Playing Golf Has Never Been Better

by Justin Smith

With more golf courses in America than there are McDonald’s (15,000 vs. 14,000), there is a reason why so many golf courses exist in America. Whether you play golf or not, most people at one point in time wanted to try it; and people who play wish they played more.  There are many reasons to value golf but here are some highlights for those who always wanted to learn or needed a reminder.

Exercise – The average golfer burns 1,442 calories playing golf while walking. If they take a golf cart, they burn 822 calories.  A Swedish Study concluded that golfers lived five years longer than non-golfers (although nearly all golfers in Sweden walk.) Everyone wants to be healthier, so what better way to get exercise than while playing the game of golf. Sure, beats running on a treadmill in my opinion.

Outdoor Benefits – Being outside has been shown to lower blood pressure (although missing an 18-inch putt may reverse that), improve your ability to focus, help fight anxiety, eliminate fatigue, reduce inflammation, improve short-term memory and demonstrate a de-stressing effect.

Fundraising – Do you know an organization that needs an extra $2,000 or $100,000 this year? Golf courses can help. In 2016 golf raised $3.9 BILLION and since 2012 it has raised over $20 Billion in money for charities. In 2016 each charity event nationwide averaged $26,400 for the cause. No matter what size organization you are, golf courses can help you raise money for a great cause, or by simply playing in one of their events, you can help a charity succeed in their mission.

Business – Want a senior management position? You should strongly consider playing golf because executives who play golf make 17% more than those who don’t. 54% of business professionals see golf as the perfect networking tool. An estimated 90% of Fortune 500 CEO’s play golf and 50% of golfers agreed to the statement, “the way a person plays golf is very similar to how he or she conducts business affairs.”

Why is golf good for business? Because golf:

  1. Provides access to an environment where business deals are done
  2. Challenges people to go beyond their comfort zone for personal enrichment
  3. Instills confidence both on and off the course
  4. Gives insight on how to read others
  5. Offers you a sneak peek into the integrity and ethics of your golf partners
  6. And most important…lets you open up and have fun!

Fun – What do you do for fun with friends, colleagues, and family? Some people play golf for the business reasons listed above, and some play with a group of friends they may not see if it wasn’t for that annual event. Some play with their brothers, sisters, parents, children, and relatives. Golf provides an opportunity to bond and create memories that last a lifetime.

There are also many other reasons people play golf. Some like competitive events and some just like to relax and have a few drinks. The best part is you don’t have to be good at the sport to have fun and enjoy all the benefits.

Sources:

http://www.appraisers.org/docs/default-source/discipline_rp/golf-courses-an-ever-changing-challenge.pdf?sfvrsn=0

https://www.pga.com/play-golf-america/new-golfer/golf-good-business

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7#walking-in-nature-could-improve-your-short-term-memory-1

http://wearegolf.org/charity/contributions/

https://onpar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/a-little-scientific-research-for-all-those-19th-hole-debates/

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