The Good-Good Golf Podcast · TalkinGolf Productions

Ep 158: Golf and Health: A way forward for the game

·54 min·5 clips

Golfers live five years longer than non-golfers on average.

This episode explores the health benefits of golf through a recent Scottish pilot study that prescribed the sport to patients. Host Rod Murray is joined by co-hosts Adrian Loke and Jimmy Emanuel, alongside guest Dr. Frank Sullivan, Director of Research at the University of St. Andrews Medical School. Dr. Sullivan helped design and evaluate the trial, which connected local medical practices with golf clubs in Fife. The program identified patients through GPs, nurses, and pharmacists, who referred them to a website to register for group sessions. Participants met with a golf professional for six weeks, learning the game's rudiments and engaging in social activities. The study included people with a broad range of conditions, from those recovering from strokes or heart attacks to individuals managing anxiety and depression. Initial funding came from the R&A, the university, and HANDA ISPS, with a larger grant application planned for the UK's National Institute for Health Research. One patient reported improved upper arm movement after shoulder surgery, aided by a professional's suggestion to use chunkier grips. Dr. Sullivan cited the R&A's Golf and Health Report, which states golfers live an average of five years longer than non-golfers. The report also notes that golf spectators get more physical activity than fans of many other sports due to walking the course. A participant with high anxiety and severe depression said golf provided a "total switch off" from work and planned to continue. The program faced no resistance from medical practices or golf clubs, with everyone keen to make it work. Dr. Sullivan emphasized that motivation alone isn't enough; the program succeeded by lowering barriers and creating opportunity. The social aspect proved crucial, with clubs fostering WhatsApp groups for participants to arrange future games. One single female participant almost didn't attend due to worry but found the environment very welcoming. The tone is conversational and investigative, blending personal golf anecdotes with scientific inquiry and policy discussion. The style is educational yet relaxed, featuring direct quotes from study participants and references to historical figures like course architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie. This episode would appeal to public health professionals, golf industry advocates, and players curious about the sport's societal value. Listeners seeking pure swing tips or tournament analysis might find it less relevant.

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