A landmark study proves golf’s health benefits are greater than anyone thought. Walking the Walk

Last year, the Colorado Golf Association partnered with the renowned Denver sport scientist Neil Wolkodoff, Ph.D., to confirm what avid golfers have known for years; a round of golf is good for body and soul. Now, with this recent study, you can officially add the mind to that list. This January, Dr. Wolkodoff’s study appeared in the World Journal of Advanced Research & Reviews.

“This study provides research validation to the notion that walking the course is a significant contribution to health,” CGA Executive Director/CEO Ed Mate noted. The study showed that walking the course with a pushcart or electric trolley was significantly better in terms of energy burned than playing in a motor cart.

Mate shared that “more important, for the first time ever, the study went a step further to measure the mental effects of these modalities and the tie of physical exertion and play to scoring. The results clearly showed that walking provides a mental edge and lowers scores.”

Wolkodoff, the medical program director for the Colorado Center for Health & Sports, noted, “golf is much better than walking because the caloric output per unit of time is much higher than just walking. Eighty percent of golfers play 18 holes for four or more hours, so the health result is enhanced from total energy expenditure.”

Wolkodoff noted “golf while walking with a pushcart or electric trolley was statistically better at mental focus and score for the group,” adding there appears to be a rhythm of walking, thinking and shot-making that is positive for golf. “This will help define the relationship between walking modes and focus/score, something always postulated but never researched.”

The study took place last summer at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, the home course of the CGA. Each subject in the study was required to wear a VO2 mask during their round. Dr. Wolkodoff monitored various health metrics and each golfer submitted a mental focus assessment along with his or her scorecard for nine holes. One hearty soul who participated in the study was CommonGround Women’s Club champion, Rosemary Smith.

“Playing golf under those circumstances was difficult,” Smith admitted. “It was challenging wearing the mask—hot, claustrophobic and the look was certainly frightening to the other golfers we were paired with. You limited your talking as well because breathing was more difficult. After you took the mask off you felt a bit disoriented—a little woozy, unsteady. The first drive and subsequent shots that followed were not pretty.

“However, your sense of balance was usually restored by the next hole. I talked to two other participants who shared this feeling. I’m proud to have been a part of this unique effort to quantify the health and wellness benefits of playing this game I love.”

When asked if she had a prefer- ence between walking, pushcart or riding in a motor cart, it was a no-brainer. “My best rounds are always spent walking!” she said. “In fact, the best experience is walking and taking a caddie. Maybe the next study can incorporate taking caddies in the results!”

Smith has volunteered with the CGA’s Solich Caddie and Leadership Academy, so her bias runs deep. However you prefer to get around the course, you now know that a round of golf—especially on foot—is good for body, soul and mind. And it might even lower your scores. Read the full study at www.coloradogolf.org

Neil Wolkodoff, Ph.D., the medical program director for the Colorado Center for Health & Sports, performs research on golf and sports and provides programs to improve performance and health. He has worked successfully with PGA, collegiate and junior golfers over the last 25 years. He has authored five books and numerous research articles. neil@cochss.com