Get Inspired: Game of golf ‘keeps doctor away’

A regular game of golf is likely to increase life expectancy and lead to better physical health, according to University of Edinburgh researchers.

The review of 5,000 studies on golf and wellbeing found physical benefits increased with the player’s age.

The study is part of the Gold and Health Project, which is led by the World Golf Foundation.

The project plans to look at gaps in the research such as golf’s links to mental health and muscle strengthening.

Executive director of the Golf and Health project Dr Roger Hawkes said the aim had been to add some “scientific rigour” to statements made about golf and wellbeing.

“For a number of years we’ve felt we’ve underplayed the likely benefits of golf on peoples’ health,” he said.

“We already have a scoping review, outlining what we know already, and we’re going to look at that research and the gaps in knowledge so that in five years time we will have really good evidence.”