Is Golf a Sport?

So, many of you know that you enjoy the 3.5 - 5 hours that you spend on the golf course, some daily, others weekly, and even others only monthly. But, did you know that playing 18 holes constitutes as a sport, based on the caloric expenditure that you put forth as you chase your balls from the tee box up to the green?

Sports scientists that pondered this question over their 19th hole cocktails completed a few studies, crunched many numbers and came up with the following.

• Golfers expend (on average) 411 calories during a round in which they ride in a cart. They also walk approximately 1/2 mile over 18 holes.
• Golfers expend (on average) 613 calories if they walk 18 holes while using a caddy.
• Golfers expend (on average) a whopping 721 calories during a round when they walk and carry their clubs! They also walk 2.5 miles over the course of 18 holes!

So, let's say, on average, a golfer walks 36 holes at his or her club of choice - we recommend a Canongate Golf Club, of course, as there would be plenty of variety and courses to choose from - he or she would burn approximately 2,884 calories a week. This is enough to improve his or her health by lowering the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Reason enough to tee it up, if you ask us!

This is not to say, however, that you are going to get more physically fit by simply playing a few rounds a week. For that, you should probably keep your gym membership. And, while we may not like running on the treadmill or spending a few hours a week in the weight room, it has been proven that those efforts may pay off with a lower score when you finally make it to the course!

Happy, and healthy golfing!