Scotland
played host this week to the third International Congress on Golf and
Health, with Ryder Cup player and now Junior Ryder Cup captain Stephen
Gallacher among those who spoke about the wide-reaching health and
wellness benefits of the sport.
The
two-day event, which was held at the Royal College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh, involved delegates from over 20 countries and experts from
The R&A, the Ladies European Tour, DP World Tour, G4D Tour and The
Confederation of Professional Golf.
The conference shared insights on the health benefits of golf, with
golfers enjoying a reduction in over 40 major chronic diseases, better
well-being and length of life.
Delegates also learned about the mental fitness of Formula 1 drivers and
leading golfers, and the challenges of competing at the highest level.
They delved into key topics like injury prevention and management,
adaptations for disabled golfers, nutrition, strength, and conditioning.
“Regular
physical activity and participation in sport is one of the best things
you can do for physical, mental and social health,” said Maree Todd,
Sport Minister at the Scottish Government.
“The
congress is a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and experience,
to celebrate what golf is accomplishing, and to understand barriers to
participation and how we can work to remove them.”
Dr Julia Kettinen, researcher and Golf Exercise Medicine Specialist,
added: “Our research highlights that golf can help people achieve the
physical activity they need.
“Golf
also kept senior golfers active during the pandemic and supported their
quality of life. Even a single 18-hole round can offer significant
cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults,
compared to regular walking.
“Globally, more and more people are playing golf—over 100 million now—which is great for both individuals and populations.”
Four-time
DP World Tour winner Gallacher uses his junior foundation to spread the
message about how golf can help provide a healthy life.
He
said: “This scientific congress coming to Scotland is great as it helps
us understand the health benefits, hear about how golf is even being
prescribed now in Scotland and further afield, and also look at
supporting the mental health of players.
“I
have had some incredible highs like winning in Dubai, India and
Scotland, and being on the winning side at the 2014 Ryder Cup at
Gleneagles, but life in professional sport can be lonely and tough, so
the work on mental health is so important.”
Scottish
Golf CEO Robbie Clyde attended the congress along with Alex Knight, the
governing body’s community and impact manager, and head of marketing
and communications Francesca Dymond.
