In this day and age we are ever more conscious of staying healthy and keeping fit. We are surrounded by health crazes that promise to keep us fit just by picking them up off the shelves. There are constant reminders of the health implications if we do not stay active and look after our selves.

I have always been health conscious, yet the prospect of spending hours in a sweaty gym has never particularly appealed to me. For me, it is so much easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you enjoy the exercise you do. Golf is such an enjoyable and social sport it is easy to forget the fantastic health benefits we can gain from it. An average round of golf can burn at least 300 calories. Past all the calorie counting, golf offers more than just a trimmer waist line; studies have shown that by exercising we sleep better and remain in a deep sleep for longer. Sleep is vital for our immune system, muscle repair and a range of other bodily processes that many of us don’t even stop to think about. It’s also worth mentioning that by carrying your clubs muscle tone is built up leading to a better cardiovascular workout. So instead of dragging yourself to the gym, have a round of golf and enjoy the many health benefits that come along with it!

Golf isn’t just for the young either. ‘The one thing to do once you retire is to take up golf, it is a great way to keep active and stay fit, the social aspect is so enjoyable.’ – My Grandad, John Pulsford. A true gent aged 82 who still enjoys a round of golf once a week.

My Grandad started playing 20 years ago after he retired. Initially he began with a few basic lessons and hasn’t looked back ever since. At 82 he is one of the most active, full of life people I know; it was only a year ago that he achieved every golfers dream and got a hole in one. He’ll always say it was down to ‘a stroke of good luck’ but I’m pretty sure he could give Rory McIlroy a run for his money!  

                            John Pulsford, Aged 82 years                                                                        

He started playing to take up a new hobby and to enjoy the social aspect of the game. He has arthritis but insists that golf keeps him active and relieves stress. This shows that golf is great for anyone, whether or not they experience health problems, and in many cases it could even help.

I hadn’t really considered the health benefits of golf before. For me I have always thought of golf as a very civilised sport for anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the challenge of the golf course and finish up in the 19th hole socialising with friends. Top golfers are regarded as athletes, now more than ever before. Take Tiger Woods…he may not have always set the finest example, however perfecting the ideal swing takes focus, dedication and years of practice. In doing so, postural control and balance, along with muscular strength and stability, are developed. Golfers working on their game reap the health benefits, (I know I’m probably slightly biased but my grandad is certainly one of them.)

I carried out some research whilst writing this blog and was interested to find that alongside all the physical health benefits of golf, there are also a number of mood enhancing ‘endorphins’ that are released into the bloodstream whilst exercising and enjoying the fresh air (even better if the sun is shining!) The social aspect of golf, combined with some friendly competition is a great way to relax after a stressful day at work, for many people golf is a great escape.

 Oceanico Old Golf Course - Host to the Competition Event                 Oceanico Victoria Golf Course - Host to the Pro-Am Event

    
I’m no golf expert, but we have that all covered with the Golfbreaks.com Ultimate Tuition Break. Two lucky competition winners, Nick Blunt and Chris Hughman are currently being coached on the European Tour Performance Institute Amateur programme. Working with Tour Fit for Golf, a company that recognises the importance of being healthy in order to enjoy your game and improve your handicap; both golfers aim to improve their health and fitness levels in order to develop their game. By the end of the intensive training course they aim to have improved their golf handicap. One of the most impressive aspects of the tuition is that it leads up to the ultimate prize; an appearance in the Portugal Masters Pro-Am in October.

Many of you may have previously entered our Ultimate Tuition Break, the great news is that it’s not too late to potentially play at the Portugal Masters Pro-Am! Golfbreaks.com have teamed up with European tour to provide some exclusive packages, with a  competition event that will give one lucky winner the chance to play at the Portugal Masters Pro-Am on Wednesday 12th October. Even if you don’t get the chance to play at the Portugal Maters Pro-Am, all packages include tickets to the main event; the Portugal Masters kicking off from Thursday 13th October. This is the perfect opportunity to play at some fantastic golf courses and get fit. The competition is on Tuesday 11th October, so don’t delay get booking now!