Golf has never been as sexy as tennis, or even pickleball. But over the years, the game has gotten more inclusive, and the younger generations of golfers have rebranded the sport as it has emerged as the next Big Thing.
“The participation in golf has been on a consistent incline, especially after COVID. With golf being one of the first outdoor activities to re-open after the pandemic, [it] gave golf the platform it needed, especially amongst the younger demographic,” golf pro and fitness trainer Tisha Alyn told us. “According to the National Golf Foundation, golf has been dubbed as the ‘largest-growing sport in America.’ I have personally noticed a large interest in millennials, Gen Z, and women in general.”
Perhaps your only image of golf is a bunch of old white men lollygagging around a course for eight hours while tossing back beers (fair). But as it turns out, golf can actually make for a great full-body workout.
Don’t believe us? We chatted with Tisha on how to get the most out of your next round of nine.
“Walking a round of 18 holes is equivalent to roughly five miles. Not only is walking a recommended daily activity, but it is a great way to work out your entire body. Not to mention, if you’re pushing or carrying the bag, that’s an added fitness factor,” says Tisha.
“In one round, you can burn up to 1,400 calories,” shares Tisha. “Factors such as weather, golf course undulation, how long it takes to get from one hole to the next, and walking or carrying a golf bag can be added to that.”
“Practicing and developing a golf swing takes an immense amount of focus and precision. It exercises your mind and body,” she adds. “A simple golf swing engages your core, obliques, upper torso, glutes, and legs. It’s an explosive movement where you’re swinging a golf club as hard as you can into the ground to hit a tiny ball. The more buckets of golf balls you hit, the more you work. Oftentimes, after going to the driving range, new golfers wake up the next day feeling sore in unusual places. Golf challenges your body in different ways, since it is not a natural movement, which to me is the beauty of it.”
For the low-impact lovers.
“Golf is considered a low-impact sport. It is a moderate-intensity activity that is beneficial to one’s overall health. It’s great conditioning for the heart and a healthy activity for daily life,” explains Tisha.
“There’s nothing more fun than carrying your Sunday bag with friends and playing a quick round. If the golf course recommends carts only, then spend as little time in it as possible. Walk in between shots, and take the longer route,” suggests Tisha. “I also highly recommend making time for a quick 10-minute stretch and a range sesh before going out and playing. This prevents injury, encourages more movement, and gets you ready for your game.”
“I love the way this sport connects and brings people together,” Tisha shares. “As an entrepreneur in the golf space, I can’t express enough how many amazing people I’ve met through this game and how many deals I’ve closed on the golf course. I’ve made the best of friends on the course! All because we love chasing a little white ball around.”
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