The third International Congress on Golf and Health recently returned to Scotland, highlighting the health benefits of the sport and placing a focus on mental health and wellness.
The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh hosted the world-leading scientific congress over two days of sessions, with experts in attendance from The R&A, Ladies’ European Tour, DP World Tour, G4D Tour, the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) and delegates from over 20 countries.
The conference shared insights on the health benefits of golf, with golfers enjoying a reduction in over 40 major chronic diseases, better well-being and length of life.
Dr Andrew Murray, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the DP World Tour and a Health Consultant with The R&A, was at the forefront of organising the event.
“It was a Congress bigger than ever before, with more speakers too, which was fantastic,” said Murray. “It was a great opportunity to get together and then think about the health benefits of golf – how we can promote health through major events, how we can help people be at their best, maximizing performance and decreasing illness and injury. Then it’s just about giving everyone the opportunity to play golf.
“I think everyone who attended is very passionate about golf and health, very knowledgeable as well, and I really enjoyed the two days.”
Stephen Gallacher, the Ryder Cup star and four-time DP World Tour winner, was among those who took part in the discussions as delegates learned about the mental fitness of competing at the highest level.
Gallacher, who played for 28 years on the DP World Tour, said, “The great thing about the conference was that it was all about golf, all about the positives of the sport for longevity of life. You can start at such a young age and you can still be playing at such a late age.
“It was important also to discuss how much the golfing world has changed, how much the health side has come into it. It’s changed a lot since I was a kid, like proper advice on nutrition, recovery and hydration. There is so much data and technology to plot their goals. As the home of golf in Scotland, it was also fitting to be in such a beautiful place to talk about it.”
Attendees also delved into key topics like injury prevention and management, adaptations for disabled golfers, nutrition, strength and conditioning. Research presented from Finland, Sweden and Scotland highlighted that:
Maree Todd, Sport Minister at the Scottish Government, said, “Regular physical activity and participation in sport is one of the best things you can do for physical, mental and social health. The Congress was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and experience, to celebrate what golf is accomplishing and to understand barriers to participation and how we can work to remove them.”
Dr Julia Kettinen, researcher and Golf Exercise Medicine Specialist, added, “Our research highlights that golf can help people achieve the physical activity they need. Golf also kept senior golfers active during the pandemic and supported their quality of life.
“Even a single 18-hole round can offer significant cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults, compared to regular walking. Globally, more and more people are playing golf – over 100 million now – which is great for both individuals and populations.”
Alyson Mckechin, Head of Golf It! in Glasgow, was also among the speakers in the impressive surroundings of the Royal College, fresh from recently winning Coach of the Year at the Scottish Golf Awards.
Gallacher, the founder of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation which continues to blossom, summed the sessions up. “Our mission is to help and encourage golfers to live a healthy life and enjoy their golf,” he added. “This scientific Congress coming to Scotland was great as it helps us understand the health benefits, hear about how golf is even being prescribed now in Scotland and further afield, and also look at supporting the mental health of players.
“I have had some incredible highs like winning in Dubai, India and Scotland, and being on the winning side at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, but life in professional sport can be lonely and tough, so the work on mental health is so important.”
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