There has been a quiet revolution in recent years with private golf clubs seeing a huge rise in the number of people, both men and women, taking up golf after the age of fifty. Gone are the days when golf clubs were viewed as stuffy and elitist. Today, golf centres like Rivenhall Oaks are family friendly venues where all ages can enjoy this glorious sport regardless of age, sex or ability.
There are a wealth of benefits to playing golf for a person of any age but delve a little deeper and it is easy to see why senior golfers are reaping the rewards. First and foremost, the sport is physically and mentally stimulating. A typical 18-hole game will enable golfers to take part in gentle, low impact, cardiovascular exercise in the fresh air. Depending on the layout and the level of skill, the distance walked on a full-size course will be about four miles and a golfer could easily burn off around 1300 calories.
According to a Swedish survey, golfers typically live up to five years longer. Although somewhat of a sweeping statement, when you investigate the factors surrounding this it does make sense. As we age the risk of heart problems, diabetes, mobility issues and dementia increase. Taking part in social activities and playing a gentle sport will help to delay these. Golf is not just a physical game but one of mental agility as it requires strategy and problem solving.
Rivenhall Oaks for example is ideal for seniors if they’re after a flat course, with the option of doing just nine holes. Quite often, the senior members will meet up with friends to play a round of golf. Chatting and laughing as you play meets a simple but vital social human need. Most clubs have cadet sections and offer the hire of the correct size of equipment. The social side carries on well after the game itself has finished with a drink at the 19th hole or maybe a meal in the clubhouse.
You might not want to join an exercise class for three or four hours but the lure of an afternoon on the golf course is seen more as a social activity than a physical one, yet it provides so many positives.
As we age our joints get stiffer. A golfer requires a degree of flexibility to swing the club correctly. Precautions such as a gentle warm up will offer some protection from pulled muscles. Additionally, you need to be aware of your body’s own mechanics. A good swing shot starts from the ground up but many older players starting later in life tend to swing from the waist. Rivenhall Oaks offer lessons for members to get expert advice and feedback on their skills. Booking an initial lesson from a professional is a great way to make sure that from day one you hold your clubs correctly and position your legs and back in the optimum way to maximise success and minimise injury. A professional can teach you to adopt the best and safest way to grip the clubs minimising impact when teeing off.
For more information on Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre, visit https://www.rivenhalloaksgolf.com
