How good of a workout is golf?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 20, 2026
Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Walking an average course for a round of golf can be between five to seven kilometres. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you'll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart.
Is golf a good way to lose weight?
Golf can absolutely help you lose weight. Walking an 18-hole golf course in four hours can burn up to 800 calories, or even more if the terrain is hilly and if you are carrying your golf clubs in a carry bag.
Does golf work any muscles?
On the right side, the most active muscles are the pectoralis major (64% MMT) and upper serratus (58% MMT). The most active muscle during the forward swing phase in the lower body are the upper and lower gluteus maximus (100% MMT and 98% MM) on the right side along with the biceps femoris (78% MMT).
Can golf tone your body?
Whether you're training your skill level or looking for a perfectly healthy excuse to get outside and get moving on a sunny day, golf can be a great way to tone, sculpt, get moving, and most importantly, play your way to a healthy lifestyle.
Is golf considered strenuous exercise?
Golf provides moderate-intensity physical activity that is recommended for people of all ages and genders for the longevity, physical and mental health benefits it offers, according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
41 related questions foundDoes golf work your abs?
Every time you swing your club, you're engaging your core muscles and improving their strength and mobility. It's no wonder pro golfers have some of the best abs around.
How much exercise is 18 holes of golf?
A golfer can walk four to eight miles for all 18 holes, or less when using a cart. That can burn between 264 and 450 calories per hour or about 531 to 2,467 calories per 18 holes. According to Murray, people who play golf regularly have better lung function than those who do not.
Is golf a rich person sport?
Because golf is considered a 'rich man's sport' owing to the high cost, it has a reputation as a premium sport. Golf courses can cost as much as $500 a round, depending on the course.
What are the cons of golf?
Disadvantages of Golf
- Playing golf can be expensive.
- Not easy to learn.
- Takes a lot of practice.
- Golf is not a team sport.
- Playing golf can be time-consuming.
- You may give up early.
- Plenty of equipment is needed.
- Playing golf requires some talent.
Is golf considered cardio?
In reality, golf incorporates cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and even balance and coordination. With all of these benefits, it's hard to say no to a game of golf. One of the best parts of golf, from a fitness standpoint, is the high amount of cardiovascular activity that is involved in the sport.
Does golf tone your arms?
If you think that Golf is a low-impact, leisurely sport then you are mistaken. This game is great for your upper body, including your arms and back. The act of hitting the ball with a golf club has a strong impact on your core and arms muscles.
What muscles do you need for golf?
The most important muscles for golf are located in your core—which includes your chest and back—your forearms, and your butt. These muscles allow you to control the force and rotation of your swing, giving you more power over the ball itself.
Does golf swing build muscle?
Some people think golf is a leisurely activity, but it offers a great all-around body workout. A properly, or even improperly, performed golf swing works muscles in the upper and lower body.
Is 18 holes of golf a good workout?
The World Golf Foundation estimates that golfers who walk an 18-hole course clock about 5 miles and burn up to 2,000 calories.
Is walking 18 holes of golf good exercise?
Walking golf is a great exercise for children and adults who love playing this invigorating sport. People who forgo the golf carts and hoof it on foot can find themselves burning off between 1,000 to 1,500 calories when playing all 18-holes. You can burn off more calories by carrying your clubs.
Is hitting golf balls good exercise?
Conclusion – Hitting balls is most likely light exercise, but certainly not intense “golf exercise”. It probably falls into the 150 minutes of moderate activity that the American Heart Association recommends per week.
Is golf a lazy sport?
Golf is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult and technical sport to grasp, and we're not trying to offend any keen golfers by calling them lazy! But it's definitely one of the least physically-taxing sports you can play.
Why do people say golf isn't a sport?
The fact that golf can be difficult and requires practice and skill to achieve proficiency does not mean it qualifies as a sport. Brain surgery, chess, and computer programming are difficult tasks that also require practice and mental acuity, but they are clearly not sports.
Is it bad to live next to a golf course?
One of the biggest concerns you may have living next to a golf course is a golf ball landing on your property. While small, golf balls can cause big damage. You can up your home insurance coverage, but that will lead to a higher monthly premium.
Why do millionaires play golf?
Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.
Why do businessmen play golf?
According to Forbes article Golfers Make Better Business Executives, 90% of Fortune 500 Company CEOs play golf, and 80% of all executives say, “Golf has the power to establish new relationships.” Not only do you acquire a professional relationship, you also make a friend that can last a lifetime.
What is so fun about golf?
Golf is fun because of the number of possibilities it offers to stop players from getting bored. Anyone can enjoy playing all kinds of different golf game types either alone, with friends or total strangers. And all while enjoying the great outdoors and getting a bit of exercise at the same time.
How far do you walk during 18 holes of golf?
Play a round of regulation 18-hole golf on most courses and you'll walk anywhere between 3 and 6 miles, depending on the length of the course, how much walking you do before and after your game, and how often you have to wander off course in search of lost balls.
What muscles should be sore after golf?
While the most common area you're likely to feel some tightness is in your hamstrings, soreness can occur anywhere (calves, quads, groin).
Do you need to be fit to play golf?
To play golf well, you need a certain level of physical fitness (despite what some critics might say). To get fit so that you can effectively play golf, you need to work (and stretch) those muscles!