The R&A’s new video series on the health benefits of golf continues to prove popular.
At a time when record numbers are now playing golf worldwide, “Iona Investigates” is a three-part series in which broadcaster Iona Stephen learns how people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are reaping the rewards of playing the sport.
Stephen speaks with famous faces from other sports – including Jason McAteer, the former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland footballer, and James Taylor, the ex-England cricket international player – leading medical professionals such as Dr Roger Hawkes, fitness instructors and club golfers to understand how golf improves general fitness, eases stress and anxiety, and offers social interaction.
The first episode covers mental health and well-being, the second on physical health, and a final show on strength and balance.
To view episode one, click HERE.
“Working on this series has been a hugely rewarding experience,” Stephen said. “I’ve discovered more about golf’s wonderful health benefits and helped to highlight them by speaking to people from many different backgrounds.”
In recent years, The R&A has strived to communicate golf’s health benefits to a global audience and underline the role that the sport plays in health and social well-being.
Working with organisations such as the World Health Organization, the DP World Tour, other golf bodies and respected medical professionals such as Dr Andrew Murray, The R&A has been involved in various scientific research studies to make the sport more appealing to all.
Research has revealed that, on average, golfers live five years longer than non-golfers and that golf, as a physical activity, can help prevent and treat 40 major chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, breast and colon cancer, depression and dementia.
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