At Mackem Golf, we want to promote healthy mental health habits. This means different things for different people. However, if you’re here, that means you like to chase a little white ball around some fields for a few hours. Just like the rest of us.
Golf can be a frustrating sport, but the health benefits of playing golf, both physical and mental shouldn’t be ignored or taken for granted.
As a male-dominated sport, it does allow us to change habits. As you’re probably aware, men don’t speak about their struggles or open up much. This is something that needs to change in society, opening up about troubles no matter the size is vital to helping others overcome the stigma.
Mental Health Benefits of Golf
In this blog, we’re going to run through some of the mental health benefits of playing golf, from the obvious to things you may not have thought about:
Exercise For the Mind & Body
Whether you decide to walk 9 or use a cart for 18, by the end of a round your body is feeling things. Whether it’s your legs or lower back. Did you know that a golfer walking 9 holes walks between five to seven kilometres? Not many of us take the time to walk that kind of distance very often.
Did you know that regular exercise can reduce Stress & symptoms of mental health conditions (depression & anxiety)? Add to this that after a solid 18 holes, you’re probably getting a good night of sleep, to give you more energy the next day.
The Golfing Community
Have you ever partnered up with a random single or duo and just had a new experience with the game? Some of the best yet short conversations I have had were waiting on the tee box for the fairway to clear. There are people you wouldn’t even have crossed paths with who are probably some of your best friends because of this game.
As we age we are prone to become more isolated and lonely, having a community or even just those small interactions on the golf course can get people outside and social. Whether you make a friend for life or just 9 holes, those memories and touch points can make the world of difference.
An Escape from Stress
Far too often we can’t get away from our problems, whether you’re driving to or from work, trying to wind down or even get to sleep. Golf seems to have power over your mind, and for 18 holes, golf is the thing that matters. This singular focus is an amazing tool to just forget about your troubles.
It can’t solve them, it can’t suddenly make them go away. It does help give us a goal for the next few hours, we forget about our phones, enjoy the company of others and just become one with the course.
And if all else fails, you can always get the driver out and swing for the fences, who said letting out stress needs to be calm? Just make sure it stays in the fairway!
The Benefit of Fresh Air & Nature
For many, we spend far too long on our phones, in an office or otherwise not just out enjoying the world around us. As time has gone on, I’ve begun to appreciate my time on the golf course. When was the last time you stood on the tee and just took it all in? The benefits of nature on our mental health can be immediate, even for that time you can improve your mood, feel more relaxed and much more.
I challenge you, the next time you step onto the tee, just take 10 seconds, do some deep breathing, and let the birds and trees get into your head. That can be the difference between truly enjoying the game and letting the bad shots get the best of you.
A Time to Bond & Share
A round can take time, whether it’s 9 or 18, between waiting for the group in front and chasing after your ball, there is lots of time in between.
If you think about the average time it takes you to hit a shot, let’s say it’s 10 seconds between setup and contact. And the average score for 18 holes of 95. That means that for around 15 minutes, you’re playing golf.
Now consider the average time to play 18 holes is around 4 hours depending on group sizes, what are you doing for the other 3 hours and 45 minutes?
You’re bonding with your group, telling stories, laughing, cracking jokes & sharing your time with them. We shouldn’t take this for granted, this might be the only time some feel safe to share.
Plan Your Next Round
We’ve mentioned during our Isle Of Skye round the peace we felt on that course. If we could bottle that and hand it out for free, we would.
We all know someone who has been affected by their mental health, whether friend, family or co worker. Maybe even you are struggling. Reach out to people, offer that golf club to them. Maybe through sport we can help people open up, break down barriers and build connections.
The health benefits of playing golf go far beyond the physical. Golf offers fresh air, nature, social interaction and exercise, creating a safe and positive environment for your mind and well-being.
We hope that whether you’re in the up-and-coming next generation of golfers or just new to the game. You can embrace this and pass it on to the next random you’re partnered with.
In embracing golf as a means to improve mental health, we all need to acknowledge the sport’s power to heal, connect, and empower. Let’s shift the narrative around men’s mental health, one swing at a time.
If you feel like you are in need of help or someone to talk to, please head to this link to find a range of services in your area: https://healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
