Five Benefits of Playing Golf

As the world’s best golfers prepare to battle it out on the fairways later this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, we’re giving you the low down on exactly why you should be playing golf; why it’s such a good sport to enjoy as a family, the benefits of playing golf that you might not have thought about, and how you can get your new-found passion “on-course” for greatness.

Whether you’re a regular golfer or total novice, golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their age, background, or ability. And as a sport that is both mentally stimulating and physically challenging, there are so many benefits of playing golf; from staying fit and health, to developing core movement skills, and spending more time together as a family.

Getting out on the golf course gives families plenty of quality time to spend together in the fresh air- all without the distraction of a mobile phone or TV! There’ll be plenty of time to chat between shots, and it will give everyone something in common. And, thanks to the game’s unique handicapping  system, golf is one of the only sports that the whole family can enjoy together, regardless of age, fitness, or ability.

Fact: A round of golf burns more calories than a normal gym session- yes, really! An average 18-hole round of golf burns 900 calories, combining weight-loss benefits of walking with muscle toning and strengthening benefits of swinging and carrying or pulling your golf bag.

For children especially, golf is a great sport to develop fundamental movement skills as well as the ability to swing a golf club correctly. What you might not have given thought to though is that fact that golf helps to develop a whole range of lifelong skills beyond simply hitting the ball, including communication, respect, leadership, listening, and commitment.

Playing golf and walking in the fresh air releases natural mood-enhancing chemicals in your brain, known as endorphins, which make you feel happy and relaxed. Combined with the active social life and regular physical activity that golf provides, the sport helps to significantly reduce stress overtime.

A recent study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that playing golf can actually increase your life expectancy by up to five years, thanks to it’s unique combination of outdoor exercise and social interaction.

Both Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offer fantastic coaching programs for men, women, and children, so it’s never been easier to get into golf in Abu Dhabi. There’s a choice of starter and intermediate packages available, as well as a new and improved ladies group development programs, which include more practice time and more time on the course.

For the little ones, both clubs have put together an exciting new junior program, the Troon Junior Club Program, which focuses on fun and aims to develop a lifelong love of the game in future generations of golfers. The programs help children between the ages of 4 and 15 years to develop functional movement skills and, when these movements are mastered, more specific fundamental golf skills.

To find out more about any of the coaching programs please click the links below:

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club 

If you’re heading to the HSBC Championships this weekend at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, why not pop along to the Top Golf station on the driving range, where the golf club’s instructors will be giving free lessons. Simply head to the driving range to book your slot on the day.

There’s also a huge range of entertainment and dining options during the event that the whole family can enjoy, but for something extra special, the popular Sky Bar will be offering a brunch from 11am until 6pm, all for just AED599 per person. Overlooking both the 17th and 18th greens, the Sky Bar promises to be THE place to catch all of the action of the championships with live food stations and wide range of beverages. For reservations please contact [email protected] or call 056 536 2230