If you needed one final reason to schedule your next tee time, the latest medical evidence suggests it could literally add years to your life.

A new report on golf and health, released by The R&A, highlights how the sport can be a powerful tool for longevity, revealing that golfers live, on average, five years longer than non-golfers.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, stated: "Over a number of years, we have sought to: raise awareness of the health benefits of golf to encourage interest in participation by people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, genders and ethnicities; improve the sport’s image; and increase advocacy for golf by government agencies and public health bodies."

According to a Bunkered news article, this research summarizes activity since 2021 and highlights the physical, social, and mental benefits of playing golf for people around the world.

The findings highlight that physical inactivity is responsible for more than three million deaths worldwide, making golf's rising participation of 108 million people a vital health development.  

Mark Darbon further explained: "Working with the likes of the World Health Organization, the DP World Tour, other golf organisations and respected sports medics like Dr Andrew Murray, we have been involved in new scientific research and continue to promote golf as a health-enhancing activity."

Advancing athlete performance and community wellness 

The R&A is continuing to promote golf not only as a sport that supports public health and wellbeing, but also as one that prioritizes player care at the highest level.

That commitment was reflected in 2025, when the AIG Women’s Open received the LPGA Gold Driver Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing it for delivering the “Best Player Experience.”

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director for the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A, said: “Along with our partner AIG, our priority has always been to create an environment that supports these incredible athletes to perform to the best of their ability."

At the same time, The R&A continues to encourage wider participation through its “Golf is Good” campaign, backed by Gareth Bale. The campaign highlights the physical, mental, and social benefits of golf and has found that a lot of non-golfers would consider taking up the sport because of those benefits.

Reflecting on his own experience, Bale said: "It allows me to get away from football, socialise with others in green space and enjoy a form of exercise. I hope the campaign shows people that golf has many health benefits and can keep you fit, happy and be enjoyed by everyone.”

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Sahil Prashar