Golf is a game that not only challenges your physical skill but also your ability to stay calm and focused. It turns out, it’s also a great way to boost your brain power. No matter what your handicap, golf can provide a fun, social way to stimulate your brain, increase your self esteem and sharpen your concentration. Here’s how.
1) Increased Blood Flow To The Brain
Whenever your body is in motion, your brain benefits by the increased blood flow. Next time you hit the course, walk a few holes rather than driving them. The extra steps can go a long way towards stimulating your brain fitness and increasing your energy.
2) Visualization
You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to benefit from some simple visualization techniques. By imagining your swing, putt, or overall form, you’re exercising your right brain, which is responsible for creativity . Plus, visualization can have a positive effect on the end results of your game.
3) Socializing
No matter how serious or fun your conversations are on the course, a 2008 study showed that simply socializing with others increased cognitive function. Whether your next round is intended to seal a business deal or relax over the weekend, make sure to chat it up…just not during your buddy’s hole-winning putt.
4) Vision Work Out
When you golf, you not only have to focus on the ball while it’s at your feet, but also as it flies over the green. Therefore, you’re giving your eyes a visual workout and stimulating the tracking functions in your brain. Lose sight of the ball after your swing? No worries, you’ll still get a workout as you look for it in the grass.
5) Positive Affirmations
Many golfers give themselves positive reinforcement during the round. Whether you say it to yourself (“I will make this putt”) or out loud as a bet amongst your friends, positive affirmations can lead to increased confidence and self esteem.
6) Coordination
Golf is often referred to as a game that requires excellent coordination. Whether it’s hand-eye, repeated precision strokes, or balance as you complete your swing, all of these practices exercise your cerebellum – one of the areas of your brain responsible for coordination.
7) Sharpen Your Focus
By concentrating on the ball and imagining your swing, you are training your brain to focus. The golf course tends to be a fairly quiet place, but you still have to block out some surrounding noise and movement. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to control your attention and thought processing.
8) Strategy
No matter where you hit the ball, you are going to have to strategize to get the ball into the hole. This not only requires the use of geometry, but also analysis of environmental conditions and strength. This problem solving practice is a great left brain workout.
9) Self Esteem boost
A 2003 study showed that the brains of people with a low sense of worth were more likely to shrink than those with high self esteem. Poor results on memory and learning tests were a result of the shrinkage. Finishing a tough round of golf gives you a sense of completion and a nice boost to your esteem – no matter how you scored (ok, sometimes it’s tied to the score).
Next time you want to find a fun and physical way to boost your brain power, head over to the course. Grab some friends, your best imagination and problem-solving skills – and hit the green. Cart optional.
Photo Source: (c)istockphoto/RobH
About the author, Erin Matlock
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13 Comments On This Post
[...] Nine Reasons Golf Is Good For Your Brain [...]
I think golf is good for your brain. It helps me with focus and concentration and also conversely to relax. I used to get up tight when I played badly – now I play badly more often than not as I don’t play much and I don’t care.
A bad day in the golf course beats a good day in the office anytime. of course getting hit on the head by a golf ball may not be quite so good for the brain! :-)
.-= Ben Hogan Golf Clubs´s last blog ..Ben Hogan, The Man, The Vision =-.
I have to say that I work pretty hard and don’t get to play enough! When I do get a round in I feel completely recharged, fresh and become better productive as a result. Golf is a great game for the brain, mind and soul and I’m gonna get a round in before the week is out now!
Fantastic! Next time my girlfriend says I shouldn’t play so much golf, I can justifiably tell her that it’s good for my brains!
From Jamie:
“I guess it could be good for your brain until you get upset from messing up on a play an your blood pressure goes up.
That happens to me.”
I don’t think you’re alone in your experience. :-)
This is very interesting. I guess it could be good for your brain until you get upset from messing up on a play an your blood pressure goes up.
That happens to me. It’s still a great sport…
I can hear the screams of outrage from golf widows across the country! I have to send this to my brother in-law, he loves to play.
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Can wait to send this to my wife! 9 more reasons for me to keep playing golf!
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Great post, I think the same can be said for most sports – the body and the mind are connected afterall. Perhaps golf has the added benefit that its generally slow pace allows for more ‘brain’ time than some other sports where you switch off a bit more because they require large amounts of physical input.
Jan´s last blog post..‘Big Easy’ in Florida to defend the 2009 Honda Classic
I’m quite new to golf having been invited by some lady friends to join them on their fortnightly round. I love the social aspect but I am absolutely terrible at the game. I hope that I can improve because it must be so tiresome for others who have to wait for me.
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Stan – Oh No! I’m so sorry to hear that. Golf can be tricky and it can definitely wreak havoc on a person’s back. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery!
Rich – Very cool! I’ve only played on the Wii, but I bet connecting with your sons like that is really fun. Technology can be so wonderful.
I play golf with my two sons most every Sunday evening. They live in Michigan and we live in North Carolina. We play using Xbox 360 over the internet connection.
Lots of fun and it takes lots of concentration and physical skill to compete.
I can testify that it has not hurt my back in the least.
Some good points made regarding how golf can be good for the brain – but I can testify that it can also be really bad for your back. I’m currenly off work and laid up due to back strain sustained while playing golf. My brain is doing OK but the rest of my body appears to be letting me down.