Golfing is a great hobby enjoyed by many people, such as senior citizens and other people of all ages. These tips, expressions, benefits, and humor about golf will hopefully attract the golf lovers and also people who do not play golf yet
Benefits of Golfing
Whether you play the back nine or all 18 holes, there are many physical benefits to playing golf. And, yes, it has been officially deemed by experts to be a sport, though some have perhaps boorishly suggested that it’s just a game, since anyone in just about any physical condition can play. The following are among the many health benefits of playing golf:
- Everyone needs to get exercise, and golfing is a great way to accomplish that goal. It is definitely not a mere leisurely pastime.
- Golfing gives your heart and lungs an excellent workout. Your heart really gets pumping when you golf 18 holes.
- Opting to walk and carry your own bag rather than ride a cart on a nine-hole course is especially beneficial to anyone who wants to lose weight or who doesn’t fit other forms of exercise into their routine, because it burns approximately 721 calories. Double that calorie count for 18 holes.
- For many people, golfing is also a quick cure for stress. As long as you capitalize on the beauty of the great outdoors, the company of fellow golfers, and the fun of getting the ball into the hole but not on a too-high score or balls in sand traps, golf is an excellent stress reliever.
- Golfing can help you improve your physical endurance and muscle tone.
Tips to Prevent Golf Injuries
The risks in golfing are minimal compared to more physical sports. Common golf injuries are caused by overuse, improper technique, aggravation of an existing injury, and striking the ground instead of the ball. The resulting injuries include pain in the lower back, head, wrist, and elbows. The following are tips for avoiding injury on the golf course:
- Do some stretching and warming up before playing. Use gentle movements to be sure your shoulders, arms, and back are loosened up and ready for play.
- Stay at least four golf club lengths away from someone swinging a club, and stand behind a swing in progress in your golf group.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing golf.
- Wear protection from the sun, such as 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- In extreme heat, it’s best to play in the early morning or at twilight.
- If an injury occurs, stop playing immediately and seek first aid or medical attention.
Golf Truths
Why is it that so many men spend a lot of their time on golf courses? Is it all for pure love of the sport? Experts say not necessarily. The following are some of the real reasons men frequent the fairway:
- Many men golf for some peace and quiet. As a general rule, men talk a lot less than women; and they appreciate opportunities to enjoy a measure of silence.
- Men enjoy being competitive. They want to win and love it when they do.
- It’s healthy for men to spend time in the company of other men, and they enjoy it. Hanging out with the guys is important in every phase of a man’s life.
- A lot of business and politics occur on the golf course, which is why many busy executives are frequent golfers.
- Golf is a gentleman’s sport. Men enjoy the benefit of competition without any ruffing up going on.
Golf Humor
A great way to understand golf, if you aren’t familiar with the culture, is to acquaint yourself with golf humor and expressions. They reveal a lot!
Famed funnyman Jack Lemmon said, “If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.”
Terms and expressions:
- Dance floor: The green is often referred to as the “dance floor” because it has a smooth surface.
- Cuban: If a ball stops on the edge of the hole, it is called a Cuban because it just needs one more revolution (to fall in).
- A Son-in-Law: A shot that’s not what you wanted, but it’ll do.
- An O.J. Simpson: Got away with it.
- Wormburner: The golf ball skims low along the ground, thus killing worms that may have their heads up.
There is obviously a lot to like about golf, but some of our residents at the Rittenhouse Village at Northside retirement community identify more with a famous quote by Mark Twain: “Golf is a good walk spoiled.”
Rittenhouse Village At Northside provides a range of senior living programs to help support a healthy and happy lifestyle for our residents. We also offer several senior living options for our residents to choose from. Contact us today at 317.575.9200 for more information.
