Most golfers think about the health benefits of golf in pretty simple terms.
You walk. You get some fresh air. You spend time outdoors.
But what if we're only scratching the surface of what golf can do for our health and wellbeing?
In this episode of the Golf Yourself Happy Podcast, Golf Mindset Coach Kris Lynch is joined by Professor Charlie Foster, Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol, to explore the fascinating relationship between golf, health, wellbeing and behaviour change.
Charlie has spent much of his career researching physical activity and advising on public health policy. He is now applying that expertise to golf and is currently writing a book on Golf and Health, featuring insights from some of the leading figures in the game.
Together, Kris and Charlie explore the “tyranny of the handicap”, why the scorecard can be a poor measure of what we actually get from golf, and the many physical, mental and social benefits that can come from playing the game.
They also dive into some fascinating research around golf and brain health - including what happens in our brains when we putt, why slow-motion swings can stimulate the brain, and how simply holding a golf club creates a surprisingly interesting physiological response.
The conversation then turns to behaviour change and habit formation: why we're so attracted to quick fixes, why meaningful change takes time, and how small, consistent actions can ultimately compound into much bigger results.
And perhaps most importantly, Kris and Charlie explore a question at the heart of Golf Yourself Happy:
If golf can give us so much more than a scorecard, how can we make sure we're actually getting the most from the game we love?
Whether you're interested in the health benefits of golf, curious about what happens in your brain when you play, or simply looking for a healthier and more enjoyable relationship with the game, this episode will encourage you to think differently about .
In this episode:
Key Takeaways
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