Benefits of Playing Golf

Golf Can Help You Change Your Mindset and Stay Fit

By guest blogger Jordan Fuller jordan@golfinfluence.com

What is the single, biggest misconception about golf? For most, it is the reputation of golf itself as a sport. Many people, even golfers, doubt about the health benefits, which essentially should be the key quality of any sports. Many people believe that the health benefit of golf comes only from the walking activities between holes. Yet, is that truly the case?

Actually, there are many more health benefits from golf as an activity. Not only for your body, but also in improving your mental state. Below we will debunk the myths and show you the facts about the health benefit of golfs. Let us begin with the mind and mental aspects.

Golf Can Teach You How To Stay Focused

It is a well-known fact that in this modern life, we lose focus more easily, which is often known as the shortened attention span. The good news is, golf as a game demands a lot of focus, which in turn, will teach you to stay focused in your day to day activities.

To get the most of this benefit, the best thing you can do is improving your ability to focus on the course itself. The best way is to set small goals each round, that are both realistic and challenging enough. Break the course to groups of three holes, and set a small goal for each group. We often get dismayed when making a poor score, considering the whole round is ruined by it. By breaking the course, if you make any bad score, your mindset is changed that it only hurts that sole group of three holes, and you can keep your focus for the next.

Also, develop a standard pre-shot routine that calms you and helps you focus. Look at how Tour players are obsessive with their routines, and sometimes will repeat the routine when they are distracted.

Golf Can Help You Stay Fit Easily

Not only golf demands a lot of focus during the rounds, but it also demands your fitness. Thankfully, the game of golf itself provides a lot of ways to stay fit without much effort.

First, we all know a game of golf involves a lot of walking. If you really want to get the most of it, avoid golf carts and walk as much as possible. It is a great way to build stamina.

Second, carrying your own clubs helps you build strong bones and muscles. Doing these two can also get rid of excess body fat, helping you stay fit and lean.

To make the most of the fitness benefits, here are some things you can do:

• Drink a lot of water

Drinking more water not only regulates your body temperature and improving overall functions. It also controls your appetite, thus helping you lose weight. Specific for your golf performance, it also improves muscle functions for more powerful swings.

• Track your calories

There are a lot of smartphone apps that can help you track what you eat and drink. Some can even track your steps during a golf round. By tracking your calories, you can set realistic goals to help you stay motivated.

Golf Has Great Health Benefits

So, what are the health benefits of golf? Let's list a few:

• Cardiovascular Health

A game of golf is a great way to let your heart pumping healthily. As mentioned, walking and carrying your bag, as well as swinging the clubs increase your heart rate and blood flow. On average, during an 18-hole round, a golfer can have an average heart rate of 100 BPM for two to five hours.

• Weight Loss

Studies suggested that a male golfer burns roughly 2,500 kilocalories during an 18-hole round. Female players? Around 1,500 kilocalories. A round of golf is definitely more entertaining than spending those hours on a treadmill machine or stationary bike.

• Sleep Better, Less Stress

The pleasure of walking in fresh air surrounded by beautiful landscape can help you sleep better at night. The social aspect of golf can also help with this fact, releasing endorphin to enhance your mood levels.

• Live Longer

This is the best part. Studies suggested that golfers have 40% lower death rate, or around a 5-year increase in life expectancy. Want to live longer and healthier? Play golf!

End Words

Golf is indeed a game with many health benefits for your body and soul. The best part is, golf is arguably more entertaining than any other sports, and you can get all the health benefits without much effort.

Golf Positive! Live Positive!

Clarity on Your Target

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In golf and in life it is essential to have clarity on your end goal. You get what you focus on in life. 

On the golf course be sure to have a specific target for every shot. Often times I’ll ask a player, “What is your target?” and the response is something like “somewhere in play" or “the middle of the fairway” or “the green.” In choosing your target, it’s best to choose a very specific target like, the left edge of the bunker, or the tree behind the green or the flag or a spot on the green to land a chip shot. The more specific the target, the more clarity you’ll have in the shot you plan to execute. 

Also, pick a target that gives you room to be successful. By successful I mean, even if your ball does not go exactly as planned, there is still room to the left and right of the target for your ball to land in a good position. It was Jack Nicholas who said, “I hit 5 or 6 perfect shots per round, the rest are just good misses.” That’s coming from one of the best players to ever step on the links!

Choosing your target is part of your pre-shot routine. 

You may already have a pre-shot and that is fantastic! Be sure to incorporate time to think and plan your shot as well as choosing a target and spot for alignment from behind the ball. 

After all of the decisions are made and you know the exact shot you plan to execute, it’s time to stop thinking and just get aligned and set up and focus on the target, and swing!

Mark Cuban said “stay focussed and believe in yourself and your own ability and judgement.”

Focus on your target ….. Remember, the golf ball is NOT the target!

“What? I’m trying to hit the golf ball, why is that not my target?”  Your target is where you want the ball to go… like the flag, or a tree that is in line with the center of the fairway. Engage with the target, breathe and swing without thoughts.

That is true focus! Your body knows how to swing the golf club, so you don't need swing thoughts during your actual swing, they actually just get in the way! Instead, let the ball just get in the way of your swing. Again, you don’t want to try to hit the golf ball.

Take some time to review your pre shot routine and practice focussing only on the target. If you want to be a more consistent player, you need to be consistent in your preparation.

In life, get crystal clear on your ultimate vision. How much money are you making? What career is perfect for you? What is your fitness level? How much energy, joy, enthusiasm and passion do you feel everyday? What do you imagine for your extraordinary relationship?

Take some time to get clear on your goals in life. Ask yourself, how can I achieve this outcome? Don't allow yourself to make excuses, as the Nike ad says, "Just Do It! Getting clarity and focus is the first step!

Be Positive, Live Positive, Golf Positive

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