A prominent psychologist has highlighted golf’s potential role in stress reduction and mental health support. The psychologist, who serves as Director of a Center for Design & Health at a major university, explains that “green exercise” (outdoor physical activity) offers scientifically proven benefits compared to indoor exercise.
According to the expert, entering natural green spaces triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and improves stress management efficiency.
These insights appear in a multimedia article called “Golf Saved my Life,” published by a golf campaign. The article features a young American golfer who credits the sport with saving him from suicidal depression at age 14.
Recent research highlights widespread stress issues:
- A 2018 UK mental health study found 74% of people felt overwhelmed by stress in the previous year, with 10% feeling stressed “all the time”
- A US poll showed only 17% of respondents rarely feel stressed
- Women tend to report more stress than men (78% vs 66%)
A research report on female participation in golf shows that what attracts women to the sport aligns with the expert’s findings and general stress-relief recommendations. The top factors included:
- Being outdoors
- Relaxation/stress relief
- Mental challenge
- Social connection
- Physical challenge
A golf governing body is launching a Golf & Health Week campaign (April 15-19, 2019) to raise awareness of golf’s health benefits, with one day specifically focused on mental health benefits.
The psychologist concludes that playing golf supports mental health holistically, as nature contact reduces brain fatigue and stress while improving mood, potentially enhancing creative thinking and cognitive flexibility.
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