Golf is a Physical Activity for a Lifetime

Participation in the sport of golf involves regular walking activity that promotes physical fitness for all ages, including the rapidly growing population of retired men and women in the baby boomer generation. Golf professionals and health experts can therefore benefit from having a working knowledge about the aging process and how this will affect the older golfer’s performance and participation level. This information also needs to include the potential for injury such as musculoskeletal problems arising from overly vigorous swings, faulty body mechanics or improper equipment. Literature is reviewed that is pertinent to the key performance and health issues that need to be considered when describing and promoting golf participation for the older population. Further research is still required on how best to disseminate such information widely to the large population of older people who could enjoy this activity as part of their lifelong strategy for successful aging.