New Pilot Prescribing Golf to Boost Health Launches in Scotland
February 3, 2023
Organizers of the oldest major championship in golf, R&A, and the University of St Andrews School of Medicine are piloting a new 'Golf for Health' trial that 'prescribes' the sport to boost health. It is currently rolling out in Fife, Scotland - connecting eligible primary care patients with golf activities - with the potential to expand across the UK.
Physical inactivity is associated with one in six deaths in the UK. Levels of inactivity have been exacerbated by the pandemic globally and in Scotland, only 46% of adults met the physical activity guidelines in 2020. R&A cites research that claims that on average golfers live five years longer than non-golfers. It also states that the sport can also help prevent and treat 40 major chronic diseases including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, breast and colon cancer, as well as depression and dementia.
The pilot is part of the St Andrews-based R&A’s wider Golf and Health initiative and intends to increase levels of inactivity, as well as improve mental wellbeing. Researchers developed the model with Fife Golf Trust, NHS Fife, Scottish Golf, PGA Scotland, the European Tour Group and Ladies European Tour to enable healthcare professionals and community workers to prescribe golf for eligible patients.
The 150th Open Championship took place in St Andrews last year, and in recent months, the initiative has been rolling out in the region to spread physical, mental and social benefits. General Practitioner (GP) practices in Fife were initially invited to take part alongside four local golf clubs offering the free six-to-eight week program. Participating clubs include Cluny Clays, Dunfermline, Dunnikier Park and Elmwood.
A team of academics from the University of St Andrews School of Medicine are being led by professor of primary care medicine and medical school director of research, Frank Sullivan, who stated: “This pilot initiative has been carefully designed to offer an accessible and social introduction to golf and to provide long-term health and wellbeing benefits for patients across Fife. Our focus on developing connection pathways that are acceptable and feasible to implement for all involved is crucial."
The golfing body has committed funding to project to support University research and released a report detailing the health benefits of the sport in new research with the World Health Organization (WHO), the DP World Tour, other golf organizations and sports medics. The report spans the R&A’s work since 2016 and involves ten case studies highlighting the impact of the sport across various countries and at leading professional events.
Around 30 participants were involved last year with more programs planned for this spring. “Golf has become something for me. It's helped me get out in the fresh air and meet other people. The health benefits for me have been 10, 20, 30-fold,” said Linda Duncan, one of the participants. Once the Fife pilot is complete, the findings will be evaluated and assessed for the feasibility of a larger-scale roll-out across Scotland and the UK.