Depression and Anxiety

Want to improve your mental health? Consider getting a tee time. Many studies have shown that regular golfers have lower rates of depression than people who don’t golf. Researchers have found that people who play at least three times a week were about half as likely to suffer from depression—and even milder forms of psychological distress—than non-golfers. The reasons for these mental health benefits are unclear, but there are several theories on why playing golf can help with depression. First and foremost, there are studies that show exercise in general is one of the best ways to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while fresh air and socializing also help improve mental health. And it’s not just an idle hobby: playing golf regularly actually makes you smarter! Golf is linked to better brain function because it improves hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and reaction time (all things we use every day). In fact, researchers have found that seniors who play more often tend to score higher on cognitive tests like memory recall and processing speed.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

For many people, golf is more than just a sport. It’s also a great way to de-stress. Golf has been shown to lower stress levels better than other sports and relaxation techniques. Playing a game of golf can release the “feel good” endorphins, the human body’s natural mood booster that can combat anxiety and depression as well as reduce symptoms of stress.

Improve Your Ability to Focus

Playing golf has been shown to enhance mental focus. Because it is a sport that demands your full attention, it helps focus on one task and keep your mind off other things. Many psychologists believe golf can be therapeutic for people suffering from ADHD because it lets them slow down their thoughts and stay focused on their swings.

Add Depth to Your Social Circle

Like all sports, golf helps strengthen your body and mind. Knocking a ball around the course with a friend is a physical workout that can burn upwards of 300 calories per hour, depending on whether you use a pushcart, carry your golf bag, or prefer a golf cart. Golf is a great way to increase your social circle and make new friends.

Improve Your Physical Health

There are many reasons to play golf, and staying fit is one of them. Golfing has been shown to improve one’s overall well-being by reducing stress levels and increasing heart health. Golf is a naturally low-impact sport, and in turn, there is low risk of injury compared to playing contact sports.

It’s still critical to stretch and warm up to prevent common injuries - take a look at our pre-round stretch routine from certified golf fitness instructor, Elise Lobb-Dzingel, to ensure you're ready for the first tee. For after your round, don’t forget to look at her  to help aid in muscle and overall body recovery.

Experience the Benefits for Yourself With a Golf Club Fitting at PXG Today!

After reading about some of the many potential health benefits of golf, you owe it to yourself to get out and play! Reap some of the benefits of golf and enjoy a round? Get fitted for golf clubs at a PXG Retail Store or Fitting Hub near you! Never been fitted for golf clubs before? Learn about what you can expect at your first golf club fitting in our guide today!